Collaboration is key to the internet of things

The technology industry and its consumers must all collaborate and work together for the internet of things to succeed, Samsung Electronic’s president has said.

BK Yoon used the keynote speech at the beginning of the International CES technology show in Las Vegas to call for more openness across industries to create better lives for people through technology.

Yoon argued that many of the devices needed to do this already existed, and could be connected as part of the internet of things (IOT).

“Many people believe the IOT is something in the distant future, it’s not,” he said. “It’s not science fiction any more, its science fact. The age of IOT has already started.”

The internet of things is the concept that all the devices we use are connected together can be used seamlessly, with information passing between them.

“IOT is not about things, its about people,” said Mr Yoon.

“It’s IOT for you. It changes as we move through our world. We are bringing the physical and digital worlds together. It will revolutionise our lives, and help us lead healthier, more comfortable lives.”

Televisions that summarise your day when you turn them on, including traffic reports that are sent to your car and used by the sat-nav to get you to work, was one of the examples used of the internet of things in action.

Hosain Rahman, chief executive of wearable firm Jawbone, said: “The concept of an open ecosystem is so, so critical to making IOT a success.

“Today, we have over 2,500 developers building applications that range from fitness to smartphone to your car,” said Mr Rahman.

“That list is expanding every day. For us, it’s not just about the data. It’s about getting great results from our users.”

Mr Yoon added: “IOT will be a gamechanger. The opportunities and benefits are huge. We need an open ecosystem so IOT devices work together.”

He explained how Samsung is currently working on a new 3D sensor that can predict the smallest movements, suggesting that, in the future, it could be used to monitor a relative who needs extra care, and send alerts to emergency services and family when needed.

Mr Yoon then made a plea for more openness with consumer electronics.

“I have heard some people say they want to create a single operating system for the IOT,” he said.

“However, this OS only seems to work with their own technology. That’s not enough. The IOT experience needs to be seamless.

“We can deliver the benefits of IOT only if all sensors and all devices work with each other. Today on behalf of Samsung, I’m making a promise. Our IOT components and devices will be open. We will ensure that others can easily connect to our devices.”