Last Updated on January 26, 2023
Everybody loves and embraces technology. Everything that we see around us and use is due to innovation and technological prowess. Technological advancement has enhanced manufacturing processes, making electronics more accessible.
There was a time when we could count the products that we owned containing a microchip. Now, we’ve lost count of the things we owned that contain a microchip. Today almost everybody has a smartwatch, smartphone, laptop, PlayStation, virtual assistant, and more.
We are submerged with devices. They are in our hands, pockets, homes, street, retail stores, businesses, and many more. But that doesn’t stop there, from washing machines, and thermostats to refrigerators, pillows, and switches, every device and appliance is becoming smart.
Just like electricity in the 1900s has turned everything to electronic, in the 21st century, connectivity is turning everything smart. The entire world is becoming a huge interconnected entity.
Until recently access to the internet was limited only to electronic gadgets like computers, smartphones, and tablets. But now with the internet of things (IoT), practically all appliances can be connected to the web and monitored remotely.
Connectivity allows almost everything to interconnect with each other. There are an estimated 13.1 billion connected devices in the world and this number is projected to reach 29.42 billion by 2030.
The global population is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030. This means that by 2030, each person on earth may have on average 3 to 4 connected devices. Moreover, there is an estimated 6.64 billion smartphones in circulation around the world.
The number of gadgets connected to the internet is expected to grow exponentially to reach 100 billion by 2050. This exponential trajectory is based on Moore’s law. The engineer Gordon Moore predicted that the number of transistors on a chip would double every two years.
This is why computers have been shrinking from filling up a room to filling up your pocket while becoming way more powerful and cheaper. Think of all the senses in your smartphone and all the things you can do with it at the speed of light.
Connected gadgets and smartphones collect and generate a large amount of data about user activity to deliver better services. In the 21st century, the world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil but big data.
Each interaction we have with a connected device generates some kind of data. We generate approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every single day. By 2025 it is projected that the global data generated will reach 181 zettabytes and we will generate 463 exabytes daily.
These growths will be hugely beneficial for companies and also cities that are thinking to utilize technology to deliver better services, improve productivity, create a safe environment or innovate to introduce new products.
The more we are adopting technology, the more innovative we become. With the increased adoption of different technologies such as machine learning, immersive technology (VR, AR, MR, and XR), artificial intelligence, and the internet of things the world is taking another digital leap.
Contents
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things is the interconnection of physical devices, things, and systems to the Internet. It is a system where all kinds of electronics and physical objects in the real world are connected to the Internet.
The IoT infrastructures and technologies operate various objects through an Internet connection. It is a concept that allows electronic gadgets to interact with their environment. This technology allows connected devices to communicate with each other and exchange data.
Connected smart gadgets that made up the IoT infrastructure are used to collect or send data, or even perform tasks autonomously. This interconnectedness of physical objects with software allows the monitoring and controlling of smart technologies remotely as well as allowing for more efficient and intelligent operations.
The Internet of things is about extending the power of connectivity beyond computers and mobile phones to a whole range of other things, processes, and environments. Any gadget that has an on/off switch and is connected to the internet can become a smart device.
Nowadays, most connected smart devices have some kind of sensor that allows them to monitor various conditions. These can be everyday objects like television, refrigerator, washing machine, heating system, electric garage doors, etc…
These objects can be controlled remotely, using computers, smartphones, or tablets via a standard internet connection. IoT devices can also communicate with each other through the exchange of data much like computers and smartphones can send and receive information without human intervention.
The IoT infrastructures make it possible to establish a bridge between the virtual world and physical objects with information and communication technologies. It is a huge trend that is growing at a rapid pace, with many people expecting it to take over traditional forms of technology in the future.
Trends for internet of things
There is no doubt that the internet of things is quickly becoming one of the most influential and rapidly growing trends in technology. It allows electronic gadgets and systems to collect and share information.
This data is then used to improve the performance of the devices and systems or to provide insights that help people and businesses better manage their operations and resources. These systems can intelligently manage resources and optimize operations based on real-time information.
They can also improve safety and save money by reducing waste and unnecessary costs. As a result, the IoT industry is rapidly evolving, leading to new opportunities and trends that are transforming the way we live and work.
Below are some of the current and upcoming trends in IoT that are likely to shape the future of human activity to make our lives easier. The connectivity infrastructure is growing in importance, creating a lot of new and exciting innovations. Here are several trends of IoT:
Autonomous vehicles
The internet of things is important for autonomous cars because it allows them to communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure, and to diagnose and fix problems. This would allow the vehicle to drive more safely and efficiently.
