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Reference.org
Smart object
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<p>A smart object is an object that enhances the interaction with not only people but also with other smart objects. Also known as smart connected products or smart connected things (SCoT), they are products, assets and other things embedded with processors, sensors, software and connectivity that allow data to be exchanged between the product and its environment, manufacturer, operator/user, and other products and systems. Connectivity also enables some capabilities of the product to exist outside the physical device, in what is known as the product cloud. The data collected from these products can be then analyzed to inform decision-making, enable operational efficiencies and continuously improve the performance of the product. </p><p>It can not only refer to interaction with physical world objects but also to interaction with virtual (computing environment) objects. A smart physical object may be created either as an artifact or manufactured product or by embedding electronic tags such as <a href="/facts/RFID_tag/4CnmIV2b">RFID tags</a> or sensors into non-smart physical objects. Smart virtual objects are created as software objects that are intrinsic when creating and operating a virtual or cyber world simulation or game. The concept of a smart object has several origins and uses, see History. There are also several overlapping terms, see also <a href="/facts/Smart_device/cnm7E5Vh">smart device</a>, tangible object or <a href="/facts/Tangible_user_interface/PmbEvkEb">tangible user interface</a> and Thing as in the <a href="/facts/Internet_of_things/rwwGAxn3">Internet of things</a>. </p>