IoT Wearables Rise
Internet Of Things

The Rise of IoT Wearables in Various Industries

IoT based wearables have been on the rise for so long. With the success of the apple watch and various other fitness bands, various industries out there have introduced IoT wearable devices to help their customers. Let’s have a look at the industries that have enhanced their services by introducing various IoT wearables.


Industries Ruling The Market With Wearables IoT

1. Health Care Industry
Most of the wearables we know are generally related to the healthcare industry, whether it could be a Fitbit, Apple watch or any other wrist wearable. All of them are generally connected with fitness and health care records. All of them are helping people to keep track of the basic health care functionalities, including everything from pulses to their workout plans. It has been a habit of many people around the globe to continually check them or fixate on them about their day to day activities. These healthcare wearables energize better ways of life by collecting various user data. These devices collect your day to day exercise data and encourage you to beat your old data of yours. For example, if you have set your goal to 10,000 steps, it encourages you to achieve that goal daily. Along with that, if it measures any sudden changes in your health, it alerts you as well as your loved ones about the sudden change that can help to prevent yourself from any danger such as a heart attack. In any event, following your ongoing sleep propensities could prompt changes that assist you with sleep all the more adequately around evening time. One might say wearable innovation is perhaps the ideal way to gamify the fitness and healthcare industry.

2. Fashion Industry
Our Fashion statement has been changing rapidly since the invention of IoT wearables. It just appears to be legit that wearable innovation has begun to saturate fashion culture. Fashion IoT wearables are helping fashion designers and fashion influencers make their way into the industry and bring out something that can interest people in unique ways. Athletes have started wearing full-body suits, outfitted with many little IoT sensors to track everything starting from their physical activities to the mental pressure they might feel. The data assembled will assist them with bettering and advancing their activities such as swing, shots or kicks. The consumer IoT wearable in the clothing industry is still somewhat new yet really interesting. The invention of the smart rings provides various functionalities such as tracking health records, allowing the calling functionalities and many more. The smart Jackets are designed to naturally cool or warm the body in light of internal heat levels taken from sensors all through the coat. It won’t be a surprise if the future generation starts wearing smart jeans that use the thermal energy from our bodies to charge their phones. IoT wearable innovation in the fashion industry is showing us that tech can be smart and cultivated at the same time.

3. Retail Industry
Shoppers love IoT wearables. After fitness, the retail industry is the second industry that is adopting the IoT wearable rapidly. Among the people who own a wearable gadget, 34% are already using it for shopping. 33% of the individuals intend to purchase IoT wearables soon that can assist them with shopping. Retailers are sharp. They are dropping the push notifications about the special discounts, sales and many more on the users’ IoT wearable. Various users out there are happy to receive the notifications that can help them skip the long waiting lines, such as if a salesman is ready to see them, or is it their turn to buy tickets and so on. Various retailers out there have introduced no-touch payment options through wearables that help users to maintain social distancing norms while shopping in the malls as well. However, the extensive use of apple Pay has made most of the worldwide retail buyers familiar with no-touch payments.

4. Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry is one of the industries that depend on the trial and error method the most. It demands a huge amount of investment of money, manpower and security measurement. The usage of IoT wearables helps the manufacturer to get the final output more accurately and quicker with less effort. Along with that, it also minimizes the risk of security hazards as it can notify the manufacturer about the involved risk before they move ahead with the production. Smart eyeglasses help the specialists to pick the right device to fit the right bolts and equipment. Along with that, IoT wearables in the manufacturing industry caution laborers when they are entering a zone of danger and inform the concerned system of their vicinity.

5. Entertainment Industry
IoT wearables integrated with the AR/VR technologies are taking the entertainment and gaming industry to newer heights. The VR headsets provide a realistic feeling while watching movies. It also helps travelers on long stretch flights to keep themselves engaged and entertained by utilizing VR headsets to watch movies and take virtual visits during flights. Various IoT based gaming devices are providing an enhanced gaming experience to gamers. It also provides a virtual reality driving simulator to test safety features. Along with that, the IoT wearables allow people to enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster making them nearly pass out. The invention of the Metaverse is the utilization of IoT wearables in the entertainment and gaming industry that can provide an immersive user experience.


Conclusion

The usage of IoT wearables is rising more and more in various industries. Along with these industries, various industries such as transportation, security, childcare, pet care and so on are utilizing the IoT wearables to enhance their services. The world is heading towards the world of IoT wearables that we can leverage in our day-to-day activities.

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Industry4.0 Environment
Internet Of Things

What Impact Will Industry 4.0 Have on the Environment?

Two major paradigm shifts are happening at once, and in some ways they are crashing into each other. Industry 4.0 is the rise of smart technology and access to real-time big data that empowers businesses in many ways while sustainability is becoming a major cultural focus. Sustainability encompasses issues of environmental protection, financial efficiency and social responsibility.


What is Industry 4.0?

