CSE 112: Computer Fundamentals

Introduction to Internet of Things,

Embedded Systems, and Robotics !

Md. Mahedi Hassan

Lecturer, Department of Computer Science and
Engineering
Daffodil International University
Table of Contents
KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS LECTURE

• What is IoT?
• The Evolution of IoT
• Key Components of IoT
• Applications of IoT
• Benefits and Challenges
• Embedded System
• Sensors
• Robotics and its applications

© Md. Mahedi Hassan

Introduction to IoT
What is IoT?
• The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software,
and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices over the internet. These
"things" can range from everyday household items to sophisticated industrial machinery.
• Example:
⚬ Smart Homes: Devices like smart thermostats (e.g., Nest), security systems (e.g., Ring), and smart
lighting (e.g., Philips Hue) that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app.
⚬ Wearables: Fitness trackers like Fitbit or smartwatches like Apple Watch that monitor health metrics
such as heart rate, steps, and sleep patterns.
⚬ Industrial IoT (IIoT): Automated production lines in manufacturing plants where sensors monitor
machine performance to predict maintenance needs, reducing downtime.
⚬ Connected Vehicles: Modern cars equipped with GPS, real-time traffic updates, and infotainment
systems that enhance the driving experience.
⚬ Smart Cities: Traffic management systems that adjust traffic lights based on real-time traffic
conditions, reducing congestion and improving safety.
Some IoT Projects done by our Students
The Evolution of IoT
Brief History:

⚬ M2M Communication: The early concept of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, where

machines communicated with each other without human intervention, laid the groundwork for
IoT.
⚬ RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): RFID technology, which enables wireless
communication between a reader and an RFID tag attached to an object, was a precursor to
IoT. It allowed objects to be identified and tracked automatically.
⚬ IPv6: The introduction of IPv6, which provides a vast number of IP addresses, was crucial for
supporting the growing number of IoT devices.
⚬ Cloud Computing: The development of cloud computing enabled scalable storage and
processing of the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices.
The Evolution of IoT

• Key Milestones:

⚬ 2008-2009: The number of connected devices exceeded the global human population, marking
a significant milestone in the evolution of IoT.
⚬ 2010: The launch of the first smart home devices, such as the Nest Thermostat, marked the
beginning of IoT's entry into consumer markets.
⚬ 2014: The introduction of wearable devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit brought IoT to the
forefront of personal health and fitness monitoring.
Key Components of IoT
1. Sensors and Actuators:
⚬ Sensors: Devices that detect changes in the environment and collect data, such as
temperature, humidity, motion, or light. For example, temperature sensors in a smart thermostat
measure the ambient temperature and adjust heating or cooling systems accordingly.
⚬ Actuators: Devices that perform actions based on signals from a control system. For example,
an actuator in a smart lock receives a signal to unlock a door when the correct code is entered.
2. Connectivity:
⚬ Wired Connectivity: Traditional methods like Ethernet, where devices are connected via cables,
offering reliable and high-speed communication.
⚬ Wireless Connectivity: Includes various wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi (used in most
smart home devices), Bluetooth (used in wearables and short-range communication), Zigbee
(used in low-power, low-data-rate applications), and cellular networks (4G/5G, used in
connected vehicles).
Key Components of IoT
3. Data Processing:
⚬ Edge Computing: Involves processing data close to the source (e.g., in the IoT device itself or
at a local gateway) to reduce latency and bandwidth usage. For example, a security camera
might process video footage locally to detect motion before sending relevant data to the cloud.
⚬ Cloud Computing: Centralized data processing in remote servers, which allows for large-scale
data analytics and storage. For example, data from multiple smart home devices might be
stored in the cloud, where it can be analyzed to optimize energy usage.
4. User Interface:
⚬ Mobile Apps: Allow users to interact with IoT devices from anywhere. For example, a smart
thermostat app lets users adjust their home’s temperature while they are away.
⚬ Dashboards: Provide a visual interface for monitoring and controlling IoT systems. For example,
an industrial IoT dashboard might display real-time data from various sensors across a factory
floor.
Applications of IoT

• Smart Homes:

⚬ Devices: Smart home appliances and security systems.

⚬ Benefits: Enhanced convenience through remote control, energy
savings by optimizing heating and cooling, and improved security
through real-time monitoring and alerts.

