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Introduction to the Internet of Things

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 46 ratings
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Leopoldo Armesto Ángel

Internet of Things (IoT) is the present and the future of technology. Either, if you have none, few or some experience with electronics and you want to develop it projects this course will give you the necessary kick start to start creating amazing devices capable of sensing, controlling physical signals. This course introduces it using Arduino and ESP boards. This is a preliminary course in which we deal, with the basics of electronics and programming. If you already know the basics, then the second part of this course will be of your interest, in which we start creating smart devices.

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Internet of Things (IoT) is the present and the future of technology. Either, if you have none, few or some experience with electronics and you want to develop it projects this course will give you the necessary kick start to start creating amazing devices capable of sensing, controlling physical signals. This course introduces it using Arduino and ESP boards. This is a preliminary course in which we deal, with the basics of electronics and programming. If you already know the basics, then the second part of this course will be of your interest, in which we start creating smart devices.

What you'll learn

  • Understand the basic concepts of electroncis for programming microcontrollers (digital, analog, PWM, communication buses, timers, etc.).
  • To program Arduino and ESP devices
  • To read data from ambient and environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, light)
  • To control actuators such as a fan, a light or a water pump using a relay
  • To display information on LCD displays to print data of your device
  • To use buttons and LEDs (and RGB LEDs) to generate a basic user interface
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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the basic concepts of electroncis for programming microcontrollers (digital, analog, pwm, communication buses, timers, etc.).
  • To program arduino and esp devices
  • To read data from ambient and environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, light)
  • To control actuators such as a fan, a light or a water pump using a relay
  • To display information on lcd displays to print data of your device
  • To use buttons and leds (and rgb leds) to generate a basic user interface

Syllabus

Unit 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Electronics
Unit 3: Basic Programming
Unit 4: Programming Sensors and Actuators
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid foundation for learners new to electronics, programming, and microcontroller applications
Introduces fundamental concepts of digital and analog electronics, which are essential for understanding microcontroller operation
Focuses on practical skills and hands-on projects, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios
Provides opportunities to work with popular microcontroller boards (Arduino and ESP), which are widely used in industry and hobbyist projects
Covers a range of topics relevant to IoT device development, including sensor integration, actuator control, and data visualization
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in the field, ensuring the quality and relevance of the course content