The definition of Industry 4.0 is intelligent networking of digital devices using IT and communications technology. The term was introduced by German tech engineers in 2011. It involves the streamlining of production processes with smart technology and is closely related to the terms "digitalization" and "digital transformation."

But it isn't just about technology, as it also values people. Here are various 21st-century advancements that fall under the umbrella of Industry 4.0:

  • Cloud services
  • RFID-based IoT sensors
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Big data analytics
  • Automation
  • Drones
  • Robotics
  • Virtual and augmented reality
  • 5G networking
  • Blockchain for secure storage and transactions
  • 3D printing
  • Customized on-demand production

By collecting a wealth of data about a factory or other complex operation, decision-makers have access to real-time data that allows them to cut wasteful processes as they are revealed. The use of a cyber-physical system (CPS) in which algorithms control machines is another emerging development that streamlines an enterprise.

Traditionally, cutting industrial waste took months to analyze, whereas now streamlining adjustments can be made instantly. Ultimately, Industry 4.0 technology provides businesses with greater and faster output using fewer people. The concept has spread through industries such as utilities, manufacturing and retail as well as governments planning for smart cities.

Businesses are increasingly adopting sustainability as an integral part of their company goals. At the same time, industry 4.0 is helping businesses to become more environment-friendly. Part of meeting sustainability goals involves shifting to clean, renewable energy.

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Check out the recording of our webinar "The Shift to Earth 4.0", where our panel of experts shared their knowledge and perspectives on the state of the environment and how Industry 4.0 will impact the earth.

Watch Now

Benefits of Industry 4.0

There are plenty of reasons to embrace Industry 4.0, as it helps cut costs and waste while improving productivity. Here are some of the other key improvements Industry 4.0 brings to operations:

  • Optimization of internal processes
  • Increased connectivity, flexibility, and agility
  • Access to real-time data
  • Wider bandwidth
  • Horizontal and vertical integration with suppliers
  • Ability to remotely monitor temperature and energy consumption
  • Product lifecycle management
  • Engineering consistency
  • Automation does more work with fewer people
  • Robots can handle work too unsafe or boring for humans
  • Faster communication with partners, employees, and customers
  • Various channels to facilitate digital communication

Today, ideal manufacturing plants, warehouses and distribution centers are well-equipped with smart technology. A warehouse worker, for example, can use a hand-held barcode scanner to locate any product in the inventory instantly. It's because each product is embedded with RFID chips that communicate with the central database the exact geolocation of the item.

By adopting Industry 4.0, communication between suppliers will improve when supply chain members share data. Such data sharing allows suppliers to learn quickly where supply shortages and surpluses exist. Networking among suppliers can empower the supply chain to know exactly where specific supplies are at any point in the delivery process.

One of the greatest benefits of this digital transformation in how it relates to sustainability is that it improves quality control. The more you improve this department, the greater chance for boosting customer satisfaction since the process weeds out bad products and accelerates the shipping process.


Impacts of Digitalization on the Environment

Manufacturing plants have a need to integrate thousands of IoT devices with their machinery to monitor and evaluate processes. But this explosion of electronic devices saturating a facility can potentially add strain on electric grid systems due to immense energy consumption. Many IoT devices are battery-operated, but the enormous transmission of big data requires significant computer processing power.

One of the drawbacks to embracing industry 4.0 is that the industrial sector focuses more on encouraging profits than on the depletion of natural resources. It's imperative that large producers acknowledge the need to go greener and steer clear of promoting overconsumption. Other problems related to how industry 4.0 impacts the environment include:

  • Deforestation and other depletion of raw materials
  • Human health issues
  • Contamination of groundwater
  • Interference with ecological processes
  • Pollution and waste from large data centers

The solution to reducing CO2 gases in the environment will partly include broader use of greener alternative energy such as solar and wind. Utilities are already capitalizing on using renewable energy sources to help bring down electricity costs.


Sustainability Ideals vs. Actual Behavior

As much as sustainability is becoming a foreground issue among many businesses, the actual practice of sustainability has been more idealistic than realistic through the 2020s. By the 2030s, there should be noticeable ways sustainability is baked into business models.

Many companies today are just beginning to scratch the surface of what sustainability is and why it's important for business survival. Various factors exist why many companies are resisting digital transformation to smart technology such as:

  • Expensive costs to invest in new technology
  • Security and privacy issues relating to data and hardware expansion
  • Ability to train staff members to develop new technical skills
  • Preference and comfort zone for traditional systems
  • Questions surrounding data ownership

Part of paving a successful path toward sustainability will require setting policies that reduce the accumulation of wasted materials. Your ESG (environmental, social, governance) policies must take into account the big picture of how producers affect broader ecosystems. Reusing and recycling materials should be part of a business model that supports sustainable solutions.

The industry 4.0 revolution is exciting from a profit-based perspective and it has potential to resolve many problems on the horizon. An expanding population with greater energy demands will continue to strain natural resources. Every company that embraces this new digital paradigm should be conscious of the role it must play in contributing to a better society.


