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The Internet of Things will ‘create a single human family’, economist predicts

Connected devices capable of communicating between themselves will change the world, with one economist predicting the Internet of Things movement is set to ‘create a single human family’.

A key trend of CES 2015, the Internet of Things is on the verge of global expansion, and Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation of Economic Trends has predicted the emerging technology could have a profound impact on the human race.

“Today, we are embarking on revolution,” he said, speaking at the CES 2015 keynote.

The Internet of Things will bring the human race together as a single, extended human family for the very first time in history, allowing us to share our commercial and social lives in ways never before imagined,” Rifkin predicted.

He added: “We are on the cusp of a great economic transformation. The rise of the Internet of Things is going to improve the lives of billions of people and create a more efficient, democratic and sustainable future.”

At the heart of this transformation is the Internet and, according to Rifkin, the open, all-encompassing nature of the web.

“Openness is at the heart of what has made the Internet a success,” he suggested. “By ensuring everyone access, and making sure that no one is discriminated against, it is the platform to unit the world.”

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Rifkin’s comments and opinions were echoed by Samsung CEO, BK Yoon.

The manufacturing head, addressing the same keynote crowd, stated: “The Internet of Things is arguably the most important topic for our industry right now.”

Although Rifkin failed to put a timeframe on this idea of a unified human race, Mr Yoon suggested the process is already underway.

He added: “The Internet of Things is not in the distant future. I would argue that the Internet of Things has already started.”

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