# Thing ## Thing > A thing, in the context of the Internet of things (IoT), is an entity or physical object that has a unique identifier, an embedded system and the ability to transfer data over a network. ## Intelligent Agents > In artificial intelligence, an intelligent agent (IA) is an autonomous entity which observes through sensors and acts upon an environment using actuators (i.e. it is an agent) and directs its activity towards achieving goals (i.e. it is "rational", as defined in economics). Intelligent agents may also learn or use knowledge to achieve their goals. They may be very simple or very complex: a reflex machine such as a thermostat is an intelligent agent. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent_agent) > > Agent, Human & Robotic > > PEAS. Performance, Environment, Actuators and Sensors ## Microcontrollers > A microcontroller (or MCU, short for microcontroller unit) is a small computer (SoC) on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcontroller) ## Embedded Systems > An embedded system is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, often with real-time computing constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. Embedded systems control many devices in common use today. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embedded_system) > > Embedded Systems Vs Deeply Embedded Systems? Embedded Systems: Programming Languages > C and JAVA? * C * C++ * JAVA (Oracle JAVA ME Embedded) * 700 KB RAM / 2 MB ROM (Full Configuration) * 130 KB RAM / 350 KB ROM (Minimal Configuration) * Network Connection --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://theiotlearninginitiative.gitbook.io/internetofthings101/architecture/thing.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.