Conclusion

Businesses are increasingly adopting sustainability as an integral part of their company goals. At the same time, industry 4.0 is helping businesses to become more environment-friendly. Part of meeting sustainability goals involves shifting to clean, renewable energy.

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IoT Business Leads
Internet Of Things

Effective Ways to Qualify or Score IoT Business Leads

When it comes to IoT business, there are a lot of advantages that help sell the innovation. Many businesses have yet to make the transition, meaning there is a substantial sales "harvest" to be had. Projections have IoT devices outnumbering human beings on the planet 3 to 1 by 2024. Potential clients need the numbers on their side, and you need to be able to make a presentation that demonstrates value to those prospective clients. But if said clients aren't really qualified for your company, then your sales team will be "spinning their wheels.” They'll be expending energy on no good cause. So, what you want to do is teach your salespeople to qualify clients.

Here is a downloadable list of 42 questions that you can give salespeople. This will help them inquire in a general sense to help narrow down whether a prospective lead is one you should seek to convert to your services or not. To abbreviate the proper approach:

  • Create customer profiles
  • Properly assess customer needs
  • Determine how clients make their decisions
  • Outpace any potential competition


Customer Profiles 

Your IoT business is going to have a window of effectiveness. Certainly, even the smallest business can benefit from, say, a security system that is accessible from a smartphone. But you've got to know whether your IoT solutions are advantageous both ways for clients or not. At a certain level, providing services to clients even if they close will be too expensive for your company to profit. You need to find a way of disqualifying service based on this initially. From there, you narrow down profiles based on the kind of business involved, and whether you can actually provide them with value with your IoT solution or not. You can make a sale where value isn't provided, but that's a really long shot. You're more likely to sell to clients if you can directly demonstrate the savings and advantages of IoT. With a good customer profile, you can do this factually, which can be very convincing. Teach your team to create proper customer profiles and you'll likely see an increase in closures.


Assessing Customer Needs

Once you've managed to acquire some qualified customer profiles, you need to be able to accurately assess their needs. With IoT, infrastructure, production, distribution, and expansion costs can all be curtailed even as profitability takes a jump. But if you can't show the customer how this is specifically true in their case, then your sales presentation won't mean anything.


Determining How Clients Make Decisions

Your client profile should follow a transaction history for your prospective clients, especially the larger ones. Sometimes, the acquisition agent meets IoT providers like your business for information, then heads back to the home office to run the data by his higher-ups. Sometimes, acquisition agents buy on the spot if they like what they see. You need to know what regularly characterizes their decision-making process. With that information, you're likely to make more closures more successfully.


Outpacing Competition

If you've got competition, your salespeople need to be enabled to "scoop" them, as they say in journalism. A "scoop" is when a journalist gets a hot story before a bigger or different outlet and blasts it to the public preemptively. This gives that journalistic outlet an increase in readership, etc. Well, you need to know what your competition is offering, and you need to do it better. Include some flexibility in your IoT packages. Anticipate competition meeting prospective clientele prior to you and be willing to offer a diminished price or a more competitive package.


Expanding Sales

The IoT business is sensible and competitive today. In a few years, there will be three times as many IoT devices on the planet as people. In your home, this is already likely true. If you've got a laptop, a cellphone, and a smartwatch, there are three IoT devices against one you. When you consider networks, manufacturing, distribution, Big Data, and all the other potentialities realized via IoT, it's easy to see why streamlining client qualification processes is important. The harvest is ripe, and you want to reap as many plump clients as you can. So, qualify them for the picking!


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How IoT Markets Developed
Internet Of Things

A Look at How IoT Markets Developed in 2021

A Change That’s Fundamentally Altering Modern Business

To get a good idea of how things have changed in the IoT market through 2021, here we’ll explore a few indicative statistics. As Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, tend to help paint a picture of how a given company is handling operations, certain industry stats also reveal where tech innovations like those involved in the Internet of Things are headed. In this article, we’ll explore notable data points in these areas:

  • Spending Overall
  • The Ultimate Importance of IoT Spending
  • Market Transition, Growing Markets, and Growth Levels
  • Not-Quite-Miscellaneous Stats Worth Considering from 2020 to 2022


Spending Overall

When a big tech business is about to make a move toward profit, that often means spending money in a certain area. Think of it this way: if you’re going to build furniture for a living, you must first acquire an adequate supply of wood.

Where tech companies plan on building tech “infrastructure”, they must first acquire technological materials so they can. In terms of IoT tech, that means getting new devices to help provide more data visibility and streamlined operations.

By 2020, the IoT market hit a global increase of 12.1% at $128.9 billion. Growth was greatest in the Asia-Pacific region, clocking in at 17%. North America’s growth was 14.9%, and Europe’s was 9.7%. As 2021 comes to a close, its expected spending has increased around 24% on that figure.

