The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnected network of physical devices that use sensors, software, and other technologies to collect and exchange data over the internet. IoT aims to create a seamless flow of information between devices and systems, allowing them to interact, automate tasks, and provide enhanced functionalities.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought us some incredibly innovative—and sometimes downright quirky—devices. Here’s a list of 10 of the weirdest IoT-enabled devices ever created:
1. The Internet of Things Toothbrush
Oral-B’s IoT toothbrush syncs with a smartphone app to monitor and analyze your brushing habits and give you real-time feedback on your brushing technique, helping you establish better oral hygiene routines. The toothbrush has built-in sensors that detect if you’re brushing too hard. The app can provide statistics and insights into how often and how long you brush. It includes a timer and quad-pacer that help ensure you brush each quadrant of your mouth evenly and for the recommended two minutes. Some models also integrate with smart home systems and voice assistants for even more convenience.
2. The Smart Toilet
The Toto Washlet is a high-tech toilet that features everything from seat warming to automatic flushing. The Washlet often includes a bidet function with adjustable water temperature, pressure, and spray position, allowing for a customized cleaning experience. After using the bidet, the Washlet can dry you with a warm air dryer, reducing the need for toilet paper. It helps keep the bathroom air fresh by reducing odors, thanks to an integrated air purification system. Some models come with built-in speakers and a music player, so you can listen to your favorite tunes or soothing sounds while using the bathroom. It comes with a smartphone app that lets you control all these features, such as adjusting seat temperature, water settings, and even scheduling cleaning cycles.
3. The Smart Mirror
Mirrors like the HiMirror are part of a growing trend in smart home technology, combining traditional mirrors with advanced digital features. These mirrors use high-resolution cameras and AI algorithms to analyze your skin condition, tracking various aspects such as wrinkles, dark spots, pores, and overall complexion. Over time, they can monitor changes and provide personalized skincare recommendations, helping you adjust your routine for optimal results. These smart mirrors often integrate other functionalities, such as displaying news, weather, and daily reminders, making them a convenient tool for multitasking during your morning or evening routine. They may also connect with other smart home devices, allowing you to control lighting, music, or even temperature as you prepare for the day.
4. The Wi-Fi-Connected Toaster
The “Toasteroid” is an innovative smart toaster that allows you to control and personalize your toasting experience through a dedicated smartphone app. Through the app, you can select the exact browning level you prefer, ensuring your toast comes out exactly how you like it. One of the standout features of the Toasteroid is its ability to schedule the toasting process. You can set it up the night before, and your toast will be ready just as you wake up, making your morning routine more efficient. The Toasteroid also allows you to print custom designs, messages, or even weather forecasts directly onto your bread. With the app, you can monitor the toasting process in real-time, making adjustments if needed, so your toast turns out just the way you want it. You can share your custom toast designs on social media directly from the app, combining culinary creativity with social connectivity.
5. The Internet-Connected Egg Tray
The Egg Minder is a smart egg tray designed to help you manage your eggs more efficiently by leveraging modern technology. It keeps track of the freshness of each egg in the tray. It uses sensors to monitor how long each egg has been stored, helping you know which eggs are the oldest and should be used first. Each slot in the tray has a corresponding LED light that indicates the freshness of the egg. The Egg Minder connects to a smartphone app via Wi-Fi. It sends you notifications when you’re running low on eggs, so you know when it’s time to buy more. The app also alerts you when an egg is about to expire. This smart tray can hold a dozen or more eggs, depending on the model, and fits neatly in most refrigerator doors.
6. The Smart Plant Pot
The Parrot Pot is an innovative IoT-enabled plant pot designed to help you care for your plants more effectively by incorporating modern technology. The pot has built-in sensors that measure the moisture levels in the soil. It alerts you when your plant needs watering, ensuring that you never overwater or underwater your plants. Some smart plant pots also track the amount of light your plant is receiving and the surrounding temperature. The connected app can suggest whether your plant needs more sunlight or if it’s in an environment that’s too hot or cold. The app might remind you when it’s time to fertilize your plant based on its type and growth stage, helping you keep your plant healthy and nourished. Advanced models come with an automated watering system that releases water based on the plant’s needs. The connected app usually provides personalized care tips based on the type of plant you’re growing. Some smart pots can detect issues like nutrient deficiencies or diseases early on, alerting you to take action before the problem worsens. Smart plant pots often have sleek, modern designs that fit well in any home decor, combining functionality with style.
