Grimy Internet of Things IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the application of unique identifiers to physical objects that enables them to be connected to a network allowing the transfer of data to and from those objects. IoT objects can be people, animals, vehicles, plant, appliances, building components and so on.
The ability to connect objects via the Internet has existed since the 1980s. The phrase 'Internet of Things' was first coined by Kevin Ashton in 1999.
The allocation of an IP address to these objects means that they have the potential to communicate with other objects on the network (often machine-to-machine or M2M communication).
The early days of IoT M2M implementations (which were aimed at industrial control and remote management), is sometimes referred to as retrofitted or “grimy IoT”. This is in contrast to “shiny IoT”, which is the term used to describe the integrated state of the IoT as it has existed since 2015.
[edit] Related articles
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.

