Expect the year to end at around $159.8 billion for IoT spending worldwide. In 2022, a 26.7% growth rate is expected: and all this despite the pandemic crisis. In fact, owing to decentralization and the hygienic nature of automation, there’s an argument to be made that the present crisis has actually helped fuel the IoT industry collaterally.


The Ultimate Importance of IoT Spending

Now, this matters for a number of reasons. Markets re-accelerating as COVID-19 fades represent a very important data point in any investor’s investment toolkit.

Similarly, businesses seeking competitive viability and increased profit for decreased infrastructure spending should also look into where tech innovations rooted in IoT developments might be applicable.

IoT is a high-growth market, and cumulative opportunities across the world, and throughout virtually all aspects of productive technology (from manufacturing to data management, and everything in between) stand to benefit from its implementation. This is one solid reason IoT market growth increases on an almost exponential curve, year over year, despite global health concerns.


Market Transition, Growing Markets, and Growth Levels

Oil industry issues meant 2020’s energy industry IoT spending declined more than other industry averages around the world. Contrarily, warehouse IoT spending jumped 22.3% in 2020. Meanwhile, automotive IoT spending was variable. China’s manufacturers expanded 20%, Europe and South America didn’t see any substantive growth. Meanwhile, pharmaceuticals, energy, and metals saw substantial IoT expansion.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific and North American regions saw the most growth, with Europe a little further behind than might have been expected. Much of this has to do with pandemic issues, some of it has to do with population and infrastructure differences. China’s market saw a 23.5% IoT growth in enterprise-level operations through 2020. Part of that had to do with their approach to the health crisis. Higher growth continues to be expected in these regions through 2021, and in the same configuration: Asia-Pacific groups will lead, North America will follow, and Europe brings up the rear.

Technologically speaking, overall IoT security spending in 2020 saw a 40.3% increase. Hackers considered the pandemic to be an attack opportunity, meaning companies who pay attention to such trends found an added prerogative to more effectively secure their data. Also, it was discovered that many IT professionals used pandemic hygiene issues to digitally “groom” their operations, so they were more secure in terms of data management overall. 83% of companies implemented new digital hygiene measures in 2020.

Cloud computing capability was partially behind both infrastructural IoT deployment and digital hygiene development. Collaterally, as IoT has enabled predictive maintenance, maximized ROI has led to a further increase in IoT use. Finally, spending seemed to advance more in software areas than hardware areas with respect to IoT in 2020. Only 5.4% more was spent on varying computers, sensors, and chipsets. In some economic regions, spending actually declined. Going forward, keep an eye on IoT chipsets; growth is expected to be notable in 2021, and into 2022.


Not-Quite-Miscellaneous Stats Worth Considering from 2020 to 2022

Most households have at least 10 devices connected. As 2021 comes to a close, that number is nearing 50 per household, and certainly will increase. Think about it: a smartphone, a smartwatch, a smart car, a smart thermostat, smart light bulbs, smart garage door openers, smart cameras, smart baby monitors–smart homes, in general, can include dozens of IoT devices. Spending in the world overall is said to have surpassed $1 trillion in 2020. Meanwhile, endpoint security spending will reach around $631 million by year’s end. That’s a huge increase; in 2016, spending was only at $91 million.

Here’s another indicative and interesting stat: it has been found approximately 127 devices hook up to the internet for the very first time every single second. On average, those devices are attacked by some sort of cybercriminal attack within five minutes of their initial activation. It’s easy to see why security needs are so high with regard to IoT tech. About 3/4 of all attacks come through web routers, so this is a security bottleneck where investment is likely to expand in terms of tech breakthroughs and appropriate security.

Corporate cost-reduction is a big reason so many devices are being activated as quickly as they are. IoT maximizes ROI, reducing operational costs and stimulating more profitable operations overall. Data from 1,600 separate enterprises regarding IoT found approximately 54% of them acquired this tech owing to cost reduction. As for increased revenue, that defined 35% of IoT acquisitions, and security needs only accounted for 24%.

Smart homes were alluded to earlier, that market is set to hit $53.45 billion by the end of 2022. One dominating device in this market is Amazon’s Echo, but more manufacturers are catching on, and Amazon should expect some competition soon. Naturally, there will be a need to properly install, secure, and maintain associated software and hardware as IoT growth accelerates. That’s going to direct economic funding to a new industry; one almost solely associated with IoT expansion. For more information on these and other relevant IoT stats, check out this site.


Informing Use of IoT Going Forward with Relevant Data

There’s quite a bit of data to comb through with regard to IoT, and since such web-enabled devices are primarily informational to begin with, you can expect an increase in what data is available to interpret.

To get the best idea of what’s going on in the IoT market, it’s important to narrow down your focus. Spending considerations, market transition, which markets are growing, and at what levels, and certain collateral statistics defining the industry overall represent areas of the market you want to keep an eye on as a business. One thing is sure: IoT is an increasingly integral component of modern business and deserves careful attention.