Autonomous vehicles promise a bright future since human beings can sometimes be sloppy and unreliable. We can get distracted, bored, or tired which sometimes lead to road congestion or even accident.
Estimation reveals that 93.5% of road accidents are due to human errors and congestion is due to clumsy driving. Hence, with fully autonomous vehicles circulating on our roads, each car can connect with each other through the internet to exchange information.
Autonomous cars rely on the IoT to collect data about the environment around them. This information is used to help the vehicles navigate and avoid obstacles. These vehicles come with many luxuries such as real-time traffic coordination.
Data exchange help coordinate self-driving cars thus reducing the risk of errors. Driving coordination allows vehicles to maintain a constant speed which leads to more cars fitting on the road thus reducing congestion.
By exchanging information, autonomous vehicles will be able to move faster and closer to each other. Moreover, smart traffic systems and autonomous technology can offer us aspects among many that have never been explored.
The IoT is making cars smarter by helping them avoid accidents and saving lives. It is estimated that autonomous cars can reduce road fatalities by 90%, drop harmful emissions by 60% and reduce travel time by 40%.
The automotive IoT market is expected to grow from USD 82.7 in 2021 to reach USD 621.8 billion by 2030 which represents a CAGR increase of 25.13% from 2022 to 2030. It can also provide an economic value of USD 240 to 300 billion by 2030.
Artificial intelligence (AIoT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in the Internet of Things. As more and more devices are connected to the internet, intelligent internet of things helps make sense of the data they generate and help us make better decisions.
Artificial intelligence is also used to automate processes, allowing us to save time and money. With AI, we can create smarter, more efficient systems that can adapt to changing conditions. This enables us to get the most out of our connected technologies and maximize their potential.
AI is being used to enable connected devices to learn from user data and create smarter IoT applications that are more efficient and secure. It also helps us make better use of the data generated by connected gadgets. For example, it can be used for predictive analytics and anomaly detection.
In short, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with IoT devices and how they interact with each other. The AI in IoT market was valued at USD 78 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 142.4 billion by 2032.
Machine learning
The Internet of Things is a rapidly growing technology. With its ability to connect devices and collect information, it has become an invaluable tool for businesses and consumers alike. As such, it is increasingly important to find ways to make IoT more efficient and effective.
One of the most promising ways of doing this is through the use of Machine Learning (ML). ML is a technique that allows computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed and combined with IoT, devices process and act on data in an uncontrolled environment.
By using machine learning, IoT technologies can learn from data to improve their performance. It is also used to create predictive analytics that can help identify patterns in information and provide insights into how best to use connected devices.
ML also helps automate processes, allowing businesses to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Machine learning in IoT will revolutionize how we interact with our environment, allowing us to get more out of our connected electronics than ever before.
The combination of these two technologies has enabled us to create smart homes, smart cities of the future, and a range of other intelligent applications. With ML algorithms, we can now collect data from connected devices and use it to make predictions and decisions in real-time.
This information can be used to optimize processes, enhance user experience, improve safety, and more. By leveraging machine learning with IoT technology, businesses can gain insights into their operations that were previously impossible to obtain.
One common use of machine learning in IoT is to improve the accuracy of sensors. By understanding the data collected by sensors, smart devices can improve their accuracy. For example, a sensor that monitors temperature can use machine learning to learn how temperature varies over time. This information can then be used to improve the accuracy of future readings.
5G network
The 5G is the next generation of communication technology that is gaining traction. It aims at improving wireless network connectivity. The technology delivers better connection speed and near-zero latency.
5G enables the connection of more devices to a network at a higher speed with minimal lag. It is set to bring new applications to the IoT environment enabling complete automation in many industries as well as entire cities.
The technology is still in its infancy and doesn’t have wide coverage but it is expected to evolve to include bigger devices over larger areas in the upcoming years. Thus creating wireless vehicular connectivity.
Future applications of IoT powered by 5G will help different industries as well as individuals to gain optimal benefits. 5G will accelerate IoT, allowing a larger data load to be transmitted and processed which can create better ease of living.
It will also create a viable environment to control a broader range of technologies remotely as well as autonomously. This new generation of wireless telecommunications will enable unprecedented levels of connectivity in the internet of things.
This connectivity will allow devices to communicate with each other more quickly and reliably, and to interact with their surroundings in new ways. 5G will also enhance applications of IoT in areas such as smart cities, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
It will also allow for the development of new services such as autonomous driving and remote-assisted surgery. By enabling faster and more reliable communication between devices, 5G will make the world more connected and efficient.
