C27 1 hr
IoT fundamentals and building blocks
Why IoT matters, and the controlled system, sensors, and actuators that make it work.
What IoT is
The Internet of Things connects physical objects to networks so they can sense, communicate, and act. Its value is remote visibility and automation: knowing what is happening and responding without a person present.
The three building blocks
- Controlled system — the physical thing being monitored or operated, such as a room or a door.
- Sensors — measure conditions (temperature, light, motion, contact).
- Actuators — change the physical world (relay, motor, light, fan).
A feedback loop
Sensors measure the controlled system, a controller compares readings with a threshold, and actuators respond. This sense–decide–act loop is the core of every IoT system.
Check your understanding
- Give one real-world example of a controlled system.
- Explain the difference between a sensor and an actuator.