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IoT and Technology
Internet Of Things

Where Things Stand with IoT and Technology Developments in 2021

A Notable Shift in Technological Capabilities

2020 and 2021 saw an explosion of decentralized technology, a chief component being the Internet of Things, or IoT. Today’s remote workers often utilize at least one mobile device connected to the web. Meanwhile, 45% of full-time employees are working fully or part-time in a remote capacity as of September of 2021.

Think about this: in 2020, there were 35 billion connected devices. In 2021, there were 46 billion. In three years, the expectation is that number will hit 83 billion. There is a shift in the tech world right now, and it is titanic.

Edge computing, an increase in cybersecurity breakthroughs in IoT as used in manufacturing, HR, and agriculture, smart cities, and big data enhancements have all come to define 2021. Future advances will be rooted in today’s trending tech. Businesses looking to keep pace need to know which solutions will best fit their needs. Here, several of these tech trends will be explored a bit more closely.


A New Techno-Industrial Revolution

One area of the economy that is poised to be totally transformed by today’s tech advances is traditional industry. Manufacturing, agriculture, and retail are expected to command some 70% of IoT tech applications by 2024.

Businesses in the industrial sector need to pay attention to such advances as a means of facilitating competitive viability, and cutting operational costs. Vendors and other businesses interfacing with such areas of industry should likewise take note.


Connectivity, Predictive Maintenance, Security, and Analytics

There is an increased need for connectivity in a world where IoT is coming to dominate productive tech. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, satellite linkup, etc.–IoT needs to have options in all these areas to be viable in its own right.

Meanwhile, IoT is a fine option for maximizing hardware utility. Web-connected devices can be programmed to monitor modern heavy equipment functionality, alerting operators when maintenance is necessary or there’s an error in normal operations. Breakdowns can be anticipated and avoided, maximizing the lifespan of all kinds of industrial equipment.

Security is enhanced through IoT in a variety of ways. From home security systems you can periodically check with your smartphone wherever you happen to be, to industrial-level facilities which require big data interfaces to process all the operational data, security can be increased by IoT. Continuing developments in terms of both software and hardware are driving the industry, including automated drones and IoT cameras, which are getting smaller than ever.

Analytics are a key feature of IoT. Devices monitoring manufacturing machines can collect data from multiple locations and machines, helping managers design production models from that data which are more streamlined and efficient. Supply chains can be optimized, as can energy usage and security.


IoT Development Based on Data, Better Workforce Management, Blockchain

Just as industrial hardware benefits from IoT data, so do IoT devices themselves. Their own functionality and utility can be continuously optimized using the same data. It’s a sort of synthetic neural network that’s ever-expanding. The more IoT is used, the more data there is; and so the process fuels itself to a certain extent.

Beyond tech enhancement, you can manage workforces on-site and remotely with more efficiency using modern tech advances. IoT and cloud computing have made remote workers a business model feature that tends to be lucrative for many companies. The workers themselves are enthusiastic about this sort of infrastructure as well. They get to have more control over their schedules, they’re more productive, and businesses spend less money on things like office space, desks, physical equipment, or custodial staff.

IoT is also driving blockchain tech owing to security. DDoS attacks can’t pierce blockchain, meaning IoT data stored on a blockchain is desirable for better security overall. As IoT grows, so will the need for reliable and scalable security solutions.


Data Processing Advances, Edge Computing, and Expanded Demand

Cloud computing is a network of servers arrayed together like pixels on a computer screen. Together, each acts as a sort of data engine, and their processing “horsepower” exponentially expands. Well, IoT devices also process a certain amount of data, and when you connect them together, you can initiate an “edge computing” network.

This technology would allow, for example, an industrial campus with a few hundred IoT devices to effectively have its own localized cloud network. Of course, that’s not a 1:1 comparison; “the edge” can’t replace cloud options. But in a nutshell, edge computing can do much to curb latency, initiate more effective operations, and is a greener means to compute data–you can read more here.

Altogether, you can expect demand to expand exponentially, similar to the availability of computational storage. Multiple edge networks, cloud networks, and IoT conveniences will lead to an increased appetite throughout the public for such tech solutions. It’s like a chemical reaction, and processing capacity was the spark added in 2020 and 2021, resulting in a significant increase in IoT adoption.


A Decentralized, Increasingly Swift Digital Future

The world is presently experiencing a sort of takeover in terms of IoT-related innovations. Remember when computer monitors used to be vacuum-tubed monstrosities? Remember how quickly flat screen tech replaced them? When is the last time you remember seeing an old vacuum-tubed computer monitor or television set? That’s what we’re looking at with IoT tech right now. (For some more background into the topics explored here, you can follow this link.)

The truth is, the industry is being totally reinvented, and the world is slowly adjusting to match such swift changes. The next technological “iteration” is here. IoT is exceptionally innovative, cost-effective, and useful. Very soon, it will be fundamental for just about any business.

