When we think of the internet of things(IoT), it’s easy to picture smart buildings, energy-efficient thermostats and intelligent lighting systems. But IoT is so much more than that. From connected power grids to emergency services, transportation and water infrastructure, IoT is becoming the digital nervous system of the real world. The number of IoT devices is projected to reach 32.1 billion globally by 2030. This is almost double the number of devices in 2023, which was 15.9 billion. Some reports also suggest a slightly higher figure of 40 billion by 2030. The “things” in the internet of things include the devices in our personal area network (watches, smart thermoses, tablets and phones), the devices in our homes (computers, smart TVs, streaming devices, Wi-Fi-enabled pet feeders, smart appliances), those in our buildings (IT and OT) and outside (cameras, intelligent traffic control systems, planes, trains and automobiles)—any device, object or person that uses sensors or devices and communication technologies to collect, transmit and manage data. These are the “things.” IoT is rapidly being redefined as the “internet of everything.” The only questions that remain are which objects will be connected and what the rate of adoption of new technologies will be. The Digital Nervous System: The internet of things is becoming the internet of everything – Electrical Contractor Magazine