• Healthcare:
⚬ Devices: Wearable health trackers like Fitbit, remote patient monitoring
systems, and smart medical devices like insulin pumps.
⚬ Benefits: Continuous health monitoring, early detection of health
issues, and personalized treatment plans based on real-time data.
Applications of IoT
• Industry:
⚬ Devices: Sensors on production lines, robotic arms, and inventory management
systems.
⚬ Benefits: Increased operational efficiency through automation, predictive
maintenance to prevent breakdowns, and reduced downtime.
• Transportation:
⚬ Devices: GPS trackers, fleet management systems, and autonomous vehicles.
⚬ Benefits: Improved logistics with real-time tracking, reduced fuel consumption
through route optimization, and enhanced safety with driver assistance
systems.
• Agriculture:
⚬ Devices: Soil moisture sensors, automated irrigation systems, and livestock
monitoring systems.
⚬ Benefits: Higher crop yields through precision farming, efficient water usage,
and improved livestock health through constant monitoring.
Benefits and Challenges of IoT
• Benefits
⚬ Efficiency: IoT systems streamline processes and reduce manual intervention, leading to increased productivity and
efficiency.
⚬ Convenience: IoT devices can be controlled and monitored remotely, offering users greater flexibility and convenience.
⚬ Automation: IoT enables the automation of routine tasks, such as turning on lights or adjusting thermostats, improving the
user experience.
⚬ Real-Time Insights: Continuous data collection from IoT devices allows for real-time decision-making, which is critical in
industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
• Challenges
⚬ Security Concerns: IoT devices can be vulnerable to hacking, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or
control over devices. For example, a smart home security camera could be hacked to spy on the homeowner.
⚬ Data Privacy: The collection of vast amounts of personal data by IoT devices raises concerns about how that data is stored,
used, and shared. Regulations like GDPR in Europe aim to protect user privacy.
⚬ Standardization: The lack of universal standards for IoT devices and protocols can lead to compatibility issues between
devices from different manufacturers.
⚬ Scalability: As the number of connected devices grows, managing the data they generate and ensuring reliable
communication becomes increasingly complex.
Future Trends in IoT

• Growth in IoT Devices: The number of IoT devices is expected to grow exponentially, reaching an
estimated 75 billion devices by 2025.
• Integration with AI and ML: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will be
increasingly integrated with IoT to enable more intelligent and autonomous systems. For
example, AI can analyze data from IoT sensors to predict equipment failures before they happen.
• 5G Connectivity: The rollout of 5G networks will provide faster and more reliable connectivity for
IoT devices, enabling real-time communication and new use cases like autonomous vehicles.
• Edge Computing: As IoT devices generate more data, processing that data at the edge (closer to
where it is generated) will become more important to reduce latency and bandwidth usage.
Embedded Systems: The "Brain" of IoT
An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific
function or functions within a larger system. They are the core of most IoT devices.

● Components:
○ Microcontroller/Microprocessor: The central processing unit (CPU) that
executes instructions.
○ Memory (RAM/ROM): Stores the program and data.
○ Input/Output (I/O) Ports: Connect to sensors, actuators, and communication
modules.
● Example: The control board of a microwave oven, the flight controller of a
drone, or the mainboard of a smartwatch.
Microcontrollers
Definition:
● Microcontrollers are integrated circuits designed to perform specific tasks in embedded systems.
They are often used in IoT devices to control various functions and process data from sensors.

Key Components:
● CPU (Central Processing Unit): Executes instructions and processes data.
● RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU is
currently working with.
● ROM (Read-Only Memory): Stores the firmware or software that is not meant to be modified.
● I/O Ports (Input/Output Ports): Interfaces for connecting external devices and sensors.
● Timers and Counters: Used for time-based operations and event counting.
Popular Microcontrollers
Arduino:
⚬ Features: Open-source
platform with easy-to-use IDE;
supports a variety of shields
and modules.
⚬ Variants: Arduino Uno
(ATmega328), Arduino Mega
(ATmega2560).
⚬ Use Cases: Educational
projects, prototyping, hobbyist
applications.
Popular Microcontrollers
Raspberry Pi:
⚬ Features: Low-cost, dual-core
ARM Cortex-M0+ processor,
versatile I/O options.
⚬ Use Cases: Intermediate to
advanced projects, including
those requiring higher
processing power.

