Top IoT Trends in 2022: the Future of IoT
The Internet of Things, commonly referred to as IoT, is the expression used to describe the interconnectivity and communication between various connected devices over the internet. As a startup founder, the term might still sound a tad bit confusing, so here is an illustration to simplify it.
When the internet began, it was developed to help people connect and interact with each other through the means of desktops, mobile phones, and tablets. Then development struck, and more devices other than desktops and smartphones began to connect and interact with humans. Some of these devices include small but powerful smart watches, voice recognition digital assistants like Siri or Alexa and even larger technology like artificial intelligence.
Now, IoT development has made it possible for these devices (or things) to interact with each other without the interference of humans, hence, the Internet of Things. The technology created a reality where one device can connect with two or three more devices, transmitting information to and from the cloud through a gateway and this is why does IoT matter. The response from these devices is stimulated by the readings received through sensory devices such as heat scanners, moisture readers, and so on, like a sprinkler turning on automatically when the moisture level drops in the soil. This all happens without human interference.
IoT trends
IoT devices have exposed and launched the world into a psyched-up but also modernized way of doing things such that the burden is taken off humans, and they now begin to interact with each other via the internet and some connected networks.
The technology has moved from the obvious market of only being able to assist with Artificial Intelligence (AI), iRobots, Data Analysis, Computers, and Smartphone devices and has now been adopted in several sectors such as education, health, entertainment, business, fashion, heavy-duty factories, automobile technology, and so much more.
It has prepared a smooth way for other smart technologies to build upon and it is not just about the devices. IoT technology goes from improving the functionality of the cloud to increasing the efficiency of network bandwidths to more related developments. As a trend, IoT solutions will continue to develop among different sectors. This is even more proven based on valid forecast research conducted by Statista in 2022 using information derived since 2017.
IoT technology is expected to be adopted by over 11 billion connected devices by 2022 and over 16 billion in 2025. In 2030, the IoT market, according to the forecast, should have skyrocketed to about 25 billion IoT-connected devices. This, therefore shows strong proof that the trend is not looking to stop anytime soon. With that said, below is an overview of the top IoT trends to look out for in 2022.
- IoT moving from Cloud to Edge computing
- IoT Manufacturing
- IoT Security
- IoT in Workforce Management
- Smart Stores Powered by IoT
- Smart Cities Powered by IoT
- Wearable devices by IoT technology
- Healthcare IoT Adoption
- Smart Homes on the rise
Trend 1 – IoT moving from Cloud to Edge computing
Cloud is not necessarily overrated but they are not the latest IoT trend any longer as things have moved on to edge computing. Here, computing and data analysis is done near the data source, unlike cloud computing, where data is collected from sensors and then analyzed remotely through another server in an unknown location.
With edge computing, the sensors collecting the data are IoT devices that already can process and present meaningful data such as cameras with embedded microphones. This way, analysis and computing are faster, easier, and less tasking on the cloud. The problem of network congestion will also be eradicated since data load will be drastically reduced.
In addition, (though this would be better explained in the third point), data is more secured with edge computing since an overload of data on a particular network can cause an overload of requests. This can lead to ‘denial of service’ (DDOS), which further causes a provable leak in information flow and hence an exposure of private and sensitive information.
However, the latest IoT trend of edge computing erases this risk and also provides a quick and more effective way of delivering IoT and other required services to clients.
Trend 2 – IoT Manufacturing
For the manufacturing industry, some new IoT devices are seen to open a new array of opportunities for a better world. From improved sensors on every factor floor that detects changes in temperature, pressure, humidity, and so on to a wide range of automated machinery and manufacturing plants, safety and efficiency within the factory are almost 100% guaranteed.
Taken one after the other, the sensors, placed strategically around every corner of the factor, can help to regulate sensory parameters and monitor them to help keep the production process under control. Ensuring that these parameters are kept in check is one step forward to a safer manufacturing process.
