<human>:  Could you explain the concept of the internet of things?
<bot>: The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that refers to the connections made between physical devices such as smart home appliances and electronics, vehicles, and building automation systems, to the internet. It is the use of internet communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other network protocols to allow devices to send data to each other and also to exchange instructions or messages with other connected devices. This allows for a variety of applications from controlling a heating or lighting system remotely to enabling automated responses, such as when a driver pulls up to a parking lot their car can open the gate and the smart meter can adjust the rate according to the time of day. This concept is currently changing the way we think about technology and its uses and promises to provide greater efficiency and convenience than ever before.