The IoT network hub has held its end of year meet-up at the Ghana Tech Lab on the 28th of Deceemer 2019 to discuss ways in which the Internet of Things and other emerging technologies could be harnessed to solve problems pertaining to the African setting.Joshua Opoku who is the President of the group is very passionate about changing the African narrative through the Internet of Things to fit our kind of environment.
Speaking to participants of the meet-up, Joshua Opoku, president of the IoT network Hub, stressed on the endless opportunities available in the application of IoT.
‘The Internet of Things is the ability for equipment and objects to communicate effectively and seamlessly through data collection with embedded sensors, information obtained are stored in the cloud for easy retrieval’, he revealed. He also mentioned that the real reasons why the Internet of Things comes to play owes to the fact that large amounts of data are given off every time and all around us. This data, if collected and monitored, could be used to solve problems in specifics which in turn will save time, ensure tasks are performed on time and efficiently, and most importantly relieve us of stress.
A practical example of an IoT system is a home automated light system that is fixed with sensors to detect the presence of humans. This controls the times the light needs to be turned on or off, in effect, saving energy.
The Vice president of the Network, Prince Boateng Asare, gave members the opportunity to suggest ways and voice out concerns on how monthly meet-ups could be improved. Among the issues raised were in regards to the frequency of meet-ups, duration of meet-ups as well as non-defined projects for well spelt-out time frames for specific group of persons at various stages of IoT literacy. Mr. Asare addressed all these issues raised and outlined the plans already in place to tackle the challenges faced by the group.
New Goals and Recognitions The president also read out the activities and goals for the coming year and ways in which the leadership and entire group would be gearing up for it.There was also awards for outstanding members of the community who had served in various way.
Background
The IoT Network Hub is a community of tech enthusiasts, businessmen, developers, researchers, entrepreneurs and students who have come together to tackle problems in our society using emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics among many others. The IoT Network Hub started in 2016 with just 4 members but can now boast of about 4,500 members. The Hub has chapters in all the regions of the country as well as in some other African countries such as the Kenya, Gambia, Nigeria and Rwanda, with chapters in some tertiary schools in the country as well.