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Reviews summary

Intro to iot with arduino & esp

According to learners, this course serves as a solid introduction to the Internet of Things, particularly for those new to the field. Students praise its focus on basic electronics and programming concepts using popular hardware like Arduino and ESP boards. The hands-on exercises and final project are frequently highlighted as effective for practical application. However, the course is seen as very basic and may not provide sufficient depth for learners with prior experience in microcontrollers or electronics. Some also noted potential challenges with hardware setup and wished for more detailed coverage of specific topics.
Focuses on popular, accessible hardware.
"Using real boards like Arduino and ESP makes the concepts much more concrete."
"I appreciate that they focus on widely available and affordable hardware."
"Learning to program the ESP32 was particularly valuable for more complex projects."
Builds foundational electronics/programming skills.
"The sections on digital vs analog signals and basic coding for Arduino were very clear."
"I finally understand PWM and how simple circuits work thanks to this course."
"It gives you just enough electronics knowledge to understand the microcontroller interactions."
Helps apply theory with practical exercises.
"The small projects and final assignment were the best part, forcing you to actually build something."
"Actually connecting sensors and making them work based on the code was incredibly rewarding."
"I learned more from doing the labs than just watching the lectures."
Provides a clear starting point for IoT.
"If you are absolutely new to electronics and programming, this course is the perfect place to start."
"I had zero experience before this, and now I feel confident enough to tackle simple IoT projects."
"It really breaks down the intimidating concepts into easy-to-understand pieces."
Certain areas feel rushed or insufficient.
"I wish they spent more time on specific sensor types or communication protocols."
"PWM was explained, but I still feel I need more resources to truly master it."
"The final project guidance felt a bit minimal after the initial units."
Can be difficult to get hardware working.
"Troubleshooting the hardware setup took me longer than understanding the concepts."
"The course assumes you have the exact components, which isn't always easy."
"Getting the drivers and IDE configured properly was frustrating at times."
May be too simple for those with prior knowledge.
"As someone who had tinkered with Arduino before, the first few units were very repetitive."
"I was hoping for more advanced topics, but it really is strictly an 'Introduction'."
"If you already know C++ basics and simple circuits, much of this will be review."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to the Internet of Things with these activities:
Review the basics of electronics
Reviewing the basics of electronics will help you understand the concepts covered in the course and make it easier to follow along.
Browse courses on Electronics
Show steps
  • Read through your old notes or textbooks on electronics.
  • Watch some online videos or tutorials on electronics.
  • Practice solving some basic electronics problems.
IoT Resources and Tools Collection
Gather and organize a collection of useful resources and tools related to IoT, such as online forums, tutorials, software libraries, and hardware recommendations.
Browse courses on IoT
Show steps
  • Search for and bookmark relevant websites, articles, and documentation
  • Create a document or spreadsheet to organize the resources
  • Share the collection with fellow students or the online community
Read 'Internet of Things' by Samuel Greengard
Reading 'Internet of Things' by Samuel Greengard will help you understand the history, present, and future of IoT.
View The Internet of Things, revised and updated... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Internet of Things' by Samuel Greengard.
  • Read the book at your own pace.
  • Take notes or highlight important passages.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Practice coding challenges on LeetCode
Practicing coding challenges on LeetCode will help you improve your programming skills and prepare you for the challenges in the course.
Browse courses on Coding
Show steps
  • Sign up for a LeetCode account.
  • Choose a coding challenge to practice.
  • Solve the coding challenge.
  • Review your solution and see how it can be improved.
Follow IoT Project Tutorials
Enhance your understanding of IoT concepts and applications by following guided tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions for building IoT projects.
Browse courses on IoT
Show steps
  • Find online IoT project tutorials that align with your interests and skill level
  • Follow the tutorials to build the projects
  • Document your experience and troubleshoot any issues encountered
Arduino Programming Exercises
Practice writing and implementing code for Arduino microcontrollers to solidify your understanding of the programming concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Arduino
Show steps
  • Find online Arduino tutorials or exercises
  • Set up an Arduino development environment and write code for basic tasks
  • Experiment with different Arduino libraries and functions
  • Troubleshoot and debug your code
Build a simple Arduino project
Building a simple Arduino project will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course and gain practical experience.
Browse courses on Arduino
Show steps
  • Choose a simple Arduino project to build.
  • Gather the necessary materials.
  • Follow the instructions in the project tutorial.
  • Test your project and make sure it works.
Follow a tutorial on how to use a specific Arduino library
Following a tutorial on how to use a specific Arduino library will help you learn how to use the library and apply it to your own projects.
Browse courses on Arduino
Show steps
  • Choose an Arduino library that you want to learn how to use.
  • Find a tutorial on how to use the library.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial.
  • Test the library in a simple project.
Participate in a workshop on Arduino or ESP
Participating in a workshop on Arduino or ESP will help you learn the basics of the platform and get hands-on experience with building your own projects.
Browse courses on Arduino
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on Arduino or ESP that you are interested in participating in.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Attend a meetup or conference on IoT
Attending a meetup or conference on IoT will help you network with other people who are interested in the field and learn about the latest trends.
Browse courses on IoT
Show steps
  • Find a meetup or conference on IoT that you are interested in attending.
  • Register for the event.
  • Attend the event and network with other attendees.
Volunteer for a local organization that works with IoT
Volunteering for a local organization that works with IoT will help you gain practical experience and make a difference in your community.
Browse courses on IoT
Show steps
  • Find a local organization that works with IoT that you are interested in volunteering for.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete the necessary paperwork and training.
Review Basic Electronics Concepts
Review the foundational concepts of electronics that are crucial for understanding the course material, such as Ohm's law, voltage, current, and resistance.
Browse courses on Electronics
Show steps
  • Read or revisit a basic electronics textbook or online resource
  • Review notes or lecture materials from previous electronics courses or projects
  • Solve practice problems or complete online quizzes to test your understanding
Write a blog post about a topic covered in the course
Writing a blog post about a topic covered in the course will help you deepen your understanding of the topic and improve your communication skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in and that you think would be interesting to others.
  • Research the topic and gather information from various sources.
  • Write a blog post that is well-organized, informative, and engaging.
  • Publish your blog post on a platform of your choice.
Build a Simple IoT Device
Apply the concepts learned in the course by building a functional IoT device that interacts with sensors and actuators, such as a temperature-controlled fan.
Browse courses on IoT
Show steps
  • Plan and design the device, including hardware and software requirements
  • Gather necessary components, including sensors, actuators, and an Arduino or ESP board
  • Assemble and wire the device
  • Write and upload code to the microcontroller
  • Test and troubleshoot the device to ensure functionality

