The Internet of Pretty Much Everything
-
-
slice.mit.edu
Filed Under
Caption: InstaAid, an app developed by MIT undergraduates and a resident of Boston Home. Photo: Wendy Maeda/Boston Globe.
Call it the Internet of Things, call it smart homes, call it whatever you want – it’s the future and it’s here. Integrating Internet connectivity into our everyday devices and surroundings through machine-to-machine communication has the potential to change everything, making things more useful, efficient, and safe. But it also raises a lot of questions and leaves a lot to be figured out. One thing is clear, the possibilities are endless. Imagine a bridge with sensors built into the cement that can monitor stresses. Or a parking spot that can alert wandering drivers when available. Or a device that can help track elderly patients to ensure their safety and well-being.
A recent article in the Boston Globe tells the story of Margaret Marie, a resident of Boston Home who teamed up with MIT undergraduates to create InstaAid, an iOS application that allows patients access to assistance at all times while away from their rooms/call buttons.
Innovations like this are just the beginning. Today’s Faculty Forum Online, Alumni Edition (Tuesday, August 11, at 3:00 p.m.), will bring together three MIT alumni in faculty roles at prominent colleges and universities to ask them questions about the Internet of Things. The panel includes:
• Joanna Berzowska SM ’99, Associate Professor of Design and Computation Arts at Concordia University • David Harris ’94, MNG ’94, MEN ’94, Professor of Engineering Design at Harvey Mudd College • Wendi Heinzelman SM ’97, PhD ’00, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Dean of Graduate Studies for Arts, Sciences and Engineering, at the University of Rochester
You can also tweet about the event using the hashtag #mitalum, or send any follow-up questions or feedback to alumnilearn@mit.edu.