It’s recommendable to work with companies already on the cutting edge. At minimum, you want to find consultants from such technology professionals that you can trust concerning these shifts in IT utility, to keep up with the latest in tech. IoT is here, and it’s here to stay.


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2nd annual industry insights
Internet Of Things

2nd Annual Industry Insights IoT Awards Announces Winners

Celebrating the businesses and leaders moving the IoT world forward, IoT Marketing and Industry Insights Webinars held the 2nd Annual Industry Insights IoT Awards on December 16. Hosted by IoT Marketing CMO and Host of Industry Insights Webinars Tiffani Neilson and BH IoT Group Partner Steve Brumer, the Industry Insights IoT Awards honors technology ecosystem professionals, connected solutions providers, and high-tech leaders driving innovation and digital transformation through the use of IoT.

The winners of the 2nd Annual Industry Insights IoT Awards are:

“From application to deployment to consulting, this year’s Industry Insights IoT Awards winners truly exemplify leadership and excellence in the IoT landscape, paving the way for digital transformation across a number of sectors,” said host, Tiffani Neilson. “We’re proud to honor the achievements of these businesses and leaders pushing the IoT industry forward in the midst of disruption and adversity.”

The Industry Insights Webinars series brings together thought leaders, experts, and business professionals for a panel-style discussion with Q&A. After just approximately a year and a half since its initial launch, the series already averages between 1,200 to 2,500 live attendees across multiple platforms.

To watch a full replay of the 2nd Annual Industry Insights IoT Awards virtual ceremony, visit IoTMktg.com/2nd-Annual-Industry-Insights-IoT-Awards.


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AR Manufacturing
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Here’s How AR Is Transforming Manufacturing

The presence of augmented reality in business today is increasingly evident among industrial facilities. AR is particularly helping producers improve manual assembly and maintenance operations. AR refines manufacturing processes, leading to more sustainable and competitive decision-making.


Starting with Digital Transformation

Before diving deeply into AR in manufacturing, factory managers should rethink their infrastructure. Your overall operation will be much more effective, seamless and flexible for the future if you adopt digital transformation. By redesigning your infrastructure to be electronic and interactive, it will be easier to integrate future innovations, such as AR development.

Part of digital transformation involves training employees to be more digital-centric. Manufacturers of the future will not rely on memory or skill retention of workers to get tasks completed. IoT devices are already generating volumes of data that AI software can scan to identify immediate solutions to problems.


How AR Makes Factories More Efficient

AR empowers assemblers, machine operators, and technicians to gain access to task instructions when they have questions or difficulties with assignments. A major reason AR has experienced quick adoption among manufacturers is that it bridges the gap between digital and physical environments. It’s user-friendly technology that provides the following benefits to a factory:

  • Improves asset and workforce performance
  • Cuts operational costs on machinery and labor
  • Leads to higher-quality products
  • Accelerates delivery time
  • Makes deliveries more accurate and reliable
  • Overcoming manufacturing challenges

Some of the major manufacturing challenges ahead involve an unpredictable economy and changing workforce demographics. The pandemic has demonstrated how markets and supply chains can easily be disrupted by unforeseen disasters. But it was the manufacturers that had already undergone digital transformation that emerged as the most resilient.

Meanwhile, as manufacturing jobs become more complex, workers are alienated and move on to other jobs. That’s why it’s imperative to look at the big picture and use AR technology to help improve team-building and retain employees.

AR simplifies both training and recruiting to promote a more comfortable and stable work environment. Many skilled workers are headed for retirement as younger and less experienced individuals are moving into these jobs. Here are ways AR can improve the training and work experience on a factory floor:

  • Remote Access to Assistance – Employees can use mobile devices to tap into on-demand advice and on-the-job training assistance.
  • 3D Guides – Step-by-step guides displayed in 3D visualization help workers understand equipment and their work environment better.
  • Diagnostic Tools – IoT sensors deliver real-time data that enables timely decision-making to improve operations.
  • Access to Multimedia and Drawings – Workers can tap into assignment instructions and look at drawings. AR allows for diverse use of various media, from PDFs to videos.

AR-based instructions in a manufacturing plant are much more sophisticated than traditional work manuals yet are easier to use. Work instructions can now be produced in multiple ways to provide flexibility for management and staff. Thanks to AR capabilities, employees can focus on equipment and work instructions at the same time.


Path to Adopting AR Technology

Any type of data analysis that has been traditionally performed at a factory can be monumentally improved with AR. The more complex manufacturing processes become, the greater need for AR to simplify manual labor instructions.

Using the cloud to set up remote access to useful services and applications is essential. Here are some of the priorities manufacturers should consider for embracing AR:

  • Select AR solutions that are easy to implement
  • Hire skilled technicians comfortable with new tech
  • Use software development kits to reuse digital assets
  • Implement AR for repetitive tasks
  • Start small with a scalable solution


Conclusion

The path to adopting AR in manufacturing should emphasize digital transformation to facilitate better digital communication. From that base of foundational technologies, factories can easily customize and scale the deployment of any future applications or solutions.