Also, the indulgence of artificial intelligence applications for the manufacturing firm during and outside of production, either for machinery or as assistants has begun to power strong support and network. Automation of plants and factory equipment further turns the sector into an IoT space.
Finally, IoT technology takes things a step further with the provision of multiple connected devices that relieves so many personnel of stress during production. Beginning from extraction to production, refining, packaging, data processing, calculation, recording, and strategizing, IoT solutions make supervision, control, and data acquisition for all manufacturing processes as easy as possible.
All-in-all, the IoT trend that enters manufacturing is seen to gradually take the workload off manual applications to a more digitized process.
Trend 3 – IoT Security
Security is a major concern to several people nowadays, and this is highly linked to the fact that lots of information, much more than ever, are been released online daily. According to Wired, over 10 billion devices are connected and sharing information via the internet. But still, on the other hand, this could be a result of the increased number of cyber attacks that affect IoT devices (judging from the 2021 report from Kaspersky). Due to this, it isn’t much of a surprise why IoT security is a part of the top IoT trends for 2022.
Some theories suggest and even are convinced that IoT development is the driving force for security leaks. Many hypotheses believe that the more connected devices are out there, the faster it is to track and link one device to another until the ultimate goal (personal data, financial details, and so on) is reached and hijacked. Also, with the many devices online and overload on requests and servers, it is proposed that it is rather easy to attempt a DDOS (denial of service) which could lead to an unintentional exposure or leak of sensitive data that can jeopardize security.
However, another story goes that the increased use of IoT solutions isn’t the reason for leaked data but the solution thereof. IoT devices help to gather data on clouded network traffic and use the data to record information on the usage as well as the capacity of connected devices. Hence, it can be used to generate enough data that can be reorganized to make up algorithms used to prevent and even predict the event of cyber attacks and malicious online activities.
Trend 4 – IoT in Workforce Management
It is without a doubt that the pandemic has been the driving force behind the increase in remote workers since 2020. What’s more, the amount spent on network technologies such as message automation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the ever-famous 5G has also spiked. Therefore, this brings the topic back to IoT networks. Recalling that 5G is a large product of IoT technology, the internet of things plays a great role in ensuring the success and efficiency of working remotely.
But this is not all – 5G, AI, automation, and blockchain are all former and pre-existing IoT trends. However, the use of beacons in 2022 is a fast-rising practice. With this solution, employers or human resource managers can send their clients bulk and targeted information through the use of just their mobile devices. Not only will this reduce unnecessary costs but will also help to manage and retain customers.
Also (in line with the trend mentioned), employees can use beacons to schedule employee tasks and monitor their progress, as well as their activities as regards whether or not they take to the safety precautions laid down. Although this can be double-used in other sectors like the healthcare sector or the educational line, however, it all boils down to being a great improvement for workforce management.
Trend 5 – Smart Stores Powered by IoT
Internet of Things has given the world another option other than data capturing systems used to manage inventory in a store. With this top IoT technology, known as radio frequency identification tag or RFID for short, inventory management is now without any hassle.
In addition, RFID also records comprehensive data that can be used to forecast, budget, and make plans for the future for more strategic planning. For example, with this IoT technology alongside smart lighting (also powered by IoT technology), store owners can track and put down how long people stay in and around the store as well as what they do while they are there – what they look for, etc.
Entrepreneurs and marketing managers can find this data very useful to estimate and make needed adjustments for better sales.
Trend 6 – Smart Cities Powered by IoT
When it comes to smart cities that are recently being powered by the Internet of Things, there are many IoT networks in play. For one, the idea behind smart street lighting has adopted the use of sensory technologies as well as other data from weather stats, surveillance, host public Wi-Fi, traffic, and so on. In addition, many cities have employed smart lighting for street signs and directions boards.
Other than this, traffic monitoring is also possible and automated through the emergence of sensors placed strategically around and across multiple streets (especially the busy ones) as well as on-road intersections. These sensors monitor traffic over time and help to further in the future, control and optimize traffic. Smart cars also IoT inventions look good in a smart city where the shuttles drive themselves, and this is an invention that Ohio has invested in with the Smart Columbus idea.
