11 Free IoT Tools
IoT platforms and tools are the most important components of the IoT ecosystem. Each IoT device can connect to applications and other devices through standard Internet protocols to exchange information.
IoT platforms act as intermediaries between the device’s sensors and the data network, connecting data to the sensor system. In other words, IoT uses back-end applications to make data generated by sensors understandable to users.
The Internet of Things is the future of technology and helps artificial intelligence (AI) better understand and control objects. In this article, we will introduce some of the best IoT platforms and tools to help you develop IoT projects.
1- Zetta
Zetta software is an API-based platform based on the Node.js framework. This platform is a comprehensive tool for developing HTTP APIs on digital devices. The Zetta platform combines the WebSocket protocol and the API REST programming interface to produce data-driven, real-time applications. The salient features of this software are:
- Ability to run on PC, Cloud, and Development Boards
- It has a simple user interface and the necessary programming to control sensors, actuators, and controllers
- Ability to develop mobile, web, and cloud applications
- Suitable for data-driven and Real-Time applications
- Convert different devices into one API
2- Arduino
If you are looking to boost your PC to gain more control over the real world, Arduino software is the smart choice.
This tool is a very simple IoT platform that provides a combination of IoT hardware and software. The activity of this platform can be done through hardware modules within interactive electronic devices, or it can be provided to users in the form of software or IDE. (You can see the free Arduino board programming course to work with this tool.)
3- Node-RED
Node-RED software is based on the Node.js framework and is an intuitive tool for IoT coverage, connecting hardware devices, APIs, and online services through a browser-driven interface. The tool runs on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, and 60,000 add-on modules can be used for better performance.
4- Flutter
Flutter is a programmable processor kernel used for electronic projects by students and engineers. The feature of the Flutter Index is its long-range performance. This Arduino-based electronic board includes a wireless transmitter that supports more than half a mile. In addition, the filter boards can interact with each other quickly without the need for a router. The tool also includes an advanced 256-bit AES encryption system. Other features of this tool include:
- High-speed performance
- Elegant and flexible user interface
- Native function
- It has a Visual ending and features Existing widgets
5- M2MLabs Mainspring
M2MLabs Mainspring software is a framework used to develop machine-to-machine (M2M) applications such as remote control, fleet management, or smart terminals. This software provides programmers with various features such as the flexible design of the device and its structure, communication between the machine and the application, validation and normalization of data, long-term storage of data, and data recovery.
This tool is based on Java and the Apache Cassandra NoSQL database system. Developers can model M2M applications very quickly and transfer them to a powerful J2EE-based executable environment and the Apache Cassandra database.
6- ThingsBoard
The ThingsBoard tool is designed to collect data, process, visualize and manage the device. In addition to cloud compatibility and default deployment extensions, the tool supports all standard IoT protocols such as CoAP, MQTT, and HTTP. This tool develops workflow based on the design of Life Cycle Events, REST API events, and RPC requests. Some features of the ThingsBoard tool include:
- It has a stable platform that combines scalability, production, and fault tolerance.
- Normalizes and changes the device’s inputs and announces various device activities such as remote control, recovery, or inactivity through alarms.
- Ability to create Use-State attributes through a set of customizable rules
- Ability to control millions of devices simultaneously
- Each computer connected to the software is in a certain place, so no errors occur.
- Multi-tenant installations capability
- It has 30 custom widgets for better user access
7- Kimona
The tool is a semiconductor hardware platform owned by Marvell, which includes three different open source projects. The Kimona Create Kit is a DIY tool used to model electronic devices. Kimona Studio is a software development environment that works with the Set-Up and Runtime of the Kinoma platform. Kimona Connect application is also a free application for Android and iOS phones that allows users to connect their phones to IoT devices.
8- kaa iot platform
The Kaa platform is a versatile, flexible middleware used to build end-to-end solutions, connected software, and smart devices. This tool allows users to communicate effectively and collaboratively on smart and connected devices. The Kaa platform has advanced models for deploying IoT Multi-Cloud solutions that can be implemented in small startups or large organizations.
In addition, the Kaa platform is primarily based on flexible microservices that are easily compatible with any application. Other features of this firmware include:
- Facilitate the joint activity of different devices with each other
- Ability to control the device in Real-Time, remote repair of the device and its structure
- Build Cloud service for smart devices
- Ability to send messages in various formats by the end-user (End-User) to the endpoints (Endpoint) through subject-based warning systems (Topic-Based)
- Real-time monitoring of the device
- Simultaneous management of multiple connected devices
- Ability to collect and analyze sensor data
9- SiteWhere
The SiteWhere platform controls the capture, processing, storage, and integration of device input data. The platform runs on the Apache Tomcat container and provides MongoDB and HBase database implementations. In addition, the SiteWhere platform can be on cloud services such as AWS, Azure, GCP, and on-premises. It also supports the Kubernetes cluster platform. Some of the salient features of the SiteWhere platform are:
- Ability to run any IoT application in an Instance of the SiteWhere platform
- Ability to configure through the Spring framework
- Add widgets via Self-Registration, Batch, and REST services
- Use the Grafana platform to visualize SiteWhere data
- Storing data and events in the InfluxDB database
- Ability to connect to MQTT, Stomp, and AMQP protocols
- Ability to integrate with Third-Party Frameworks
- Use the Eclipse Californium framework to send restricted application protocol (CoAP) messages
- Use HBase as a non-communication database
10- DSA
The DSA architecture makes connections between the device, logic, and IoT infrastructure. With this tool, a decentralized collaboration between different devices is possible. In addition, by creating network engineer technology, Network Engineer divides the overall performance between Discrete computing systems. You can also manage the Nodes, Permissions, and Links feature from DSLinks.
11- Thinger
This tool provides users with a scalable cloud space for connecting IoT devices. You can control different devices by running the Admin console or combining them with your project through the REST API. The tool also supports various hacker boards such as Raspberry Pi, Intel Edison, and ESP8266. The Thinger tool is also compatible with IFTT technology and provides users with real-time data through a beautiful dashboard.