The 5G IoT market is growing very fast, at a compound annual rate of 73%. The market was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 40.2 billion by 2026.
Smart city
Cities around the world are home to more than 55% of the global population, consume two-thirds of the global energy, emit two-thirds of the world’s carbon emission, consume a lot of water, produce a lot of waste, subject to climate change and the list goes on.
This is why smart cities are sparking interest and investment. Smart city solutions are powerful ways to manage and maintain the efficiency of underlying public infrastructure. It is a hot initiative around the world nowadays.
The use of technology especially IoT and leveraging human capital is a key component of smart cities. The city infrastructure is packed with a lot of internet-connected devices that generate data to monitor and improve the efficiency of services.
With the power of the internet of things, cities can provide better services and foster innovation while improving the life of residents. Smart cities manage energy consumption and waste through internet-connected devices, while also improving overall productivity.
Smart city projects around the world emphasize interactiveness. IoT smart city technology helps pertains to the day-to-day maintenance of urban space and is an indispensable ingredient in making the urban environment safe, livable, and ecologically sustainable.
IoT devices can include cars, appliances, buildings, infrastructure, and other gadgets. The internet of things can help municipalities and other organizations manage their resources more efficiently and improve their operations.
One example of how the IoT can help in a smart city is the use of sensors to monitor traffic. Smart city technologies can use this information to create models of traffic flow and plan routes accordingly. This can help reduce congestion and make the city more livable.
The technology can also help municipalities manage their energy use. For example, a smart city could use sensors to monitor energy usage in buildings and apartments. This information could then be used to create models of energy use and make recommendations for improvement. The IoT smart cities market is expected to reach USD 312.2 billion by 2026.
Smart homes
The interconnectedness of IoT allows devices to exchange data and interact with each other to perform various tasks. One of the most prevalent uses of internet of things is in smart homes. It is a home that can operate autonomously through the use of digital devices and the internet.
IoT in smart homes brings more efficiency, security, and comfort to user life than ever before. Smart homes use a variety of connected electronics to automate tasks and provide convenience for homeowners.
With the help of IoT technology, homeowners can control their homes from anywhere in the world with just a few taps on their smartphone or tablet. From controlling lights and temperature to monitoring security cameras and even unlocking doors remotely,
IoT smart homes are set to revolutionize the way we live our lives. With IoT, homeowners can monitor energy usage in real-time, receive notifications when something is amiss in their home, and even control lights and appliances from anywhere in the world.
As the technology continues to evolve, it will become an essential part of our lives as we strive for greater convenience and efficiency in our homes. The smart home market is expected to grow at a compound rate of 27% to reach USD 537.01 billion by 2030.
Smart building
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, so too are the buildings in which we live and work. Increasingly, we are turning to the IoT to help us manage and optimize our buildings, from the lighting and HVAC systems in our homes to the infrastructure that powers our cities and businesses.
The Internet of Things is enabling the creation of smarter, more efficient, and more secure buildings by connecting physical devices and systems with digital networks. IoT-enabled smart buildings are not only more energy-efficient but also provide a better user experience for occupants.
The advent of smart buildings has allowed us to connect and monitor all aspects of a building’s operations, from lighting and climate control to security systems and energy management. By leveraging the power of IoT, businesses can create smarter buildings that are more efficient and cost-effective than ever before.
With sensors embedded in every corner of a building, businesses can better understand how their buildings are being used and make adjustments accordingly. It also enables businesses to automate processes such as energy management, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.
The possibilities for IoT in smart buildings are endless from improved safety measures to enhanced customer experiences. IoT-enabled building is becoming a key technology for businesses looking to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
By leveraging the power of IoT, smart buildings are becoming increasingly popular in both commercial and residential settings, allowing us to maximize efficiency while minimizing costs. The global smart building market is expected to reach USD 201.16 billion by 2031.
Edge computing
The reduction in cost, ease of use, and efficiency that today’s devices bring to us as well as their exponential computing power has led to an increase in data generated and collected. We are collecting information more than we can analyze.
Connected apparatuses are becoming ubiquitous in our lives and are engaged in key decision-making processes. With the information generated, we can’t just send everything to a cloud afar because the latency is too high.
This has led to an increased demand for local processing of data, as it offers a faster, more secure solution for businesses and individuals alike. Edge computing allows some of the data generated to be processed locally thus reducing latency. Latency is the time information takes to travel from one point to another.
