Tracing the True Evolution of the Internet of Things

Ivano Jose Cunha of Link Electronics shares a candid look at the Internet of Things (IoT). While the term is widely cited in academic papers and industry conferences as a revolutionary force, is IoT truly a recent phenomenon? According to Cunha, the answer is no.

Kevin Ashton first used the phrase “Internet of Things” in a 2009 paper that referenced his 1999 work at Procter & Gamble. Yet, the concept only began to attract significant research attention in the early 2000s. A foundational technology linked to IoT emerged in 2005 with the advent of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs).

Between 2008 and 2010, WSNs matured, driving broader interest in IoT. Nonetheless, it wasn’t until 2012 that experts—citing a 2015 Gartner report—recognized IoT as an emerging technology.

In 2004–2005, a company where Cunha worked launched a pioneering product that collected data from and controlled VRP valves distributed across a city. The system measured hydraulic flow and pressure, then regulated water pressure on a schedule. Communication relied on OEM cellular modules (Motorola G18, G20, and G24). Data were stored in a database, and an in‑browser interface allowed remote monitoring, parameterisation, and control.

By automatically adjusting pipe pressures during low‑usage periods, the system achieved substantial water‑saving benefits, significantly reducing losses from leaks. The solution proved highly effective in 2005.

In 2010, Link Electronics, in partnership with Vectora Inc. of Houston, TX, introduced the ePressure unit. Designed for municipal water distribution, it operated on batteries and required no external power source. The five‑year standard specification included an anodised aluminum housing that withstood up to 1.5 bar pressure for 24 continuous hours. Fully wireless, the device could be configured remotely via a web browser or locally using dedicated notebook software.

At launch, ePressure sold for approximately US$1,500 (≈€1,344). Today, a re‑release would be considerably cheaper, thanks to the adoption of engineering plastics and updated communication components.

Leveraging these lessons, Link Electronics is now developing a new generation of IoT systems that are lighter, more affordable, flexible, and highly configurable—ready for a wide array of applications. The team remains proud of its early innovations, even before the term “IoT” entered mainstream usage, and is poised to tackle the next wave of smart technology.

The author of this blog is Ivano Jose Cunha, director, Research and Development of Link Electronics