The Internet of Things (IoT) is coming, and almost no one is disputing that reality. Someday in the near future, most devices will be connected and networked to make our lives easier. The only question now iswhen? Some industries have been quicker than others to hop on board and build the technology and integrate IoT devices into their everyday operations. Here are 4 that are leading the way in IoT integrationand reaping the benefits.
Utilities
Theres a lot of waste in public utilities, and many companies are using IoT sensors and other devices to cut down on waste and promote efficiency. Smart meters and smart grids allow utility companies to better analyze demand and cut down on inefficiencies by distributing utilities according to where theyre needed at any given time. As utility systems are replaced, theyre being upgraded to connected, digitized systems, which offer more opportunities for cities to become greener, smarter, and less wasteful.
Transportation
Self-driving cars are the next big step in transportation, and these systems rely heavily on IoT sensors to pilot the car and prevent collisions. According to Intel, a self-driving car must process about 1GB of data per second, using advanced computing systems and analyzing potential threats in real time. For now, these cars must have a driver available to take control at all times, but as IoT sensors and devices become more accurate and advanced, well likely be seeing fully automated cars in the not-so-distant future.
Professional Sports
Injuries are a big problem in professional sports, especially in the NFL. Wearable IoT devices can help coaches analyze the players fatigue levels, heart rate, and other factors in real-time, helping to prevent injury. Another tool being used in this injury is VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality). Instead of risking injury on the field, players can use these tools to train and learn new plays quickly, giving them a competitive edge and saving their strength and health for the game.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing new goods is a huge opportunity for IoT applications. Cutting down the time and materials it takes to bring a finished product out onto the sales floor can save companies enormous sums of money. IoT can also save manufacturers time and money by noticing when equipment needs maintenance, without having an inspection performed. IoT sensors are not currently widespread in the manufacturing world, but more plants and facilities are replacing their old equipment with modern, IoT connected deviceswhich have the potential to pay for themselves in the long run.
Where Adoption is Slower
Some industries could see major benefits from IoT integration, like healthcare. While most leaders in the field see the potential of integrating this technology (sensors for patients and advanced hospital equipment), the progress is slow due to issues like patient privacy and regulation on the industry. Cyber security is an issue for IoT devices, and many healthcare facilities havent even fully made the transition to electronic records yet. When IoT does start taking off in the healthcare industry, however, it could revolutionize medicine as we know it.
IoT in Every Industry
While the need for IoT differs greatly from one industry to another, there are devices that could be helpful in making every industry smarter and more efficient. Relatively slow adoption of IoT isnt for lack of interest surveys indicate that many companies in various industries are at least considering implementation, some within the next few years. Many IoT devices are still in their early stages of development, but they could be the key to efficiently integrating big data into our businesses and making every industry more effective at serving their customers. Its still too early to see what the full impact of IoT on business, city planning, and everyday life, but were coming closer to that reality every day.
