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Latest newsNews searchHealthFinanceFoodCareer newsContent seriesFocus areasTry Devex Pro
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    • Smart cities

    DevExplains: The 'internet of things'

    In the global development community, smart grid technology is probably the most well-known use of the "internet of things." But energy is just one example — and IoT could be set to drastically increase efficiency in many other ways.

    By Julie Espinosa // 06 March 2017

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    Find out how the “internet of things” is being used in service delivery, development projects and humanitarian relief in this DevExplains video.

    Put simply, the internet of things, or IoT, refers to the system of connected devices that enables smart technology — technology that learns and adapts in response to data collected.

    In the global development community, smart grid technology is probably the most well-known use of IoT, but energy is just one example. Many development professionals believe this connected system could increase efficiency in a number of other ways, and some are already harnessing it as part of their projects and programs in developing countries.

    Watch the DevExplains video above to learn how IoT works and find out more about how the concept is being used in the global development and humanitarian relief sectors.

    Over six weeks, Devex and our partners will explore what it takes to build a successful smart city, how climate resilient and environmentally friendly infrastructure and technologies are being implemented, and how actors in the global development community are working together toward common goals and engaging local communities in an inclusive way. Join us as we examine what it takes to create our smart cities of the future by tagging #SmartCities and @Devex.

    • Innovation & ICT
    • Worldwide
    Printing articles to share with others is a breach of our terms and conditions and copyright policy. Please use the sharing options on the left side of the article. Devex Pro members may share up to 10 articles per month using the Pro share tool ( ).

    About the author

    • Julie Espinosa

      Julie Espinosa

      Julie Espinosa is the Associate Director of Creative at Devex. She leads a team of visual storytellers who work with reporters all over the globe to cover the topics of humanitarian aid, sustainable development and global health. Prior to joining Devex, Julie worked in documentary film production in Austin, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in communications and cultural studies from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s in visual arts from Harvard University.

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