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

July 23, 2024

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!

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: 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

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

2. Change colour of lights

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

3. Lowering dampers

smart speaker: receives input and communicates with the app;
app: controls the shutters;
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:

personal data: name, address, and other contact details;
usage data: information about how the user interacts with the device (preferred settings, most frequently used voice commands, etc.);
environmental data: noise, temperature, humidity, brightness, etc;
biometric data: fingerprints, face, other health data (weekly caloric expenditure, steps walked daily...);
geolocation: information relating to the user's geographical location and movements.

How are the collected data used?

Data are used for:

improving the user experience (UX): responding to requests, performing actions and adapting to user habits;
improving the product: usage data provide feedback that helps to improve the product;
marketing: data collected enable customised offers;
sale to third parties: users are often asked if they want to share their data with partners for commercial or research purposes.

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:

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

European regulations to guarantee privacy

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

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): lays down strict rules on the collection, use and sharing of personal data;
Cybersecurity Act: a regulatory framework for certifying the cybersecurity of products, services, and processes, including smart objects;
AI Act: entered into force in July 2024, it is the world's first regulation on artificial intelligence, providing regulations to protect health, safety, and fundamental rights, imposing obligations on suppliers of high-risk AI systems, such as risk assessment and mitigation, transparency, and accountability.

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:

sensors and actuators: development of more accurate, miniaturized and energy-efficient sensors, as well as more powerful, reliable and versatile actuators;
connectivity: looking for low energy and high-speed connectivity solutions;
data processing: development of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for analysing data collected from smart objects to improve automation, personalisation and decision-making;
user interface: designing of intuitive and accessible user interfaces that allow users to easily interact with smart objects and exploit their potential;
security and privacy: finding solutions to protect user data and ensure the security of IoT systems, such as encryption and authentication;

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