How does it work?

The internet of things lets gadgets talk to each other. Internet-connected devices can download commands from the internet. This means that we can control machines remotely by sending orders from another internet-connected device, like a phone or a computer.

Some connected devices contain actuators. An actuator – like a light switch or the handle of a tap – is the part of a machine that gets it to work or controls it in some way. When an internet-connected device receives a signal, the actuator will be activated. For example, a device attached to your front door could send a wireless signal to a computer every time the door is unlocked. A program on that computer immediately sends an order to another device hooked up to the light switch in the hall. As you open the door, the lights in the hall automatically switch on. Other internetconnected devices contain sensors that take information such as sounds or temperature – and turn it into data. This data can be sent to other computers and devices.