IoT IoB x New Combination of the Body and the Net｜Examples and NTT's Efforts

IoT and IoB are gradually becoming better known as public awareness spreads. Both refer to mechanisms and technologies that connect things to the Internet; what sets IoT and IoB apart is that they can now also connect to our bodies.

In this article, we will provide an overview of IoT and IoB, as well as detailed examples of coupling between the body and the Internet.

1) What is IoT?

IoT means a mechanism for connecting things to the Internet.

When we think of the Internet, most people think of smartphones, computers, and tablets. However, objects that had never previously been online can also now be connected to the Internet. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and house lighting are typical examples. Being able to connect to the Internet, they can be operated remotely, making it possible to control each appliance while away from home.

Other items such as vehicle locks, cameras, and smart watches are also connected to the Internet through the IoT, with many more devices to follow in the future.

2) What is IoB?

IoB refers to technology that connects humans to the Internet.

Depending on use, IoB means Internet of Bodies and Internet of Behavior—in other words, it refers to connecting the Internet to the body and behavior.

The Internet of Bodies is largely related to smartwatches, whose users have been increasing in recent years. If you wear a smartwatch or similar IoB device, you can measure your heart rate or count the number of steps you take through the device. The device converts your activity history into data, which can then be utilized. If you like walking, for example, the IoB device automatically records the distance walked, the path taken, the time of day and so forth as data, without the need to bother to record it in a notebook.

Internet of Behavior, on the other hand, is a technology designed to help improve the quality of life, convenience, and comfort by converting each person's behavior into data. It is characterized by the ability to record and check location information, purchase information, exercise information and so on when wearing a smartwatch. Since you can easily visualize your own behavior, it provides an opportunity to look at your daily life and to reflect on recent areas of interest based on your Internet search history, enhancing the quality of life.

3) Examples of the new union of the body and the Internet

Action history

Action history mainly applies to actions (including searches) on social networking services such as X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook, and search engines such as Google and Yahoo!

It is easy for companies to design effective sales promotion activities and advertisements based on analysis of how users behave on the Internet. The data from the IoB's behavioral history is especially valuable to the corporate side.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition is a familiar feature of smartphones, tablets, and computers. Many devices have facial recognition as one a way to unlock. While passwords, IDs, and other numbers run the risk of being leaked for some reason, facial recognition is a powerful security measure because it can only be unlocked by the user himself/herself.

Location Information Acquisition

Many services are being developed that allow users to know the location of not only themselves, but also their family and friends. Many parents are giving their children IoB terminals to check their whereabouts. Since location information is acquired using satellites, the data tends to be highly accurate.

Automobile driving information

After collecting information on the way the driver is handling the vehicle, feedback is provided on the driver's driving technique and other information. Appropriate feedback not only helps prevent accidents, but also enables analysis of the degree of fault on the part of the driver in the event of an accident.

4) NTT's Approach to IoT IoB

NTT is engaged in a number of initiatives in the areas of IoT and IoB.

Please see below for more detailed information.

IoT R&D Initiatives at NTT (Japanese-language)
https://journal.ntt.co.jp/backnumber2/1707/files/JN20170706.pdf

• 

  NTT DOCOMO

• 

  NTT Communications

• 

  NTT EAST

• 

  NTT WEST

• 

  NTT DATA

Group Companies