Introduction to the Smart Technology

5. What Does "Smart Technology" Mean?

Smart technology is a name for devices that are connected and can work on their own. They do normal things, but they can make decisions or follow rules without you always having to control them.

These devices often connect to the internet and can be controlled by apps on your phone. Some examples include smart lights, smart TVs, or even a smart fridge that tells you when your milk is running low.

The word "SMART" once stood for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology, but now it just means devices that are clever and connected.

6. The Role of the Internet of Things (IoT)

Smart technology works hand-in-hand with something called the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is like a big web of devices that talk to each other and share information. This can include your phone, your smart watch, your washing machine, or even traffic lights in a city.

For example, a smart home uses IoT to control lights, fans, and even door locks—all from your phone or voice commands.

7. How Do Smart Devices Work?

Smart systems are built with a few key parts:

Layer	Function	Example
Sensing Layer (Perception Layer)	Collect data using sensors.	It’s like the “skin” of the system, feeling the temperature, motion, light, etc.
Network Layer	Connects the device to other systems or the internet  It sends and receives data	Think of it as the “nervous system” of a smart device.
Application Layer	Help make decisions and show useful info.	This is what you see and use, like apps or dashboards.

Other parts include:

Relays	To control bigger electrical systems
Actuators	For movement (like motors)
Communication methods	Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to send data