7. The Connected Beard Trimmer
The Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer Series 7200 is a high-tech grooming tool. It connects to a smartphone app that tracks your trimming habits. This app logs your trimming frequency, preferred length settings, and other details, allowing you to monitor your grooming routine over time. Based on the data it collects, the app provides tailored grooming tips to help you achieve your desired beard style. The app can guide you through different beard styles, offering step-by-step instructions and tips on achieving each look. The trimmer itself is designed for precision, with adjustable length settings that allow you to trim your beard to the exact length you prefer. It also features an integrated vacuum system that captures up to 90% of trimmed hairs, reducing mess and making cleanup easier. Some versions of the trimmer might automatically adjust the trimming length based on your preferences saved in the app, ensuring a consistent cut every time. The app may also keep track of the trimmer’s battery life and provide maintenance reminders, such as when to clean the blades or replace parts, helping to prolong the life of the device.
8. The Smart Pillow
The “Sleep Number” smart pillow is a cutting-edge sleep accessory designed to enhance your comfort and improve your sleep quality by adapting to your specific needs throughout the night. It is equipped with sensors that monitor various aspects of your sleep, such as your head position, movements, and sleep patterns. These sensors gather data in real-time to ensure that the pillow adjusts to provide optimal support. One of the key features of the Sleep Number smart pillow is its ability to automatically adjust its firmness based on your head position and movements. The pillow adapts to your unique sleep habits, ensuring that you have the right level of firmness and support at all times. This personalization helps reduce discomfort and can contribute to better sleep quality by reducing the need to wake up and adjust the pillow manually. The sensors in the pillow track your sleep patterns, providing insights into your sleep quality, including how often you move, how long you stay in each position, and other relevant data. The smart pillow often connects to a companion app, where you can view detailed reports of your sleep, set preferences for firmness, and receive personalized sleep tips based on the data collected.
9. The Internet-Connected Umbrella
The “Kisha Smart Umbrella” is a modern take on a traditional accessory, designed to ensure you’re always prepared for the weather and never lose track of your umbrella. The Kisha Smart Umbrella connects to a weather app on your smartphone, providing real-time rain alerts and reminders. If rain is in the forecast, the app will send you a notification to take your umbrella with you before you leave the house. If you ever misplace your umbrella, you can use its built-in GPS tracker via Bluetoot to locate it quickly. The app typically works within a certain range, so it can alert you if you’ve walked too far away from your umbrella, reducing the risk of leaving it behind. Kisha umbrellas are known for their high-quality construction, designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
10. The Smart Pet Feeder
The “Petnet SmartFeeder” is a sophisticated pet care device designed to make feeding your pet more convenient and precise, ensuring they receive the right amount of food at the right times. It allows you to schedule your pet’s meals through a smartphone app, ensuring that your pet receives their meals consistently, even if you’re not home. It can also dispense precise portions of food. You can customize the portion size based on your pet’s dietary needs, helping to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding. The SmartFeeder monitors your pet’s eating habits, tracking how much and how often they eat. Based on the data it collects, the Petnet SmartFeeder can adjust feeding schedules according to your pet’s activity levels. If the app detects that your pet is more active on certain days, it may suggest slight adjustments to meal times or portion sizes to better match their energy needs. The app sends notifications to your phone, alerting you when your pet has been fed, when food levels are running low, or if there’s any issue with the feeder. The SmartFeeder often integrates with other smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to manage feeding schedules through voice commands.
These devices showcase the wide range of innovative and sometimes bizarre applications of IoT technology, merging everyday items with high-tech features in unexpected ways. These devices highlight how IoT technology can be applied in both practical and unexpected ways, blending convenience with a touch of whimsy.
