By now, all of us know what the Internet of Things (IoT) is all about and what role it plays in the development of technology. IoT has passed its adolescence and has gained immense popularity, ready to bring endless possibilities worldwide. Because of it, we can transform objects into nodes in an extensive and powerful system based on free information flow. This means it has enabled a world that is much more tightly knit together in terms of connectivity and data. It helps us achieve levels of efficiency, connectivity, communication, and economy that were practically impossible just a few years ago.

But this is just the beginning as we are at the dawn of IoT’s veritable technology revolution. With time, advancements are being made in IoT and its associated technologies that are uncovering newer and more exciting possibilities. This seemingly endless stream of advancements brings some pretty exciting technologies – one of which is the Internet of Nano Things (IoNT).

What is the Internet of Nano Things?   

 The IoNT is a nascent technology that gained attention recently. It is a technology that works on IoT but on a nanoscale. The term itself describes it as the interconnection of nano-sized devices within existing networks.

The IoNT has roots in IoT and nanotechnology, according to StatNano, which defines it as “an interconnected system of very small devices that transfer data over a network.”

With advancements in technology, it is important to mark that the next computing revolution will be entirely outside the traditional desktop environment. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.2% globally between the year 2021 to 2027.

The IoNT can, thus, be said to be a convergent point where nanotechnology, the IoT, and Industry 4.0 meet. These regions converge within sensors that can be utilized in traditional IoT systems. However, the IoNT comprises small-scale IoT systems that are perfect for remote environmental monitoring and medical applications.

Difference between IoT and IoNT

The IoNT and IoT belong to the same kingdom. Here, the inter-connected devices are small and miniaturized to be categorized as nanoscale, ranging from .1 to 100 nanometers (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter).

Most technologies like environmental sensors in cars and homes or accelerometers and gyroscopes in smartphones that allow people to use navigation or location services are the latest examples of nanotechnologies that can be miniaturized to fit within small volumes.

All latest modern automation is based on nanoscale devices that can provide more intelligent technical options via communication. Such technology integrations drive innovation in every industry, from healthcare to automation and everyday household goods.

The IoNT acts as a network of nano-sized objects. Electronic devices are advanced in terms of design and manufacturing and are also highly well-packaged to prevent unwanted interference. At times, interference is difficult to manage because of the electromagnetic methods used for these devices’ wireless communication.

Need for IoNT

With IoNT, it is possible to connect multiple nanodevices across a network. This, when combined with other technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and machine learning, brings newer possibilities.

IoNT is similar to smartphones and can do almost anything like adding layers of functionality, new features, and increasing comfort. Anything that IoT does can be supercharged with IoNT. It is possible to achieve exceptionally finely granulated data from systems of nano-sized machines using IoNT.

IoNT systems also allow data to be gathered from notoriously tricky areas. This makes it possible to collect information from all corners that were inaccessible earlier and, thus, help us achieve a better future.

Challenges in IoNT

Innovations come with newer challenges. Privacy with security and compatibility are the major issues faced by IoNT currently.

· Privacy and security

Nanodevices collect a large amount of important and confidential data, and, hence, privacy and data security concerns must be addressed. IoNT users must know who has access to their information and how it will be used.

Furthermore, it is essential to secure the collected data using encryption and cutting-edge cybersecurity protocols. If the data is left unprotected, cybercriminals can easily access this confidential data and misuse it. Hence, before implementing IoNT devices on a large scale, IoNT developers must find solutions to these issues.

· Compatibility

In the field of medicine, developing nanosensors that fit the requirement is quite  challenging. While working on any of it, developers must ensure that these nanosensors have no adverse effects on a patient’s body and can communicate through wearable devices without interruption.

Moreover, finding such materials will require extensive testing, making the entire process time-consuming and error-prone.

IoNT – beginning of new phase

Whatever innovation and changes IoNT has brought so far are just the tip of an iceberg. Who knows what new opportunities and possibilities this technology will open in the future?

IoNT technology, if used well, can contribute to significant improvements in key areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transport. Implementing the IoNT at a large scale for sure marks a symbol of progress for all different industries out there.

To read more about IoNT and similar technologies, visit our whitepapers here.