The world has become more connected through smart solutions and technological advancements. Many systems and every day processes can be controlled and managed remotely, through global high-speed connectivity.
Data and statistics can be stored and used for optimization of any process in life. With smart solutions for data storage, any data from various connected devices can be collected, stored and analyzed. This information can be utilized to optimize and improve management and operation of various processes.
These opportunities are all a part of the concept of IoT. Industries are widely implementing these concepts to create smart cities, for a more efficient and better governance of services and citizens.
Take the example of water. IoT offers sensors to enable precise irrigation systems, which can both include trickle and subsurface methods. This solution can reduce water consumption and water waste, while being integrated with a utility demand response system. Just like you use a solar heater for shed to save electricity.
Gardens and other water dependent fields can therefore be managed remotely, while ensuring an efficient and optimized use of water with little to no waste. This is just one example of the many possibilities which IoT offers for smart cities and smart gardens.
Understand IoT
IoT stands for the Internet of Things. This refers to a network of a long string of physical objects connected through software. With the use of sensors, software and technology, these things are connected and are constantly exchanging data with each other.
The concept of IoT is becoming more and more essential for smart cities, smart gardens and other industries. This is due to the possibility of optimizing processes and utilities resources more efficiently, for a better and more convenient life of citizens.
For governments, IoT enables a better governance of services through data collection, which allows for an optimization of processes. This comes handy to ensure personalized solutions based on the needs of citizens, along with a more efficient use of materials and resources.
IoT connects any everyday object to the internet, where fast connections allow for the sharing and storing of data. Many industries can utilize this data for analyzing and improving systems and processes.
The opportunities with IoT
IoT is based on a series of technologies, which are all important elements to understand the opportunities with IoT. Some of the most important technologies to mention are sensor technology, connectivity, cloud platform, machine learning and analytics, and conversational AI.
In the context of smart cities, IoT creates many opportunities for more efficient governance and compelling solutions for any problem in relation to urbanization. Just remember the aforementioned example with water irrigation. But the opportunities go beyond water when you crave fresh berries and other fruits.
Smart buildings have been created with interconnected sensors and control systems to ensure the best climate within the building. Here IoT enables the control of light and temperature within the building to optimize the comfort in real time.
Another problem many bigger cities face is traffic congestion and mobility problems. IoT can enable solutions combining operation, delivery and future outlook to optimize public transport and reduce congestion. With real-time data, city planners gain access to valuable information, which can be used to generate smarter city plans for decreasing traffic congestion in any big city.
Smart gardens for a more productive future
The concept of IoT is not only created to be used for smart cities only. Smart gardens is part of the concept as well. Smart gardens can be summed up in three words: Device controlled gardens.
Essentially, smart gardens are technology-based gardens which are being managed and monitored by smart devices. With modern technology, gardens can be managed remotely with the help of connectivity, sensors, and other technologies.
The opportunities through IoT are endless when it comes to smart gardens. Technology enables you to control aspects such as temperature, irrigation, timing, self-watering solutions, humidity, automatization, lighting, and other environmental factors crucial for a successful garden.
Some of the opportunities for indoor growth of plants and vegetables come from self-watering smart pots. These balance the moisture level in the pot to ensure a stable level of moisture and nourishment of the roots. This technology allows for production both inside and outside.
Another option is hydroponic gardens. These small garden sets are based on a sustainable growing method, where up to 80% of water is saved. It is a soil-less solution where technology combines the elements of water, light and temperature, which you can all control remotely from any mobile device. Because of innovative IoT solutions, fast connections and data storage enables you to observe and control your hydroponics from afar.
Technology and garden productivity merged together
The essential part of smart gardens is the merge of technology and nature. Technology enables greater productivity for your garden, which on a larger scale can enable greater production of fresh produce from smart farming.
Another essential part of technological solutions is the decrease of the carbon footprint while simplifying gardening. It also allows for better management through enhanced plant care, more innovative landscape design and better information regarding plants.
Technology and garden productivity come together in a long series of smart designs, which can be implemented in a smart garden, or essentially on a large production scale. Such possibilities include:
- Smart plant monitors. These monitors can be inserted into the soil, wherefrom you gain access to a long line of information. The monitors can measure elements such as moisture levels and humidity, track light, determine the nutrient in the soil and even analyze the soil and its potential and shortcomings.
- Smart sprinklers. Smart sprinklers are an innovative way to schedule and monitor irrigation. You can monitor the sprinklers through your phone or computer to gain remote control of the sprinklers. The smart sprinklers can also determine breaks or leaks in the system and adjust to the weather to save water.
- Hydroponic gardens. These indoor smart gardens have been introduced earlier in this article. The hydroponic garden is a self-contained system where both light, watering, fertilizer and heat levels are being adjusted and controlled by technology. It is a self-sufficient system where you only have to sow the seeds; from there, technology takes over the rest of the process.
- Smart mowers. A smart lawnmower is your convenient solution to keep your grass at a stable length without having to remember to maintain it yourself. With a smart lawnmower, you can set the time and place for lawn mowing, and the lawnmower does the job for itself. You can even set the settings for the length of the grass so your lawn is cut to your satisfaction. With a smart device, you can change the settings remotely while also receiving notifications and alarms about your smart lawnmower.
More accessibility and more productivity
Innovative solutions not only allow for an efficient and convenient way of managing and monitoring gardens. It also enables economic-efficient solutions, where creative and sustainable solutions for garden work are combined with more economically friendly opportunities for citizens.
Husqvarna has taken the lead on this matter with a pilot project for a pay-per-use concept for gardening tools. The bottom line of this concept is to eliminate the need to maintain and store big garden tools, which are only used less frequently, and instead provide a shared solution for citizens.
Through the use of mobile devices, any citizen can visit a Husqvarna Battery Box and pick up the needed gardening tool. From the mobile device, any person can reserve the tools, get instructions to the nearest box, pay for the tool and open the locker when picking up the reserved tool.
A solution like this is only possible with the use of IoT. With a great partnership between Husqvarna and Telenor, the needed cloud solution and connectivity are provided to enable this brilliant solution to become accessible for any citizen with a smart device.
Intelligent garden tools and appliances for your garden
If you need inspiration for innovative solutions in your garden, you have to look no further. IoT can also find its way to your garden with intelligent garden tools and appliances for your garden.
A robotic mower is an easy product to implement in your garden. As described earlier in this article, you will gain access to the control panel through a smart device, so you can easily manage your lawn mower remotely.
Smart irrigation systems are also an easy first step to a smart garden. You can remotely control your garden’s watering system while monitoring important data such as moisture, nutrients and heat. This allows you to save water and be smarter about your water use.
You can make your garden glow with the right weatherproof outdoor lights. You can remotely turn the lights on and off, change the brightness and set the color of the lights. This allows you to brighten up your garden at night, to be able to enjoy your garden at all times. You also have the opportunity to connect your outdoor lights with an enhanced security system and motion sensors for better safety at home.
