Core Building Blocks of Connected SystemsSensors and Actuators: The Physical InterfaceA single vibration sensor on a mine hoist can reveal machine failure days before it happens. This is the quiet work of the physical interface. Sensors translate temperature,...

Smart Home IoT DevicesSmart Speakers and DisplaysIn 2024, sales of smart displays in South Africa grew by 33%. These devices have moved from novelty to necessity in many homes. I find that my own speaker handles the morning routine with quiet competence. It adjusts...

Core Concepts and ArchitectureDefining the IoT EcosystemA single sensor is worthless without a system to interpret it. That system, the IoT architecture, operates across three tiers: edge, fog, and cloud. The edge captures raw signals. The fog, often a local gateway,...