When we think about the technology of the future, we cannot avoid a few terms: Industry 4.0 is one of them and we often come across the internet of things (IoT) and Big Data. Added to this is the expression smart, which is used in countless versions, for example in smart grid, smart energy, smart home and smart factory.
But I'm not really sure the word smart is always used in the right way. Smart does not mean "small" like it might be suggested by a certain small car but it means clever, intelligent, cunning.
Regardless of the terms used it is clear that the world is getting more and more connected. To be able to obtain data even in the smallest corner of our factories, logistics buildings and distribution centres, additional sensors and - for manual input - touch panels are necessary.
Touch panels become smaller and smaller
Full-size IPCs are generally not necessary for this purpose. Web-based solutions are the obvious thing to use because the internet of things is already based on IP technology. When looking at the "bottom" end of the internet of things, we can see that not only construction size is decisive but also the consumption of resources. If a 4.3 inch device is sufficient for a few inputs and a small visualisation, then it should also be used.
Not only because of its energy consumption during operation but also because of the materials used for the production, the required transport volume and its disposal when the device has played its part.
What is your opinion about the internet of things in general and about the small touch panels specifically? Why not enter your opinions as comments in the blog or email them directly to me.
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