Research Focus: Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is a new direction in the evolution of connectivity. Objects, devices, systems and venues are equipped with sensors and controllers that communicate wirelessly through the Internet or intranet systems. The number of new IoT products and services is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, with up to 50 billion things connected to the Internet by 2022.

​

Exciting IoT Research Areas

​

Why IoT?

IOT is an evolving field of connectivity with the network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings and other things, embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to communicate wirelessly through the Internet. Advances in sensing, cloud computing, and wireless communications has created an emerging IoT ecosystem. It has enabled the proliferation of small inexpensive devices and the ability to connect and manipulate sensor/actuator systems to create instrumented smart spaces, smart civil infrastructures and associated applications for the public. Examples of such smart spaces include personal spaces such as homes, offices, senior facilities, critical infrastructures such as airports, shipping and port facilities, and organizations such as schools and hospitals. Applications range from surveillance and security to personal safety and situational awareness in emergency response scenarios. While IoT devices are often deployed for a dedicated purpose, such as monitoring critical infrastructures, their data may be repurposed and exploited for new applications if access to this information is made available through open application program interfaces (APIs).

​

Why IoT-SITY REU?

IoT-SITY REU Site will annually host 9-10 students from across the nation to conduct research during the summer with faculty mentors on topics related to IoT for Smart Communities. Participants will investigate exciting applications and explore ways in which we can reliably and safely apply and deploy IoT systems to develop the Smart and Connected Communities of the future.

• Must be a United States citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply. International students are NOT eligible for this program.
• Sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors enrolled in 2- and 4-year colleges and universities in the United States
• Computing and Engineering majors
• 3.0-grade point average or higher
• No prior research experience required
• Must be 18 years or older by the start of the program
• Students who are first in their family to go to college, come from low-income backgrounds, are from underserved communities, and/or are women and/or veterans are encouraged to apply.