Sebanti Roy Chowdhury

IoT predictions for 2021: Smarter tech will make better business IoT is affecting every sphere of life today. From smart homes to smart grids, from wearables to industrial settings, IoT solutions are transforming the world towards a technology-driven environment. Reports predict that over 35 billion IoT enabled solutions will be installed all over the world by 2021. IoT’s network of inter-connected devices allows efficient data sharing, letting devices and equipment to communicate. Here’s how such innovative technologies can provide more opportunities to enterprises for better business outcomes. Integration of AI and ML into the IoT platform As digital transformation sways across industries, even in India, large-scale use of IoT is emerging. Smart surveillance, smart cities, medical applications, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and more such use cases are rising. Creating, operating, and keeping such IoT implementations secure is sure to become complex as endpoints increase. Incorporating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into the IoT platform will become necessary to help the end-use cases run smoothly.   Adoption of IoT enabled solutions in transportation Upcoming technologies are set to lower shipping and transporting costs and improve efficiency. Some of the ongoing trends in IoT-led transformations in the transport and logistics sector include: Automotive IoT enabling predictive diagnostics and vehicle maintenance Telematics systems monitoring vehicle location and speed, empowering transport management Real-time cargo monitoring with IoT remote monitoring solution Predictive maintenance in manufacturing Manufacturers need to keep their machinery and equipment running in prime shape to stay competitive. Deploying IoT applications to collect data through ultrasonic and vibration sensors can predict potential damages. This IoT remote monitoring solution can allow businesses in the manufacturing and other sectors steer clear of sudden breakdowns and productivity losses. Also, operational and workflow efficiencies can get a boost from: Infra-red cameras on production lines replacing human inspectors Applications of holographic visualizations 360-degree safety scanning with smart sensors Real-time digital blueprints Digitization to make healthcare more effective The arrival of 5G and IoT enabled solutions have created possibilities for remote, robotic surgeries. Virtual and mixed reality technologies allow surgeons to visualize possible roadblocks and chart out roadmaps before starting procedures. Moreover, IoT-enabled wearables can: Continuously track heart rate and measure body temperature Facilitate better patient monitoring Lead to high-quality video virtual check-ups, reducing physical contact between doctors and patients, crucial in the current pandemic Hospitals can also use connected sensors to track lifesaving devices such as ventilators. IoT remote monitoring solution can enable better medical equipment management and improved patient care. Breakthroughs in Edu-tech and remote learning As the pandemic broke, education shifted to virtual classrooms. But the social aspect of teaching is difficult to replicate with remote learning. Here’s where a merger of the IoT platform, 5G, and augmented reality can bridge the gap with: Virtual field trips Sharing of resources among schools Enhanced interactions between teachers and students with smartboards Thus, IoT can take education to the next level. Conclusion As businesses look to large-scale digital transformation, standardization of IoT enabled solutions will improve. Smart technology will continue becoming more advanced and keep changing businesses and their customers’ lives. https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/corporate-news/5-technologies-that-will-shape-our-world-over-the-next-five-years/- https://www.ericsson.com/en/blog/2021/1/iot-predictions-2021 https://www.fintechnews.org/top-emerging-iot-trends-business-should-look-for-in-2021/ https://vilmate.com/blog/the-internet-of-things-future-is-coming-5-iot-trends-for-2018/