Smart Devices Explained

By the year 2021, there will be around 20 billion Internet of Things (IOT) smart devices¹.

Our Transformational Propositions Manager, James Tucker and our Transformational Propositions Consultant, Shanna Serrano explain smart devices in more detail, how they connect to the Internet of Things and what 5G will mean for performance.

What are smart devices and how do they differ from standard devices?

Smart devices are context-aware electronic devices made intelligent by autonomous computing power. They are connected to other devices or servers via the internet or other networks.

Smart devices are components of the Internet of Things and generally follow pre-established rules or have a level of autonomous intelligence compared to normal devices. For example, these devices use sensors to gather physical data such as light, temperature and movement, and share that data to be analysed and used. Smart devices interact with people or other machines.

What types of smart devices are there? And how can they be used by businesses?

A good example of smart devices used by businesses is the digital building. Imagine a system which has an up-to-date oversight on your building’s consumption, gathering and analysing data in real-time about energy, water, heating and occupancy. This valuable insight can help a business reduce cost, mitigate risks, improve sustainability and create an optimum working environment and outputs. A smart device could also interact with a building management system, which might use the former’s data to optimise the building’s efficiency.

Are there any risks with smart devices?

One important consideration when using smart devices is information security. Constant connectivity and data sharing opens up new opportunities for information to be compromised. Therefore, it’s important to make sure any smart device applications are reviewed and authorised by your relevant information security team.

How will 5G benefit smart devices?

5G will benefit smart devices as response times will be much quicker - larger amounts of data can be transferred faster with more reliable connectivity.

To give you a scale, the 4G network typically responds to our commands in just under 50 milliseconds; with 5G it could take around one millisecond. So in in the world of autonomous cars for example, that could mean an accident avoided.

Authors

James Tucker
Transformational Propositions Manager
Allianz UK

As Transformational Propositions Manager, my job is to help with the development of new, disruptive propositions for our customers at Allianz. I provide both strategic and technological input as well as manage the various projects and proof of concepts we are running.

Shanna Serrano
Transformational Propositions Consultant
Allianz UK

As a Transformational Propositions Consultant, I explore and prototype new value propositions in order to make step changes in market. This means investigating opportunities and challenges across our business by delving into customers’ needs and problems to find solutions. One of my specialisation areas is the Internet of Things in the commercial setting and its application.

Footnotes:

1 https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/iot-devices/

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Commentary and guidance in this article are provided for information purposes only and are not intended to amount to advice on which reliance should be placed. Readers should seek further advice when dealing with their individual and particular situations. Allianz Insurance plc shall have no liability for any action taken as a result of and in reliance on the information contained in this article.