Internet of Everything (IoE) -- From Molecules to the Universe

TL;DR

This paper proposes a comprehensive IoE framework inspired by the universe's interconnectedness, aiming to unify various IoX domains for advanced applications from molecules to cosmic scales.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of IoXs, explores their interconnections, and outlines a roadmap for expanding IoT into a universal IoE system with novel application pathways.

Findings

Identification of potential interaction pathways among IoXs

Proposal of new IoXs essential for IoE completeness

Discussion of applications and challenges of IoE

Abstract

The universe is a vast heterogeneous network of interconnected entities that continuously generate and exchange information through various forms of interactions, some of which are yet to be discovered. Internet of Everything (IoE) framework, inspired by the ubiquitous and adaptive connectivity and the seamless interoperability within this universal network, puts forward a new road map beyond the conventional Internet of Things (IoT) towards maximizing the resolution of our interface with the universe to enable unprecedented applications. The first pillar of this road map is to reveal novel and tangible interconnections between seemingly noninteracting branches of IoT, which we call IoXs with X referring to their application domains, e.g., Internet of Energy (IoEn), Internet of Vehicles (IoV). The second pillar is to develop new IoXs that can complement the existing ones to complete the overall IoE picture and match its networking traits to that of the universe for a seamless and all-embracing cyber-physical interface. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential of this holistic IoE approach to expand the limited application landscape of the current IoT practice on a scale ranging $\textit{from molecules to the universe}$. To this end, we identify several potential interaction pathways among IoXs and introduce novel and emerging IoXs that are essential to the comprehensiveness of IoE. We also discuss the potential applications that can be enabled by such interconnections within the IoE framework and identify the associated challenges.