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IoT and AR
Internet Of Things

What IoT and AR Technology Can Do for Your Business

Big data has gotten so huge over recent years it now must be measured in zettabytes rather than trillions of gigabytes. The combination of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Augmented Reality (AR) helps professionals navigate through this vast data. Both technologies are seeing adoption across complex industries such as healthcare and construction. Here’s a look at how IoT and AR are developing as streamlined solutions for businesses.


How IoT and AR Work Together

Due to the rapid increase of data volume in factories and other large-scale operations, massive data lakes are forming in electronic ecosystems. As a result, businesses are turning to a mix of IoT and AR to provide interactive in-depth data visualization. The advantage of this technological mix helps employees find relevant data insights and quickly solve problems that would otherwise take an army of analysts.

While IoT devices collect data, AR software produces digital overlays on top of physical environments using headsets. AR software, for example, can add interactive data to live camera feeds to create a deeper awareness of visuals.

A recent survey conducted by BCG and PTC of 200 executives currently using IoT or AR solutions found that over two-thirds of respondents were experimenting with combining the two technologies. Experimentation with this combination began in 2010 and has since steadily escalated.


Recent Trends in IoT and AR

Industry 4.0 – Several large-scale industries such as utility service and manufacturing are pioneering the use of IoT and AR. Engineering, aerospace, and tech are other heavy industries pioneering this new paradigm.

Design – Nearly half of IoT-AR applications began with just IoT then experimented with AR. Studies reveal that those using the IoT-AR combination from the beginning experienced a smoother deployment.

Devices – The IoT-AR solution commonly involves using more than one AR device. The most used device for IoT-AR is the smartphone, while other electronic tools include head-mounted displays and wearables.

Budgets – Nearly 80 percent of the companies in the survey had already developed AR budgets.

ROI – The expected return on investment turnaround time for IoT-AR is about three years, but 26 percent of the surveyed companies claimed to have achieved ROI within one year.


Insights for Benefiting from IoT and AR

Enhanced data visualization is one of the top benefits of using IoT-AR, as people tend to absorb data better when it’s presented in 3D. Not only can data visualization help workers solve problems, but it also allows them to manage spaces more effectively.

Diagnosing system problems is now more simplified using IoT-AR, as it brings various types of data into a single view. This scenario allows workers to interact with digital objects without touching physical machinery.

More intelligent decision-making is the ultimate result when deploying an IoT-AR solution. The application of this technology helps companies make sense of context-specific data instead of sorting through a broad mix of endless random data that may not lead anywhere. The ROI is demonstrated in saved time and money, allowing a business to operate with greater efficiency.

The key to using this technology successfully is analyzing data visualizations to fine-tune equipment and make crucial business adjustments. For example, rearranging a store layout can help warehouse workers quickly navigate aisles to find parts and products. Overall, proper management of equipment and spaces is essential to make IoT-AR a valuable resource.


Conclusion

The more employees use IoT and AR, the more they can visualize and interact with environments through digital technology. Example devices include headsets that can help employees see data overlays and clarify what big data reflects or software that allows workers to look inside machines and identify problems in areas usually too difficult to inspect. Altogether, IoT-AR helps streamline operations and optimize processes that save time and cuts costs.


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Satellite NB-IoT
Internet Of Things

Introducing Satellite NB-IoT, or Connectivity Everywhere

The concept of internet everywhere has been promoted as nextgen technology arriving in 2021. Advancements in narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and satellite NB-IoT are moving closer to that goal. Basic narrow-band connectivity allows for users in remote locations such as farmers to connect with the internet. Here’s a deeper look at how satellites from space can help people on Earth access higher quality internet


New Innovative Satellite Technology

Proof of concept satellite NB-IoT systems have now been demonstrated by Skylo Technologies based on geostationary satellites. These small satellites connect with small earth-bound hubs that cost less than $100 each to make. The company has raised over 0 million in funding from the SoftBank Group while partnering with India-based telecom firm BSNL.

A different type of satellite constellation is being developed by Spain-based Sateliot and Denmark-based GateHouse using small satellites functioning as base stations in low orbits around Earth. OQ Technology claims to be the first smallsat 5G IoT operator to deliver uninterrupted cellular coverage anywhere. In the United States, Ligado Networks is working on similar technology. China launched two satellites in May 2021 and has plans to expand the constellation in the next few years.

These developments, however, are working around limitations of the current 3rd Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) standards, which were updated in October 2020. The 3GPP, based in France, encompasses various standards organizations that affect mobile telecommunications. The same body has developed and maintained various internet connectivity standards such as 4G and 5G.


Aiming for Global Internet Coverage

The idea of global connectivity is a giant leap forward in the evolution of the internet. Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX has developed a satellite internet service called Starlink with the goal of delivering continuous global coverage by September 2021. Starlink is building about 1,800 smallsats for low orbit around the earth to be used in the near future. In the bigger picture, Starlink will eventually expand its constellation to 12,000 satellites.