Note: The Raspberry Pi 5 was announced on

September 28, 2023. Improvements in hardware and
software reportedly make the Pi 5 more than twice as
powerful as the Pi 4. It comes with an I/O-controller
designed in-house, a power button, and an RTC chip,
among other things.
Popular Microcontrollers
ESP8266/ESP32/NodeMCU:
⚬ Features: Built-in Wi-Fi (ESP8266) and Bluetooth
(ESP32), low-power consumption.
● NodeMCU is like a toolbox built on top of the
ESP8266 chip. ESP8266 is the basic Wi-Fi chip. It is
a toolkit that makes it easier to use by adding
features like Lua scripting and simplifying
programming
⚬ Use Cases: Wireless IoT applications, smart home
devices.

● ESP32 is generally faster and better at Note: The ESP32 is the ESP8266 successor. It adds an
doing complicated tasks than ESP8266. extra CPU core, faster Wi-Fi, more GPIOs, and supports
ESP32 has better performance, but ESP32 Bluetooth 4.2 and Bluetooth low energy.
is more expensive than ESP8266. If you
only need to make a simple IOT project,
then ESP8266 is completely sufficient.
Sensors in IoT
Sensors are devices that detect physical properties (e.g., temperature, humidity) and convert them into
electrical signals that can be read and processed by microcontrollers.
○ An IoT sensor is a physical device that monitors and collects data from the environment around
it. It then sends that data to an IoT platform for further analysis. There are many types of IoT
sensor, each designed to measure a specific type of data.
○ IoT sensors are often combined with other technologies, such as AI and cloud computing. For
example, a sensor might measure temperature and humidity in a room and transmit that data to
a cloud-based database, where it is analyzed to perform necessary operations.

• A sensor is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from
the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion,
moisture, pressure, or any one of a great number of other environmental
phenomena.
• An actuator is a machine component or system that moves or controls the
mechanism or the system.
• An IoT device is made up of a Physical object (“thing”) + Controller
(“brain”) + Sensors + Actuators + Networks (Internet)
Types of Sensors in IoT
Temperature Sensors: Temperature sensors or thermal sensors can detect the temperature of an object,
surface, or environment. A temperature sensor measures and sends the temperature of something or
someone to a cloud or other devices via a network. For example, a device like a thermostat is
temperature-controlled using temperature sensors.
Types of Sensors in IoT
Humidity Sensing: Humidity sensor detects changes in
moisture levels in different mediums like air, liquids, or solids.
Humidity sensors detect the layer’s response to electronic
signals through an electronic circuit that converts electrical
signals into digital ones; Such humidity detection can also be
used in thermostats and other wetness detection solutions.

Soil moisture sensors: These sensors are used in agriculture

to monitor soil moisture levels, helping farmers make more
informed irrigation and fertilizer application decisions.
Types of Sensors in IoT
Fire Detection Sensors: As the name suggests, fire
detectors are used to detect smoke and heat. Such
detection can be helpful in industrial operations and smart
buildings. For example, fire detection can detect smoke and
heat from combustion processes within combustion
chambers like furnaces.

Light Sensors: Light sensors are photodetectors that are

designed to detect visible light. These sensors are used for
smart street light automation to measure luminance from
various light sources, such as sunlight. Light sensors can be
useful to turn on lights when sunlight is low or unavailable
automatically.
Types of Sensors in IoT
Proximity Sensors: Proximity sensors can help identify if
there are nearby objects, animals, or humans passing by.
Such sensors detect the presence and take further
necessary actions such as turning on lights, recording
camera footage for safety, or even helping with car parking.
Infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and
LiDAR can help with such proximity detection.

Gas Detection Sensors: Gas leak detectors can be used to

identify a particular gas in the surroundings. It can help detect
potentially dangerous gasses to avoid any harmful accident or
effects on a particular user. An example of such detection can
be detecting hydrogen sulfide, a gas found in natural gas
pipelines that causes explosions if not detected in any leaks.
Types of Sensors in IoT
Health monitoring sensors:
Wearable sensors can be used to track a patient’s vital signs, allowing healthcare providers to
monitor their condition remotely.

