The island’s college has teamed up with IT experts to work on projects involving everyday communications and sensors.

A private sector company, the Manx Technology Group, is working with the college to develop, deploy and test the ’Internet of Things’ in the island.

The Internet of Things refers to the interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data online.

IoT projects already under way include smart parking sensors in the University College Isle of Man’s (UCM) disabled parking bays, an air quality monitoring station at the front of the college building in Douglas and smart agriculture sensors to analyse soil moisture, nutrients, weather, and solar radiation.

Joe Hughes, the chief executive of MTG, said: ’The MTG strongly believes the Isle of Man should be at the forefront of technological innovation and should lead the way in areas such as IoT and automation.

’We worked with the Digital Agency [a government organisation] to design and implement an IoT network that provides all-island coverage, enabling public, private and charitable bodies to use this facility.

’UCM immediately recognised the advantage of the IoT network, and have been a welcome early adopter.

’Both business and government have a role to play in this journey, but it is the students who will be the next generation of innovators. They will benefit from early exposure to the latest technology, and understanding the innovative, practical uses of IoT.’

MTG also expects that IoT will play a major role in the government’s forthcoming economic strategy.

It says that IoT and automation have been ’proven to enhance’ the productivity and profitability of business.

Geoff Chatwood, vice principal at UCM said: ’This project is a fantastic opportunity for our students to have valuable hands-on experience.

’We hope that this exposure in IoT and its applications in various sectors, will empower and inspire our students to develop themselves further in this emerging sector.’