The Internet of Things may soon run on decentralised networks

Helium can be used to connect devices such as e-scooters, smart pet collars and smart electricity meters to the Internet of Things. Hotspot operators are paid for their expenses with the cryptocurrency HNT. — dpa

SAN FRANCISCO/DÜSSELDORF: The “Internet of Things” (IoT) is in a gold-rush mood. Last year alone, market experts estimate that more than €15bil (RM68.97bil) were spent on networking everyday objects with the Internet and with each other.

The range of IoT devices is very wide, including such things as smart collars for dogs, networked street scooters and heating thermostats, and public trash cans that send a signal when they need to be emptied.