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to the Internet of Things will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and test embedded systems, which are computer systems that are designed to perform a specific function within a larger system. They may work on a variety of projects, from medical devices to automotive systems to industrial automation systems. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for an Embedded Systems Engineer because it provides a foundation in electronics and programming, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineers design, develop, and test electronic circuits and systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from consumer electronics to industrial automation systems to medical devices. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for an Electronics Engineer because it provides a foundation in electronics and programming, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware, including processors, memory, and input/output devices. They may work on a variety of projects, from personal computers to servers to supercomputers. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Computer Hardware Engineer because it provides a foundation in electronics and programming, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from operating systems to web applications to mobile apps. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Software Engineer because it provides a foundation in programming, which is an essential skill for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing predictive models to identifying trends to optimizing marketing campaigns. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Data Scientist because it provides a foundation in programming and data analysis, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Product Manager because it provides a foundation in technology and product development, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. They may work on a variety of topics, from software to hardware to medical devices. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Technical Writer because it provides a foundation in technology and writing, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from enterprise resource planning systems to customer relationship management systems to supply chain management systems. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Systems Analyst because it provides a foundation in technology and systems analysis, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software and hardware products to ensure that they meet quality standards. They may work on a variety of projects, from video games to medical devices to financial software. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Quality Assurance Analyst because it provides a foundation in testing and evaluation, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers design and evaluate the user experience of products and services. They may work on a variety of projects, from websites to mobile apps to physical products. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a User Experience Designer because it provides a foundation in human-computer interaction, which is an essential skill for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers design and develop products that are used by consumers. They may work on a variety of projects, from furniture to appliances to medical devices. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for an Industrial Designer because it provides a foundation in technology and product design, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from cars to airplanes to medical devices. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for a Mechanical Engineer because it provides a foundation in technology and engineering, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from power plants to electrical grids to medical devices. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things can be useful for an Electrical Engineer because it provides a foundation in technology and engineering, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, develop, and test civil engineering systems. They may work on a variety of projects, from bridges to buildings to water treatment plants. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things may be useful for a Civil Engineer because it provides a foundation in technology and engineering, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Architect
Architects design and develop buildings and other structures. They may work on a variety of projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings to public buildings. This course in Introduction to the Internet of Things may be useful for an Architect because it provides a foundation in technology and design, which are essential skills for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to the Internet of Things.
Cover image
Blockchain Applications
Save
Provides a practical introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT), covering topics such as IoT devices, sensors, data analytics, and security. It also includes several case studies to help you understand how IoT is being used in the real world.
Blockchain Applications: A Hands-On Approach
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Designing the Internet of Things
Save
Provides a practical guide to designing and developing IoT systems, covering topics such as hardware selection, software development, and data analysis.
Designing the Internet of Things
Paperback
$$
Designing the Internet of Things
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Williams Hematology, 9E
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems programming, covering topics such as C programming, assembly language, and real-time operating systems.
Williams Hematology, 9E
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Digital Signal Processing: A Practical Guide for...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital signal processing, covering topics such as Fourier analysis, filter design, and signal processing algorithms.
Digital Signal Processing: A Practical Guide for...
Paperback
$$$
Digital Signal Processing: A Practical Guide for...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Arduino Cookbook
Save
Provides a collection of recipes for using Arduino boards in a variety of projects. It covers topics such as interfacing with sensors, actuators, and displays.
Arduino Cookbook: Recipes to Begin, Expand, and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Internet of Things
Save
Provides a gentle introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT), covering topics such as IoT concepts, technologies, and applications.
The Internet of Things
Paperback
Check
The Internet of Things
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Raspberry Pi Cookbook
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to programming the Raspberry Pi, a popular single-board computer. It covers topics such as Python programming, GPIO programming, and interfacing with external devices.
Raspberry Pi Cookbook
Paperback
Check
Raspberry Pi Cookbook
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
5 to 6 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
Universitat Politècnica de València
Instructor
Leopoldo Armesto Ángel
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid foundation for learners new to electronics, programming, and microcontroller applications
Introduces fundamental concepts of digital and analog electronics, which are essential for understanding microcontroller operation
Focuses on practical skills and hands-on projects, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios
Provides opportunities to work with popular microcontroller boards (Arduino and ESP), which are widely used in industry and hobbyist projects
Covers a range of topics relevant to IoT device development, including sensor integration, actuator control, and data visualization
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in the field, ensuring the quality and relevance of the course content
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