The Internet of Things is emerging as the “next big thing” in the technology space, with the potential to touch just about every new system, product and engineering project. This brings its challenges, for both the developers of systems and products which provide IoT capability, and those who embed these capabilities in systems which they design.
There are steep learning curves to negotiate for both developers and users, particularly in the areas of wireless networking systems and protocols, Cloud based servers, and applications for mobile devices serving as user interface portals.
Australia has a big opportunity to be at the forefront of IoT innovation. A lot of activity is already under way, albeit often in isolation from what others are doing and without access to top-to-bottom service provision or advice. To make the best of the opportunities presented by IoT, leadership is required to address these issues, not only from government, but from the engineering community.
Consistent with this, the ITEE College has been working with other units of Engineers Australia to establish the Applied IOT Engineering Community, which has just recently opened for membership. The objective of the community is to provide a forum for the exchange of information to foster innovation in all fields of engineering using IoT technologies.
This will allow IoT developers to network and to access Continuing Professional Development resources. Appliers of IoT technology will be able to see what others are doing, and access expert resources to help them negotiate the complexities of IoT systems and technology.
The community web page at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/IoT provides further information. Everyone who is involved or interested in IoT technology and applications is encouraged to join.