IoT stands for the Internet of Things, which refers to the billions of physical objects or "things" connected to the internet, all collecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. IoT devices are hardware devices, such as sensors, gadgets, appliances, and other machines that collect and exchange data over the internet. They are programmed for certain applications and can be embedded into other IoT devices. IoT devices have both industrial and consumer uses and are typically integrated into other tools such as mobile devices, industrial equipment, and medical devices. In the consumer market, IoT technology is most synonymous with "smart home" products, including devices and appliances (lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems, cameras, and other home appliances) that support one or more common ecosystems, and can be controlled via devices associated with that ecosystem, such as smartphones and smart speakers. IoT devices are also used in healthcare systems. Increasingly, IoT devices are using AI and machine learning to bring intelligence and autonomy to systems and processes, such as autonomous driving, industrial smart manufacturing, medical equipment, and home automation.