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The Digital Nervous System: The Internet of Things Is Becoming the Internet of Everything By Jeff Beavers

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

IoT Will Drive the Automotive Industry into the Future

The enhanced connectivity facilitated by IoT extends beyond the factory floor.  Vehicles are undergoing a profound transformation from simple modes of transportation into sophisticated mobile data hubs. Integrated into digital ecosystems, these connected cars are poised to play a pivotal role in traffic management, urban services, and the development of smart cities. The future of the automotive industry is increasingly being shaped by IoT, which is revolutionizing how vehicles operate, communicate, and interact with their environments. As connectivity becomes a standard feature in modern vehicles, the integration of IoT technologies enhances safety, efficiency, and user experience. With advancements in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, real-time data analytics, and smart infrastructure, the automotive landscape is transitioning toward a more interconnected ecosystem. This shift not only improves operational efficiency but also paves the way for innovations such as autonomous driving and smart traffic management. IoT will drive the automotive industry into the future – Just Auto

Improving Building Operations with Cloud-Based Applications by Rahul Chillar

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and further smart building technologies is transforming the operational management of real estate. With an increasing need for data-driven decision making, the implementation of building operation systems gains momentum. Since 75% of commercial buildings are not managed as efficiently as they could be, there is huge potential to build on. Cloud-based building operation applications can be viewed as indispensable for future-proof facilities management. As the number of connected devices is expected to exceed 75 billion by 2025, data collection in commercial buildings is becoming more relevant than ever. Now buildings can be operated remotely and conveniently from anywhere. This transformation was possible as technology, such as sensors, have been integrated into building equipment, providing essential data. Strategically deployed throughout the property, sensors are monitoring critical areas such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), lighting, water management, fire safety, or security. Once the sensors have collected the data, they can display it in a cloud-based building operations application. Improving Operations: Cloud-Based Building Operation Systems

Wireless, Digital, and IoT Lighting Systems for Modern Buildings by Colm Nee

The choice between wired and wireless lighting control systems often presents a pivotal decision point for contractors and customers alike. Each option carries its own set of advantages and challenges, impacting factors such as cost, ease of installation, maintenance requirements, scalability, security, and flexibility. Staying at the forefront of the transforming landscape of lighting technology presents a significant challenge. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the range of tangible benefits that a modern, wireless lighting system can provide to the contractors installing the systems and the building owners and occupants. This article explores the benefits of the key modern lighting technologies – wireless, digital, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based lighting systems. A Bright Idea: Wireless, Digital and IoT Lighting Systems for Modern Buildings | EC&M

Telling Time – 12-hour time is a very ancient system that traces back to the Mesopotamian empires. They had a cultural fixation with the number 12, used a base-12 numerical system, and divided up most things into 12ths whenever possible – including day and night. The 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night system spread throughout Europe and the Middle East and has defied multiple attempts to change it over the centuries. Also, for anyone curious as to why there was such a love of the number 12, it was because that was how they counted on their hand. Look at your hand. Notice how each of your fingers minus your thumb has three easily identifiable parts to it. They used to count by using their thumb to count each part of the finger, much in the same way we count to 10 using our fingers today. So, 12 was the max you could count on one hand.