Edge computing provides near-zero latency thus allowing IoT gadgets to take action at the speed of light. As more devices become connected to the internet, they can generate and process data more quickly and accurately than ever before.
With edge computing, more computing takes place on the device where the information is collected. The enhanced computing power of devices allows them to process the data collected on the edge. Edge computing technology provides high bandwidth and low latency.
With the help of IoT edge, businesses can now process large amounts of data locally without having to rely on cloud-based solutions. This allows companies to take advantage of real-time insights from their customers and environment to make better decisions.
Blockchain
We know that IoT gadgets increase the risk of cyberattacks. There is a technology that can work with the internet of things to create a more secure and efficient network. Blockchain technology is a digital ledger that keeps track of all the exchanges that occur on the network.
IoT devices can be configured to use blockchain technology to manage and store data. This allows for the information to be accessed and monitored by the network. The digital ledger can also record the interactions that take between devices.
The blockchain is a powerful tool for recording and managing events in the internet of things. When a sensor or machine is registered on the ledger, it becomes a permanent, tamper-proof record of its state and activity. This removes the need for central systems to maintain records.
Blockchain is set to accelerate IoT infrastructure by creating a trustless, tamper-proof network that can communicate and transact data between devices. Blockchain IoT is an application that allows connected platforms to securely and transparently communicate with each other.
It creates a tamper-proof ledger of all activity in an IoT network. This ledger can be used to identify and track the health and operations of appliances, as well as to automate the management and execution of rules and policies.
For example, a blockchain-based IoT network could be used to manage and track the health of devices, track the location of assets, or manage payments between different platforms safely. Another potential use for blockchain in IoT is to create a tamper-proof record of device interactions.
This could be used to verify that a gadget has been properly installed and is functioning correctly, or to verify that an electronic asset has been transferred from one owner to another. The technology can also create a decentralized platform for the IoT.
This platform could be used to manage and track the data generated by appliances or to manage and track the interactions between devices. It helps to identify and resolve problems quickly, improve security, and reduce costs. The global blockchain IoT market is expected to reach USD 48,451 million by 2030.
The fragmented nature of IoT matches with the decentralized nature of blockchain can improve anonymity and security to multiple networks and their owners, while the digital signatures and private keys following each transaction guarantee that the connected environment will be safe.
Healthcare
The IoT is transforming the healthcare sector. Healthcare is the use of networked devices and sensors to collect and analyze data about patients’ health and well-being. This information helps improve patient care and the overall quality of life for patients.
IoT healthcare is used to track the progress of patients and make sure that they are receiving the treatment that they need. It also helps prevent problems from happening in the first place like monitoring patients with chronic conditions and helps to detect early signs of illness.
IoT devices can assist practitioners while enhancing the control of medical parameters. With connected devices, it is easier for medical professionals to monitor patients’ activities and vital signs without having to be physically present.
Based on the data generated by the patient, healthcare services can assist accordingly. IoT help by improving the monitoring and transmission of patient data. Soon, patients and doctors no longer need to meet in person as everything can be done through remote patient monitoring.
This could be extremely useful in times of crisis and also prevent unnecessary moves to the hospital. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is another trend where data is collected to help doctors understand patients’ conditions and lifestyles.
The healthcare sector collects data through smart sensors to help practitioners better understand critical situations faster and more accurately. This also enables patients to be more informed about their conditions.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning-based computerized diagnostics will help analyze patient data and change our comprehension of well-being. The IoMT is a sophisticated health tech ecosystem that will pave the way for new technologies such as medical kiosks.
Agriculture (precision farming)
Agriculture is a big industry with a long history of using technology to improve efficiency and productivity. The internet of things is a growing trend in agriculture that is connecting farm equipment, sensors, and other devices to the internet.
The agriculture sector is experiencing a revolution triggered by the implementation of technology in the industry. Farmers are using smart solutions such as the internet of things and geospatial technology to improve and scaled up yields sustainably.
To meet the ever-growing food demands, farmers are turning to smart farming to increase yield. This technique is about harnessing the power of data to cultivate the soil. IoT devices collect data such as light, humidity, temperature, soil moisture, crop health, etc…
These data enable farmers to intelligently monitor field conditions from anywhere as well as track routine activities. Farmers can also monitor weather conditions and crop health remotely, which helps them make informed decisions about when to irrigate, fertilize, pesticide or harvest their crops.
By automatically monitoring crops, farmers can also avoid costly mistakes. IoT improves agricultural efficiency by connecting farmers and ranchers to remote data sources, enabling them to exchange information. The IoT in agriculture market is expected to reach USD 28.56 billion by 2030.