IR sensors:
Infrared (IR) sensors have become increasingly popular in IoT projects developed by IoT companies
due to their ability to emit and detect infrared radiation to sense the surrounding characteristics. They
are particularly useful in healthcare, as they simplify monitoring blood pressure and blood flow. They
are also commonly used in everyday smart devices such as smartphones and smartwatches. Given
their wide range of applications, IR sensors are poised to play an important role in the smart home
industry.

Chemical sensors:
Those essential components are used in various industries to detect liquids or air composition
changes. For example, in the industrial sector, chemical sensors can be used for environmental
monitoring and process control to ensure that the production process is safe and efficient. In
medicine, chemical sensors can detect glucose levels in a diabetic patient’s blood or analyze breath
samples for disease diagnosis. In bigger cities, chemical sensors can monitor air quality and detect
harmful chemicals to protect the population.
Types of Sensors in IoT
Integrating Microcontrollers with Sensors
Integrating microcontrollers with sensors involves connecting
sensors to microcontrollers, programming them to read and process
sensor data, and using communication protocols to transmit the data.
Key considerations include choosing compatible components,
managing power consumption, and ensuring accurate data collection
and processing. This integration is essential for IoT systems,
enabling real-time monitoring and decision-making based on
environmental data.
Data Acquisition:
● Sensors capture environmental data and send it to the
microcontroller.
● Microcontrollers process the data, perform computations, and
execute control commands based on the sensor inputs.
Robotics
What is a Robot? 🤖
A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer— capable of carrying out a
complex series of actions automatically. Robotics is the interdisciplinary branch of engineering and
science that includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and others.
Basic Parts of a Robot
1. Controller: The "brain" of the robot, typically a microcontroller or computer that runs the
software.
2. Actuators: The motors, pistons, or other devices that create movement.
3. Sensors: Provide the robot with information about its environment (e.g., cameras, infrared
sensors).
4. Manipulator/End Effector: The part of the robot that interacts with objects (e.g., a gripper, a
welding tool).
5. Power Supply: Provides the energy for the robot to operate (e.g., a battery or a power cord).
Robotics
Types of Robots
● Industrial Robots: Used in manufacturing (e.g., welding, painting, assembly).
● Service Robots: Assist humans, typically by performing a job that is dirty, dull, distant,
dangerous, or repetitive. Examples include cleaning robots and surgical robots.
● Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Navigate and operate in an uncontrolled
environment without the need for physical or electromechanical guidance devices.
● Humanoid Robots: Robots that are built to resemble the human body.

How a Robot Works: The Sense-Think-Act Cycle

1. Sense: The robot uses its sensors to gather information about its surroundings.
2. Think: The controller processes this information and decides on an action based on
its programming.
3. Act: The controller sends signals to the actuators to perform the action.
Applications of Robotics

● Manufacturing: Assembly lines,

material handling.
● Healthcare: Robotic surgery, patient
assistance, lab automation.
● Logistics: Warehouse automation,
delivery drones.
● Agriculture: Automated harvesting,
crop monitoring.
● Space Exploration: Mars rovers,
robotic arms on spacecraft.
References
1. Ashton, K. (2009). That ‘Internet of Things’ Thing. RFID Journal.
• This article introduced the concept of the Internet of Things and laid the foundation for the future development of IoT.
2. Evans, D. (2011). The Internet of Things: How the Next Evolution of the Internet Is Changing Everything. Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG).
• This white paper provides an overview of the IoT and its potential impact on various industries.
3. Gubbi, J., Buyya, R., Marusic, S., & Palaniswami, M. (2013). Internet of Things (IoT): A Vision, Architectural Elements, and Future Directions. Future Generation Computer
Systems, 29(7), 1645-1660.
• This paper discusses the architecture, components, and challenges of IoT.
4. Lee, I., & Lee, K. (2015). The Internet of Things (IoT): Applications, investments, and challenges for enterprises. Business Horizons, 58(4), 431-440.
• A comprehensive overview of IoT applications, investments, and challenges.
5. Rose, K., Eldridge, S., & Chapin, L. (2015). The Internet of Things: An Overview. Internet Society (ISOC).
• This document provides a high-level overview of the IoT, including its potential benefits and challenges.
6.https://freeeway.com/16-types-of-sensors-used-in-iot/
7. "Getting Started with Arduino" by Massimo Banzi
8. "Raspberry Pi Pico Guide" by Raspberry Pi Foundation
9. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/
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© Md. Mahedi Hassan

Thank
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© Md. Mahedi Hassan