**1. Introduction**

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of individually identifiable connected things (sometimes referred to as devices, objects, and items) that offer services for intelligent computing [1]. IoT objects are also referred to as "smart things," which make it possible to carry out routine tasks in a logical manner. The Internet of Things also benefits human communication in good ways. The Internet of Things (IoT) includes a variety of technologies, such as pervasive computing, sensor technology, embedded systems, communication technologies, sensor networks, Internet protocols, etc., which ultimately support the economic development of contemporary civilizations [2]. IoT's basic tenet is the provision of seamless, all-pervasive connectivity between objects and people.

Given the commonalities between similar technologies and the confluence of three distinct ideas, it is difficult to establish a specific definition of IoT. In a nutshell, IoT is a system in which things are linked in such a way that they may intelligently interact with one another and with people. However, in order to better grasp the Internet of

Things, a number of standard organizations and development groups have established their own definitions [3].

### **1.1 Evolution of the IoT concept**

The evolution of IoT with reference to technological progress in the conception of the Internet is presented in **Figure 1**. The concept of IoT, or the Internet of Things, refers to the interconnectivity of physical devices that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to communicate with each other and with other systems over the Internet [4]. IoT has evolved over the years as a result of advancements in several areas of technology, including embedded systems, M2M communication, CPS, WSN, and the WoT.

These advancements have enabled the development of devices that can collect and transmit data, analyze and respond to that data in real time, and interact with other devices and systems. The development of the Internet itself has also played a critical role in the evolution of IoT. As the Internet has become faster, more reliable, and more widely available, it has made it possible to connect more devices and systems and to transmit larger amounts of data more quickly [5]. Overall, the evolution of IoT has been closely tied to technological progress in a range of areas, and it will likely continue to evolve as new technologies and capabilities become available.

These capabilities will be expanded through interactions with a wide range of electronic devices, according to the concept of the new IoT trend. In general, Internet-centric and Internet-centric items can be thought of as the IoT vision. The improvements of all technologies connected to the idea of "Smart Things" are included in the thing-centric vision. The Internet-centric vision, on the other hand, calls for the development of network technology to connect interactive smart objects with the storage, integration, and management of created data. These perspectives allow the IoT system to be understood as a dynamic dispersed network of intelligent objects that can generate, store, and consume the necessary information [6].

### **1.2 Application areas of the Internet of Things**

Applications based on the Internet of Things (IoT) are expanding quickly, which is causing the world to change [7]. IoT's expansion has been a wonderful development in recent years. IoT is the interconnection of physical and digital items that have been fitted with sensors, software, and other technologies [8]. It entails using the Internet to communicate and exchange data with other systems and devices all around the world. IoT also resembles a group of network-capable gadgets that do not include desktop and laptop computers or servers. IoT has impacted a wide range of industries, starting with the healthcare industry. It is now implantable, wearable, and portable, creating a pervasive and interactive world [9]. It transforms the inanimate objects in

**Figure 1.** *Technological progression in IoT.*

*Application of Internet of Things (IoT) in Biomedicine: Challenges and Future Directions DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113178*

our immediate environment into intelligent objects, resulting in the creation of an information environment that raises the standard of living for people.

IoT devices, for instance, monitor and gather vital measurements (such as blood pressure, blood sugar level, pulse, etc.) in real time, enabling emergency alerts to raise the patient's likelihood of survival [10]. Furthermore, autonomous and self-driving cars assist drivers in getting where they are going by preventing them from going off the road or getting into accidents. Additionally, these definitions are expanded to include automatic emergency alerts for the closest roads as well as medical aid in the event of an accident. The Internet of Things also includes a wide range of contemporary industries, including the manufacturing, assembly, packaging, logistics, smart city, and aviation sectors [11]. **Figure 2** depicts a few of the most important IoT-based application sectors in the fields of health, business, communication, and entertainment.

Internet of Things (IoT) has numerous applications in the medical field, ranging from patient monitoring and diagnosis to drug development and supply chain management. Some of the medical application areas of IoT are:

• Remote patient monitoring: IoT can be used to remotely monitor patients' health conditions, vital signs, and medication adherence, allowing healthcare providers to deliver personalized care and intervene quickly if necessary. This can be

**Figure 2.** *Important application areas of the Internet of Things.*

especially useful for patients with chronic conditions or those who live in remote areas.


Overall, the medical application areas of IoT have the potential to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs in the healthcare industry [12–14].
