ThingSpeak

ThingSpeak is an open source Internet of Things (IoT) application and API for aggregating, visualizing, and analyzing live data streams. It allows users to collect data from sensors, process it, and then act on it. The platform is designed to be easy to use, enabling rapid prototyping and data logging for IoT projects.

Users can send data to ThingSpeak from various devices, including microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, as well as other internet-connected hardware. The data is then stored in channels, which are essentially organized data streams. Once data is in ThingSpeak, users can create visualizations such as charts and graphs to monitor their sensor readings in real-time.

Beyond visualization, ThingSpeak offers capabilities for data analysis. Users can apply mathematical functions and statistical methods to their data to gain insights. Furthermore, ThingSpeak supports the creation of react applications, which can trigger actions based on incoming data. For example, a user could set up a reaction to turn on a fan if a temperature sensor reading exceeds a certain threshold.

The platform also provides a free tier for non-commercial use, making it accessible for hobbyists, students, and researchers. Commercial use and access to advanced features are available through paid licenses. ThingSpeak is part of MathWorks, the company behind MATLAB, which facilitates integration with MATLAB's powerful analytical tools.