8 strange and curious IoT technologies

You’ve already heard a lot about the Internet of Things (IoT). Usually the focus is on quite advanced projects and complex systems like smart buildings or even entire smart cities. But IoT is not only about these big goals.

IoT is about making a difference, be it on a big scale or on a small one. As such we are already seeing a very wide range of various IoT devices and projects out there. Some are quite novel others are nifty. Then, there are some which are just strange. Today, we will explore some strange and unusual IoT devices that are out there.

Smart snoring solution

Smart Nora is an interesting IoT device which you place under your pillow. It links to another device next to your bed. When you snore, the device will detect that and it will send a signal to the pad under your pillow. That pad can then inflate and thus it will move your head a little bit to help you open your airways. It will stop the snoring without waking you up. Or so they claim. It’s an interesting concept and shows some of the possibilities with IoT.

Ultrasonic distance sensor for smart bins

Don’t you hate it when a rubbish bin is full? Or when a manhole cover is not positioned properly thus creating a risk for incidents? Well, a simple Ultrasonic distance sensor like the Milesight EM310-UDL can solve these issues. This one also uses LoRaWAN (and Helium) and can detect movement and changes in its own location. So, you can use it to monitor the level of trash bins, for parking spots, covers and lids positions, etc. Or maybe you are even more creative than that and can incorporate it into an entirely different IoT scenario? Give it a shot.

Smart belt

Want to experience all of the latest tech and be fashionable at the same time? The WELT will monitor your overall physical activity during the day. And it will also keep track of your waist size. All of that is in a nifty app on your phone, because of course it is.

AI Workplace sensor

Do you want to improve the conditions at the workplace? Maybe the Milesight AI Workplace Sensor could help. This one uses the LoRaWAN standard and thus is compatible with the Helium network. The sensor has a built-in AI system to recognize humans entering and moving the monitored room. It can then define 12 custom regions in any area like presentation sites, work places, etc. and monitor for specific activities. This is an IoT sensor made to help you improve the management of workareas.

Parking lot sensors

Looking for an empty parking space can be quite the pain. Especially if it turns out that the parking lot is full. Tekzitel for example makes a smart parking sensor which transmits data over Helium to your cloud management app. It can provide real-time information for the occupancy status of a parking spot, making it easy to organize the traffic flow.

Radar systems

Want to know if an object is where it should be at any given time? The Beiselen Digital Radar System does just that. It also uses the Helium network to make sure objects within 7 meters are where they should be. Its main goal is to measure the level of agricultural silos, but you can also adapt it for other purposes.

Ambiance sensor

Need proper ambiance? The Milesight AM100 Ambiance Monitoring Sensor will make sure key parameters are always within your desired ranges. The sensor also uses LoRaWAN and thus the Helium Network, to transmit data in real time. The Sensor itself can monitor CO2 concentration, TVOC levels, temperature, humidity, light and a lot more. You can add it to any room, warehouses, offices, etc, to make sure the conditions are as you need them.

Trackers for various purposes

The MOKO Smart trackers integrate LoRaWAN and Bluetooth to help you monitor indoor positioning data. For example how are your warehouses stacked, but also for theft protection and other scenarious.

There are also other outside trackers which even combine the Heluim network with GPS and other data. Thus, you can even make a smart dog collar and make sure your beloved pooch won’t go missing.

Keep in mind, we have only scratched the surface of what’s possible with IoT. These days you can do pretty much anything and everything with IoT and adapt various devices for different goals. And we are only getting started. The world of IoT is still in its early years and it is yet to fully blossom which is expected to happen over the next few years at an increasing pace.