What means Smart Technology and its Benefits?

The dawn of the 21st century brought a technological revolution that we are still riding today.

Transitioning from the fourth industrial revolution to the fifth, we have become so used to the fast pace of innovation that we continue to expect ever more effective and work efficient technological solutions.

Coming fast on the heels of disruption conferred via the internet and touchscreen smartphones, it’s now the turn of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology to head the next phase of global innovation.

Why?

Well, because it is changing the way we live, communicate, and work.

We can see this by taking an in-depth look at one of the top trends in technology – smart technology.

What is Smart Technology?

Pinning down a definition for something as diverse as smart technology can be quite an arduous task given that the field of smart technology is developing at a relentless pace, making innovations outdated almost as quickly as they arrive.

The word “SMART” refers to “self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology” as pointed out by Netlingo.

It is a technology that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analysis to provide cognitive awareness to objects that were in the past considered inanimate.

Examples of Smart Technology

Smart technology can be divided into three different kinds:

1) Internet of Things (IoT) devices

A network of devices that make use of sensors, chips, software, online connectivity, analytics, and applications to bring static physical objects to life. These devices create substantial value, and they are futuristic, scalable, and automated.

Some prominent examples include smart cities, smart homes, and smart factories.

2) Smart Connected Devices

Controlled via a remote and connected via the internet or Bluetooth, smart connected devices can offer a customised experience but have to be handled given that they don’t adapt to the extent IoT devices do.

Smart security cameras, smart bulbs, and smartphones are some examples of smart connected devices.

3) Smart Devices

With limited automation, no need for internet connectivity, and programmable nature, smart devices, for instance, smart coffeemakers, provide certain personalised services at a particular time.

5 Benefits of Smart Technology

Some of the key benefits of using smart technology are as follows:

1) Convenience

Never has it been possible to do so many tasks simultaneously with minimal effort, such as just using your voice, as it is today. This has become possible due to smart technology. Whether it be adjusting the lighting of a room, securing your home, or ordering your favourite food online, smart technology is available at your beck and call. It takes convenience to a whole new level.

What’s even better is that the latest smart technologies are:

• Well-equipped to understand your preferences by analysing them in order to provide you an automated, personalised service.
• Able enough to take into account external factors such as traffic and the condition of, for instance, your vehicle or the environment to inform you in advance as well as guide you safely to your destination.

2) Ensures Sustainability

With the pressing need to ‘go green’ and save planet Earth as well as avoid high energy costs, industrial and domestic sectors are trying hard to deploy smart technology.

Given that, more often than not we do not optimise our use of energy and instead waste it by forgetting to turn off domestic appliances, smart technology can play a pivotal role in helping conserve energy.

It can regulate and automate the use of energy, for example by switching off or adjusting lights, heating, and cooling appliances when they are not in use, or when the required conditions have been achieved. This saves money and at the same time helps conserve energy, a true win-win.

3) Security

Smart technology offers more reliable security than traditional, manually operated security systems. Smart security gadgets such as door sensors, alarm systems, security cameras, and video doorbells help warn building owners about the various threats to their property. Apart from alerting the owners, law enforcement agencies are also informed, and protective measures such as, blocking certain pathways or locking rooms, are taken.

In addition to this, smart digital smoke, gas, water and sewerage leakage can not only be detected, but also the technology enables real-time preventive action, potentially saving one from discomfort and even bodily harm.

4) Efficiency

Smart technology makes use of data to understand how improvements can be made. It tracks and analyses what’s going on to deliver better results in the future. This entails that processes and systems become more efficient, and you as a person become more productive.

Imagine waking up exactly on time after having slept comfortably to find that everything is ready for your needs to start your day well, eliminate distractions and leave for work on time.

5) Saves Money and Time

Energy bills can be reduced by using smart technological devices such as a smart thermostat, smart lighting, remote power management, water heaters, washing machines, and fridges as they can optimise the use of energy and in turn, use less of it to do more.

Smart technology automates repetitive chores and eliminates lost or wasted time.

Conclusion

By offering a wide array of benefits across multiple industries, the smart technology trend has already become widespread, and shows no sign of abating.

After all, we all want to save time and money and in the process become more productive, comfortable and secure. Don’t we?