This, in other smart cities, has made ‘driving cars’ a skill that can be perfected by everyone. The final, but not the last, IoT technology for smart cities is the smart sensors used to automatically measure the soil moisture level as well as the water level. This would help to prevent and take adequate precautions against flooding. In summary, IoT adoption for the emergence of smart cities makes life easier for people, and more comfortable, and also helps the overall development of the city. There is also a better chance of a positive increase in population, which can lead to improvement in the standard of living and the economy’s sustainability.
Trend 7 – Wearable devices by IoT technology
This is another major IoT solution that makes data processing and information flow rather fast and easy. Wearable IoT devices could sometimes be likened to and even mistaken for sensors, but they are made to take the place of smartphones and desktops. Made in form of smartwatches, wristbands, headsets, and earbuds, wearable devices use IoT connectivity to interact as a smartphone would.
Many of them do much more, being adopted into the healthcare sector as blood pressure monitors, heartbeat monitors, steps counters, vitals trackers, and so much more. Others are incorporated into the gaming world and used in collaborations with extended reality devices such as AR or VR.
However, as much as the Internet of Things is gaining a rise in the digital health and gaming sector, it doesn’t seem as though it would be accepted enough to replace the desktops and smartphone computing in today’s world. Yet the IoT technology is a trend entrepreneur, market managers, and startup founders should most definitely adopt.
Trend 8 – Healthcare IoT Adoption
Already hinting into the healthcare sector since the start of this guide, the Internet of Things has gained popularity and is highly useful in this sector for several purposes. As an entrepreneur or a startup founder in the healthcare line, adopting IoT technology would improve the development of such an industry.
For starters, as mentioned in the previous point, wearable technologies can facilitate efficiency and also ease the work that comes with patient monitoring and treatment. Sensors can also e adopted to regulate the temperature of the facility and environment as well as the lighting and moisture level.
The street lighting technology adopted for smart cities can also be incorporated into this IoT space. However, in this case, the lights would be fused to deploying sensors and health monitors instead of simply around the facility’s environment.
Some IoT devices also help to remotely track patients and provide medical help without needing to meet physically. Though this was especially grounded during the pandemic, it became a top IoT trend as the years followed and hence continues to be one of the major solutions in curbing the COVID-19 syndrome.
Finally, the influence of AI in the healthcare system as non-surgical robots also helps to keep the environment sterilized by using a special ultraviolet light to disinfect areas around and within the healthcare centers.
Trend 9 – Smart Home on the rise
Though the smart home is the last on the list, it is not the least efficient IoT invention. Much so, it is not also innovation as the idea behind turning a home into a self-operating abode has begun way before 2019. However, as other areas continue to improve, the idea of a smart home also improves making it yet a part of the list even as now.
Digital assistants moving from the era of smartphones and desktops alone have emerged as added assistants for the operation of a home. This is so that one digital assistant can and would be able to control everything in a home, from the sprinklers on the lawn to the garage door, the lighting, and even the coffee maker on the kitchen counter.
Especially since the growth of AI has no limit, the prediction of how impactful smart homes would become continues to be on the rise. According to a research, the Internet of Things for smart homes would likely reach about 75 billion USD by the end of 2025 in industry size which is impressive growth.
With smart home automation, almost 100% of all that is needed in a home would be configured and carried out without the constant check-up of a human. This can go from the configuration of the lights, temperature, door locks, security, and so on.
An added advantage is that these IoT solutions in form of smart devices can take timely and strategic records for the generation of useful data. This can be used later on to make some decisions as well as make more plans.
Conclusion
IoT opens a new world where humans have fewer things to worry about than to sit back and watch the world evolve. These smart technologies also cut across various sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, network, gaming, entertainment, and security, and hence, continue to improve the development in those areas. As entrepreneurs, it is best to quickly adopt these trends to key into the IoT development and aim for better results.
