Due to various reasons, IoT devices are particularly prone to failure or even scrapping. The blue LED lights up when Ubi is turned on, then restarts inexplicably after two minutes, and then repeats this process until the user loses patience. Sometimes, when the blue ring Ubi is restarted, it will hiss or crack, or make a faint scream from the speaker.
Ubi is a consumer-grade intelligent hardware of Internet of Things launched by UCIC on Kickstarter in 20 12. It is a voice control auxiliary equipment, which can directly control smart light bulbs, thermostats, smart small household appliances and so on. Through the sound. It works in a similar way to Amazon Echo, but it was launched two years earlier than Amazon Echo. As the first company to develop intelligent hardware for the Internet of Things, we are faced with many difficulties to overcome. We should not only design, develop, build and release products, but also guide users to install and debug for the first time. We should know the fault of hardware equipment at the first time, so as to find out the cause of the fault quickly and make a solution.
IoT devices bring some risks to users. As more devices are added to the home, more devices will break down. These IOT devices lack a simple operation interface, the installation process is complicated, and there is no warning information before the failure. Internet of things devices need continuous networking to play a role, and are easily affected by network or hardware problems, thus becoming bricks. Equipment manufacturers must ensure that their products can meet the needs of customers for a long time after installation.
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Two ways of equipment scrapping
There are many ways to scrap IOT equipment, but it usually happens in one of two cycles: work cycle or life cycle, which is actually equivalent to death in old age. To some extent, even the best Internet service is tiring. When we are tired of a product, we will unplug it from the socket and stop using it. The highest level of equipment use is continuous use until the end of its life cycle (seeing that the oldest camera is still available). However, before the end of the product life cycle, the work cycle may end. For IOT devices, hardware or software may cause equipment failure. Equipment usually has some signs of failure before it is scrapped. For startup devices, such as switches, plugs, lights, thermostats, etc., the failure forms of these devices are mainly reflected in the longer delay than usual, the completion of some instructions (for example, the thermostat can provide heat, but it can't reach the required temperature), the lack of confirmation after success, or the complete error. For voice assistant devices, faults can be manifested as slow or unclear voice, inability to respond correctly or inability to understand user instructions. For WiFi speakers, there are usually noises such as snapping, sonic boom or buzzing when playing. Generally speaking, with the passage of time, the end of the working cycle of all IOT devices may be reflected by non-functional LED flashing, different LED colors flashing when the device is turned on, physical discoloration of the device and unstable network connection.
Causes of equipment scrapping
Bringing IOT devices to market requires more obligations, and you need to constantly improve, adjust and add new functions after users first contact with the products. Without these improvements, the product will end its mission ahead of schedule. There are many reasons for the scrapping of IOT equipment, which may be the failure of network service, or the collapse of software running locally on the equipment, or the aging of equipment hardware. The "I" of IOT means that the equipment needs background operation and maintenance support services. The Internet of Things aims to drive devices remotely, collect sensor data, or both. With the iterative extension of product functions, the server also needs to be constantly updated; If there is a problem with the background operation and maintenance support service, or the priority changes, the equipment service may be terminated. If the IOT equipment relies on this service, it will become useless.
The voice interaction function consists of Google and Android voice recognition software. If Google updates this service, it also requires Android to support updates, so we must constantly push new updates to keep the device running. This is an infinite loop. Any IoT device running applications on an operating system that needs to be updated will be in trouble, especially if the operation of the device depends on the registration of the operating system (such as the Android version of Google Play service). To some extent, the application service may be terminated. For IoT devices with touch screens, users may need to manually stop running or programs. The most difficult reason for managing equipment scrap is the physical failure of components. In the working cycle, this may be due to wear, thermal factors or other mechanical failures; Plugs and connectors limit the number of times cables are plugged and unplugged, the number of times batteries are charged and discharged, and heat can also lead to premature aging of equipment.
Why IOT devices are more likely to be scrapped?
Due to various reasons, IoT devices are particularly prone to failure or even scrapping. First of all, the Internet of Things is a new product type. Compared with electrical appliances or automobiles, there are few experiences and lessons accumulated in product iteration. Many startups are involved in the Internet of Things, and these startups are also producing consumer goods equipment for the first time. In order to change the general lack of experience in this industry, it is necessary to learn the experience related to quality assurance and product testing. Another major factor in scrapping IOT devices is the usage pattern. Usually, these devices are always on, waiting to receive commands or transmit data. Non-IOT devices can enter sleep mode, but IOT devices (such as webcams) are always on, which will generate heat and components are easily damaged by heat. In addition, the equipment may be installed in a closed space, making it difficult to dissipate heat. Many times, the equipment is scrapped without any fault symptoms. The infrastructure behind IOT devices also needs constant maintenance and updating. Many first-generation intelligent hardware companies may not consider the cost and effort to maintain the vitality of services, which eventually leads to the closure of services. In addition, equipment manufacturers need to be vigilant at all times to ensure that equipment is not used by hackers when security protocols are changed or security vulnerabilities are fixed.
What can equipment manufacturers do?
Prevention of equipment scrapping should start from the product design stage. The product manager can provide the expected goal of the equipment life cycle, and then the designer can design and select the BOM according to the goal. Testing equipment is very important to prevent scrapping, including testing in extreme environment (high/low humidity and temperature) and fault inspection after production (opening the equipment before shipment and running for multiple test cycles).
UBI test
It is also helpful for the early warning system to remind the fault. For example, monitor the internal temperature of the equipment, measure the startup delay time, or remind users and maintenance teams once the equipment is disconnected. Similarly, users can visit official website, communicate the problems existing in the equipment in time, and get diagnostic and maintenance tools. For any IoT product, wireless update can quickly alleviate any possible software or firmware problems. For the equipment that needs to be installed, there are replaceable modules (such as computing modules) that users can remove, thus bringing a better user experience. In the product design stage, we consider what the rating of 10/ 10 iFixit may be, and then deduce the work that should be done in the design stage.
Deal with the inevitable problems
If the equipment that users like is scrapped prematurely, the manufacturer can handle it in the following ways: ◆ Provide alternatives for users who like the product ◆ Inform the service life in advance ◆ Give discounts when upgrading to the next generation of equipment ◆ Set up or support a team to repair or transform the product for users ◆ Monitor and report not only the health status of individual user equipment, but also the health status of all equipment and systems ◆ Send a reminder of possible failures in advance before users realize the problem. All equipment will eventually be eliminated, and no equipment can guarantee 6544. As the Internet of Things equipment has become a part of family and work, we should make long-term planning to make the equipment service more stable and lasting.