Internet of Things

Today the digital transformation that is being brought about, in part by the IoT, is producing huge masses of data. This data is precious when time and resources are utilized to make use of the information that it represents. This effort can be slow and costly for humans to perform, so machines running software algorithms are progressively being deployed to turn the information into knowledge that we can benefit from.

This section will explain the course purpose, project work, and pathways. Learners introduce themselves and are introduced to their new Raspberry Pi and other systems, hardware and applications used in the training program

This module provides a good introduction to the training course. The learning outcomes are emphasized and placed into perspective with the hardware and software utilized on the training course. The trainer will explain the concepts of Data Science, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in context with the IoT, its structure, components, and capabilities.

A good understanding of the underlying technologies is essential for working seriously with the IoT. This module exposes key topics in order that you can understand the functionality of interconnecting technologies while using them to construct your real IoT project in the classroom and deploy it at home!

This is an essential foundation module where the learner is introduced to various subject matter necessary to complete the A&IoT foundation program. Subject matter includes –

• Relevant principles & definitions, work-based context
• Introduction to IoT principles and associated technologies in hardware & software.
• Essential electrical/electronics principles
• How sensors are utilized in A&IoT
• Digital Techniques are explained with Data Structures and types being constructed using  Raspberry Pi3
• Programming concepts are introduced for Java, Python, etc

With advances in technology, electronic components, integrated circuits, and systems on a chip (SoC) have become small enough to embed in a number of different things. This module explores the hardware and architecture components that make up typical hardware in the IoT.

• You will be provided with a Single Board Computer (SBC) in the form of a Raspberry Pi3B+ to perform the exciting activities that underpin all of the learning outcomes on this course.
• This module also introduces the Linux OS, Command Line scripting with BASH

Automation and IoT solutions require sensors to sample the real world and feedback data to the controller for processing and the corresponding output. This module looks at the many sensors and actuators that are available and connects them to your hardware to illustrate the ‘sense, solve, actuate’ principle covered earlier.

A good introduction to digital data communication is presented in this module. The internet and protocols are defined and configured for A&IoT purpose. The training material covers wired and wireless technologies including

• Ethernet, TCP/IP and serial communication such as I2C
• Online IoT services are also explored with practical demonstration.

A key concept with automation and the IoT is the ‘sense, solve, actuate’ nature of its functionality. This module focuses on the ‘solve’ aspects of such projects and introduces Python as an ideal platform for ‘programming’ IoT projects. Python is an ideal language to learn and is preferred by many data scientists for ML & AI based IoT solutions.

The IoT typically uses the Internet to allow IoT devices to be monitored and controlled. This module will explore the options we have for interconnecting our devices to the cloud. Using Flask & Python you will learn how to connect multiple sensors and actuator devices over the internet and display information from IoT cloud services and HTML. This module also negotiates the real-time data dilemma for automation by investigating appropriate architectures/configurations to receive sensor data in “real-time” to control the time-critical process and machines.

This module introduces the important concepts of  AI and Machine learning that teaches computers to ‘learn from experience’; something that we humans do reasonably well in simple scenarios.  As a precursor to further study in this tech area, we will consider the possibilities that exist to enhance the project you built during this course by looking at Smart Machines & Artificial Intelligence.