Top IoT Trends and Tech in 2021

In 2021, with the technology progressing rapidly, experts predict to see around 28 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices by 2025. If you are not aware of IoT yet, it is nothing but a system of internet-connected objects. They gather and transfer data over the internet without any human intervention.

IoT devices include wireless sensors, software, or any other computer devices. We can connect any object like an automobile, a person, or even an animal with these IoT devices via the internet, enabling automatic data transfer.

For instance, an IoT system in your car can identify the traffic ahead and intimate the person you are about to meet regarding your delay. Pacemakers can be IoT devices these days that monitor the patient’s heart rate, breathing, and other vitals. Also, IoTs can be biochip transponders attached to a farm animal for its identification.

Ultimately, an IoT device helps us live a life of ease and convenience in our homes and enable our organizations to accelerate business operations at a reduced cost. Thus, in 2021, more and more people will start relying on IoT devices, and we can expect a maximum surge in IoT devices usage.

Sensors will play a vital role in IoT-enabled devices. IoT sensors will register and document the data from real-time observances without human intervention. Thus, the IoT is an innovative technology that will have a significant impact on both the technological and social life of people.

Witnessing the fast-paced growth of IoT, more organizations and even individuals will recognize its potential this year, ensuring development for this IoT trend.

Let’s now explore the top IoT-related trends that may emerge in the coming years.

1. 5G Connectivity

Wireless connectivity is a crucial part of an IoT system’s existence. The better the connectivity is, the better the performance of an IoT device. Thus, 5G connectivity is one of the top IoT trends as it allows you to enjoy the maximum benefits of IoT ecosystems.

Though launched in 2018, 5G connectivity is gaining popularity now, as it assures many benefits like low latency, high speed, and optimal connectivity for IoT systems.

5 G-powered Internet of Things (IoT) can improve the overall operational efficiency of numerous devices. That, in turn, will foster companies to provide new innovative services, as they can process data in real-time from several sensors and devices.

So,5G, when coupled with IoT, can level up the digital transformation of various industries, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and more. Thus, 5G can contribute to the development of remote surgery as well as machinery functioning in the factory.

2. Edge Computing

More and more organizations are relying on edge computing to overcome the data latency associated with cloud computing. With cloud computing, the data collected from the device had to travel to the central processor for processing, resulting in delays.

However, with edge computing, the device itself processes the data without sending it to servers. It is made possible because of the improved computing capabilities of modern devices. Thus, edge computing offers better bandwidth savings and better privacy compliance.

Edge computing is very much similar to fog computing. Fog computing is yet another decentralized approach to data processing. With fog computing, the data from sensors/devices are shifted to fog nodes and processors. The fog nodes are closer to end-users than cloud servers, like IoT gateways or LAN networks.

Many organizations are turning towards edge and fog computing due to improved accuracy and high-speed data transfer. Hence, fog and edge computing for IoT are emerging in 2021.

3. Blockchain

As IoT systems have multiple entry points, they are more prone to data breaches. Thus, data security is the topmost priority in IoT devices. Blockchain or distributed ledger technology seems to be the most appropriate tool for data security.

Since IoT applications are distributed systems in nature, blockchain technology is perfect for them for data security. Blockchain is ideal for solutions that involve interactions between various components. Thus, blockchain reinforces that accomplished transactions are recorded safely in immutable chains. You can share it across the system without worrying about alteration.

Hence, most financial institutions protect their operations with the help of blockchain. Simultaneously, blockchain is one of the top IoT trends as it ensures data protection via encryption techniques and peer-to-peer communication without intermediaries.

4. AI, Big Data and Advanced Data Analytics

Data analytics is a critical part of business management. Yes, merely gathering information is not enough to manage the business effectively. You have to analyze the collected data to make appropriate business decisions.

With rising IoT devices, there are tonnes of complex raw data available. But, it is highly challenging to analyze those data with the traditional processing methods. And, without processing, the information goes useless.

AI-driven analytical solutions have the potential to aggregate these massive data and refine them in real-time, drawing valuable insights. Thus, IoT is impossible without advanced data analytics powered by AI algorithms and Big Data technology.

Hence, AI and Big Data are the top emerging IoT trends that can empower any industry to reach maximum heights.

5. Digital Twin

Digital twin technology is gaining momentum among IoT trends due to the increased blockchain implementation in IoT solutions.

Digital twins are nothing but a digital representation of real-time objects or processes. A digital twin can be a digital replica of any object in the physical world like a propeller or even larger items like buildings.

Blockchain technology lays the foundation for the appropriate functioning of digital twins by allowing the secure transmission of valuable data between the virtual and real worlds.

The motive behind developing digital copies of physical objects is to create experiments and predict outcomes. You can create models of specific conditions like emergencies and monitor the behavior of the objects.

Industrial IoT benefits from such experiments immensely. With virtual copies of connected equipment in manufacturing enterprises, you can simulate various situations, predicting positive and negative outcomes. Hence, you can prevent any accidents and enhance the operational efficiency of the equipment while it remains intact.

Digital twins technology can enable a smart manufacturing industry in the future.

6. Emerging IoT Apps

IoT apps are emerging at a fast pace, targeting a wide range of industries. The apps include smart homes, smart grids, wearables, smart cities, industrial settings, and more.

With the pace of technology development, IoT apps can serve even more businesses and varied industries in the future. Thus, learning IoT use cases will enable organizations to integrate IoT technology into their upcoming business investment decisions.

7. Investment in IoT App Testing

IoT apps are already revolutionizing the healthcare industry with smart sensors, wearables, and connected devices. Slowly, it has started invading from automated homes to telemedicine help for the elderly and disabled.

Moreover, with the covid risk, IoT devices can minimize unnecessary contact. Plus, you can incorporate IoT testing with any other technologies to enhance our lifestyles. Right from our homes, banking to healthcare, IoT devices can add value to every industry.

With time, the future of IoT app tests will grow exponentially. We will have IoT attached to almost all inventions. You can expect an automatic urban society working together with zero contact with IoT in the future.

Wrapping Up

More and more businesses are acknowledging the benefits of IoT today than ever before. IoT has already made a significant impact on all industries like manufacturing, logistics, transportation, energy, aviation, and more.

Since IoT is a network of interconnected devices like sensors, software, and network connectivity devices, one can leverage this technology to accumulate and exchange data in almost any business industry. Hence, you can make your business more responsive irrespective of the niche you serve.

As a prominent technology, almost all businesses have already started implementing IoT these days. The IoT technology has led companies to emerge with innovative business models, compete efficiently in new markets, have better operational management, and more.

With immense use cases and benefits, your organization can enjoy great opportunities if you choose to join the IoT revolution early. Thus, you can transform your business and create an undeniable competitive edge by implementing IoT.