To a greater extent than ever before, the things around us are turning into “smart objects”. They will help enhance our environment – and improve our interactions with it.

Here are some examples of possible smart objects:

• A trashcan that will send out a signal when it’s full. The maintenance crew saves time and resources by only emptying filled ones
• Cars that can communicate with each other and a central computer to help optimize traffic flow. Saves fuel if speed signs are dynamically adjusted so that commuters do not have to brake as much
• Advertisements targeted to specific customers depending on location. Consumers can take advantage of local deals based on their shopping profile

In the next few exercises or projects, we are going to explore smart objects that are centrally controlled. This means that one central Yún  unit will send out commands to the others. In this case, it will set limits – either with time limits or number of repetitions.

Also, and just as important, we will be reusing the sensors from the Wearables section but in different ways. Remember that there are often many unconventional ways to use sensors.

Refer to CTC IoT Teacher Guide #5.