The Starlink project will ultimately cost around $10 billion. But the payoff will be that beta services will be offered in 11 countries. Musk announced in May 2021 that the company had already received over 500,000 preorders to join the internet service. If all goes well, SpaceX plans to have 42,000 Starlink satellites by May 2027.

Early adopters of the Starlink service have paid $99 per month plus $499 for a kit that includes a WiFi router, tripod, and terminal for connecting with the smallsats in low orbit. Once the full global service is launched, users will be able to access internet speeds up to 209.17 megabits per second.


NB-IoT Development

While NB-IoT has been tested to meet 5G latency requirements, satellite internet that complies with 5G requirements is still in its infancy. The factors that will affect the further development and refinement of 5G satellite internet for global coverage include the following:

  • Size of the satellite
  • Satellite link budget
  • Altitude of the satellite

Energy savings alone make NB-IoT ideal technology for satellite networks that meet 5G requirements in the quest for global internet coverage. Another reason for businesses to pursue this solution is that it provides continuous service to remote areas. Furthermore, satellites from space are now able to track lost vessels


Conclusion

The advent of satellite NB-IoT technology is set to be a game-changer when it comes to global coverage for low bandwidth applications. With SpaceX being the most prominent, several companies plan to capitalize on this new technology to improve internet reach and speed. As a result, these satellite providers will help launch massive new sectors and niche markets by bringing continuous internet connectivity to millions more people and businesses.


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LEO satellites and IoT
Internet Of Things

Satellite Internet and IoT Devices in Space

First came satellite communications, then came the internet. Decades later the two technologies have joined to shape the future of how humans communicate. Low-Earth-Orbit Satellites (LEOs) are an emerging development moving toward communication in outer space. Here’s a look at how LEO satellites and IoT devices are spreading in space to serve commercial and government stakeholders.


Satellite Constellations for Greater Connectivity

Today, there are thousands of satellites orbiting the earth. Some of them are government-owned, others are for commercial communication services. These satellites operate at 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. The orbital period lasts from 84 to 127 minutes. LEOs must stay above 160 kilometers to avoid falling into a danger zone of rapid orbital decay.

Several satellite companies exist in belts orbiting Earth. Private company satellites tend to rest in fixed positions in the GEO belt, which is positioned much further out than the LEO belt. That’s why satellites in the GEO belt have much broader coverage.

One of the drawbacks to GEO satellites is that mobile antennas must point to them. Consequently, the signal weakens as the mobile antenna moves away from the satellite. But when large constellations work together, they provide more consistent global coverage. At 2,000 kilometers LEOs can detect weak signals, but they need to be part of a constellation with thousands of satellites to provide sufficient global coverage.


NASA’s Role in Satellite Development

The federal government’s aerospace agency NASA has been working with satellite developers since the late 1950s. The agency’s current Small Spacecraft Technology Program (SSTP) develops and demonstrates satellites that are also capable of going on space missions. A NASA satellite program that aims to collaborate with universities is the Smallsat Technology Partnerships Initiative.

One consistent element in the evolution of LEO satellites and IoT devices is they keep getting smaller, which means an increasing number of satellites can share launch vehicles. They are both economical and capable of increasingly sophisticated functions. Smallsats can be integrated with numerous technologies, such as photography to take high-resolution images from space.

NASA’s definition of a small spacecraft is one with a mass of less than 180 kilograms. Other small spacecraft are identified by their size such as the following:

Minisatellite: 100+ kg
Microsatellite: 10-100 kg
Nanosatellite: 1-10 kg
Pictosatellite: 10g-1 kg
Femtosatellite: 1g-10 g


Growth of SpaceX and Competitors

Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has a plan to build a network of 12,000 satellites for its Starlink project that will introduce ultra-high-speed internet to the world. It’s among several commercial players using LEOs to gain seamless global connectivity. A main competitor to SpaceX is LeoSat Enterprises, which aims to upgrade high-speed internet with less latency and more security. The company is working on an innovation that connects satellites with laser links within a constellation.

Various satellite companies are working on making internet more seamless through space. A major breakthrough for LEOs has been advances through small spacecraft and satellites called “smallsats”. These smaller satellites help cut costs on space missions and can be used for a wide variety of projects.


Future of Commercial Satellites

Industry experts believe the future will include constellations of very small satellites with short life cycles for short-term use. The current lifespan of the average satellite is 15 years. The pattern of smallsat evolution through today has been an increase of functions as size shrinks. These powerful data gathering and transmitting devices will help scientists learn more about Earth and how it relates to space.


Conclusion

Space communications are underway as 21st-century science begins to resemble last century’s science fiction, with LEO satellites and IoT devices capable of delivering broader data transmissions. Altogether, advancements in satellite communications will continue to increase the reliability of terrestrial networks for asset tracking, remote management, and other applications used by global businesses.


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