Precision agriculture techniques help farmers achieve higher yields by improving the accuracy of their inputs while also reducing the environmental impact of their operations. It also helps use fertilizers and pesticides efficiently and optimize costs of operation to increase profits
Internet of Everything (IoE)
The internet of everything refers to the trend of embedding internet-connected devices into everyday objects to create a “smart” environment. It is a hypothetical future in which everything is connected and can be monitored.
This interconnectedness will allow for new ways of doing business, communicating, and consuming information. The benefits of this interconnectedness are myriad, but perhaps the most important is its potential to improve safety and security.
By being able to monitor devices and data in real-time, businesses can prevent and respond to threats more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the ability to collect and share data across devices will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the world around us.
The internet of everything will allow physical, digital, and IoT devices as well as humans to interconnect. The IoE can help us be more efficient at managing our resources and connect us with the things we care about.
Internet of Behavior (IoB)
The internet of behavior is an emerging field of study that uses the internet and connected devices to collect and share data on a variety of behaviors. This information is used to better understand how people interact with each other, and to develop new ways to improve the way we live and work.
One application of IoB is in the field of social marketing. By understanding how people interact with each other online, social marketers can create campaigns that are more likely to be successful. Understanding consumer behavior and social habits are primordial for businesses in this highly competitive world.
With the use of the Internet of Behavior, businesses are becoming better at understanding their consumers and tailoring their products, services, and advertising campaigns to their specific needs.
The IoB collects all sorts of data to analyze human behavior and create profiles of people. The Internet of Behaviour can be used for a variety of purposes, including the monitoring of health and safety, the detection of fraud, and the tracking of consumer behavior.
Digital twins
The Internet of Things is changing the way we interact with the physical world. One revolutionary application of that is the digital twin. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects or systems that can be used to simulate and analyze real-world conditions.
Through the power of IoT, digital twins can provide real-time insights into how a product or system is performing, enabling businesses to make more informed decisions faster than ever before.
With the help of IoT digital twin, businesses can get a better understanding of their products and processes and make more efficient use of their resources. it can also be used for monitoring, managing, and optimizing operations.
It can manage physical entities (such as machines, factories, or buildings) from a remote location, or optimize their performance. One of the benefits of using a digital twin is that it can provide a more accurate picture of an object or system.
Cybersecurity and governance
With the rise of IoT, cyber risk has become an increasingly important concern. IoT devices are connected to each other and the internet which creates a lot of vulnerable points. This vulnerability male them a perfect target for malicious attacks.
This means that the system is vulnerable to cyberattacks that can steal data or disrupt operations. In addition, smart devices can be used to launch attacks against other networks or systems. Hackers can break into the most vulnerable device to access the entire network.
As a result, it is important for organizations to ensure that their IoT systems are secure from cyber threats. It is essential for companies to have a secure system in place that can detect and prevent attacks from happening.
Companies must invest in cybersecurity to ensure that their networks are regularly updated with the latest security patches and software updates to protect their data as well as customer data from any potential threats.
Moreover, with this increased connectivity and interactiveness of devices comes the need for effective governance. The implementation of effective governance for IoT requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals.
Governance in IoT can be divided into three main areas:
- Device management – the process of authorizing and managing devices on a network.
- Network management – the process of monitoring, managing, and optimizing the performance of networks and systems.
- Security – the protection of data and systems from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
IoT governance must include rules and regulations that ensure data privacy, security, reliability, and accountability. It should also provide a framework for responsible use of technology and promote ethical behavior among users.
In addition, it should ensure that IoT devices are used in a manner that does not cause harm to people or property. This will help ensure that all stakeholders are aware of their responsibilities when using these technologies and can take necessary steps to protect themselves from potential risks associated with them.
Final words
The internet is ubiquitous in our life. It is blurring the line between online and offline. We are using technology to its fullest with no sign of stopping. In the future, the internet is going to be all around us. You won’t be able to escape it.
The internet will connect everyone and everything, and we’re going to lead the charge. The Internet of Things technology is steadily growing, and therefore IoT trends are something that always needs to be watched out for.
The Internet of Things is becoming increasingly popular and is revolutionizing the way we interact with everyday objects. With the rise of connected devices, IoT has the potential to transform our lives in numerous ways. From smart homes to smart buildings and smart cities, IoT has enabled us to build a more connected and efficient world.
As a result, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in this technology so that businesses can leverage these advancements to their advantage. The Internet of Things is not a prediction but a reality that is already at our doorsteps.
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