smart object

Smart object: home automation and IoT between comfort, innovation and privacy

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Smart objects, home automation, IoT: terms we hear more and more often, but what do they really mean and how are they changing our homes? In this article, we will not just provide definitions, but explore with concrete examples how these smart objects are integrating into our daily lives, simplifying them and making them more comfortable. Let’s get started!

Table of contents

What are smart objects?

Smart objects are physical and digital devices that connect to each other and to the Internet, enabling them to interact, exchange data and process information with their surrounding environment. We define a smart object when it has certain features:

1. Connectivity

A smart object must be connected to the Internet to receive and send data. Connectivity also means connection to other devices and software.

2. Sensors

Sensors are essential for collecting data in the surrounding environment, such as temperature, humidity, movement, light, sound, etc.

3. Data Processing

After collecting the data, it is processed by integrated microprocessors or cloud-based systems. In doing so, the smart object will make decisions based on predefined rules providing users with customised answers.

4. Actuator

An intelligent object acts as an actuator when it receives information to be processed and then implements an action, such as shutting off liquid or gas flows, cooling the temperature or /changing the intensity of light.

5. User interface

The user interface allows humans to change parameters and give commands to the smart object in a simple and intuitive way.

Smart Objects and IoT Devices: What is the difference?

The definitions of smart objects and IoT devices are closely related yet there are minor differences based on their use. A smart object is any device capable of collecting data, communicating with other devices, and performing specific functions autonomously. It is called an IoT device when it’s connected to a wider network (usually the Internet) to exchange data with other devices, systems, or services.
smart object

Smart Object: 3 Concrete Examples

If you are still in doubt about what a smart object is, read on. Here are 3 concrete examples to help you understand the concept immediately.

Let’s imagine that Mark comes home and wants to prepare dinner for his family. To relax while he is cooking, he asks his smart speaker to play music in the living room speakers, change the colour of the lights, and lower all the blinds by 70%.

Let’s analyse the 3 operations that the voice assistant has to perform and all the objects involved:

1. Play music

  1. smart speaker: processes commands and communicates with other devices;
  2. music app: accesses a database (music tracks stored in the cloud);
  3. Bluetooth speaker: the output device (or actuator), emits the sound and completes the process.

2. Change colour of lights

  1. smart speaker: processes the input and communicates with the app;
  2. app: it controls light bulbs;
  3. smart bulbs: smart objects and actuators, they receive an order and execute it.

3. Lowering dampers

  1. smart speaker: receives input and communicates with the app;
  2. app: controls the shutters;
  3. relay: the integrated sensor receives the signal and activates the motor.

Privacy: Are Smart Objects Safe?

Smart speakers that listen to our conversations or security cameras that send images to the cloud can raise privacy concerns The ability to collect, process, and exchange information underpins the operation of these devices; so it’s important to be aware of the risks and understand how to protect personal data.

What data do smart objects collect?

The main types of data collected are:

How are the collected data used?

Data are used for:

How to protect yourself?

It would be advisable to always read the privacy policy before buying a new product or accessing a cloud-based service, but we know that this is time-consuming and tedious.

Here are some useful tips:

  1. choose reliable manufacturers;
  2. ensure a secure Internet connection;
  3. deactivate unnecessary functions to limit data collection.

European regulations to guarantee privacy

The main European regulations concerning the privacy of smart objects are:

International standards

ISO/IEC 27400:2022: provides guidelines, principles and controls to mitigate information security and data protection risks in IoT applications, covering aspects such as device security, network security, data protection and vulnerability management.

R&D IoT

The evolution of smart objects in recent years has been fueled by intensive research and development (R&D) aimed at enhancing the functionality, energy efficiency, security and interoperability of these devices.

Companies such as PMF Research, active since 2003 in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, play a crucial role in this process, exploring new technologies, developing innovative solutions, and contributing to the definition of international standards.

Research in the field of smart objects focuses on several areas:

Commitment to research and development is crucial to ensure that smart objects continue to evolve and offer increasingly advanced and customised solutions to improve our daily lives.

PMF Research at your side for European and national projects

Since 2003, the PMF Research Centre has been active in the development of innovative ICT solutions. We have worked on many European projects (Echoes, MINERVA, SECESTA ViaSafe, PKU Smart Sensor, etc.), which have given us authority and in-depth knowledge of emerging technologies and their real-world applications.

Our team of researchers works tirelessly to find state-of-the-art solutions that meet market needs and anticipate upcoming trends.

If you are looking for partners or advice on research and development projects, please fill in the contact form below or call +390957225331. What are you waiting for? Contact us!

Looking for ICT project partners? Ask PMF Research by filling out the Contact Form

PKU Smart Sensor

PKU Smart Sensor project (n. 08RG7211000341 – CUP G89J18000710007) has been financed thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014/2020 Sicily, within Axis 1 – Specific Objective 1.1 – Action 1.1.5. ‘Realisation and validation of a Point-of-Care system for the home-testing monitoring of phenylalanine in patients suffering from hyperphenylalaninemias’. Amount of eligible PMF Srl expenditure: 208,864.00 euros. Amount of PMF Srl contribution: 146,674.00 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

VESTA

VESTA project (no. F/050074/02/X32 – CUP B58I17000190008) has been financed under Axis 1 Investment Priority 1.b Action 1.1.3 LDR. BANDO HORIZON 2020 – PON 2014/2020 ‘Implementation of an evolved security (anti-theft) system based on innovative short-range radio inspection technologies and miniaturized audio/video multimedia sensors’. Amount of eligible expenditure PMF Srl: 299,915.01 euros. Amount of contribution PMF Srl: 131,284.02 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

MINERVA

MINERVA project (no. F/190045/01/X44 – CUP B61B1900048008) has been financed thanks to the Fund for Sustainable Growth – ‘Intelligent Factory’ PON I&C 2014-2020, as in DM 5 March 2018 Chapter III. Innovative e-learning methods and virtual reality in companies. Amount of eligible expenditure PMF Srl: 274,791.25 euros. Amount of contribution PMF Srl: 160,532.00 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

SECESTA ViaSafe

SECESTA ViaSafe project (no. 08CT6202000208 – CUP G69J18001010007) has been financed thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014/2020 Sicily, within Axis 1 – Specific Objective 1.1 – Action 1.1.5. ‘Application of the monitoring network from the volcanic ash fallout from Etna to mobility management in the Etnean territory’. Amount of eligible expenditure PMF Srl: 267,400.00 euros. Amount of PMF Srl contribution: 190,752.00 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

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