We live in the time of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It involves a new approach to production. The core of this modern approach is the introduction of IT, large-scale automation, and the spread of AI. The benefits are obvious: increased productivity and competitiveness, better workplace safety, shorter time to market for products.

In the same manner as previous industrial revolutions, the current revolution has a strong impact on the economy. New technology advancements help manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics become more efficient, resilient, cost-effective and green.

What Is Green Logistics?

Green logistics is a group of logistics measures in the supply chain and transportation. It aims to cut negative impacts on the environment as much as possible. The group encompasses initiatives to emphasize energy consumption, carbon footprint, and resource depletion. In terms of logistics, digitalization builds green transportation systems. Many logistic companies are now adopting Multi-Sensor Tracking Devices to cut logistic-related emissions.

The goal of green logistics is to decarbonize the world’s economy by 10-12% by 2025. Researchers believe that green logistics will help redesign business models. Green logistics offers immense opportunities for cargo management, planning, synchronization, and shipping functioning. It allows businesses to respond to supply chain disruptions and adapt to changes. As a result, green logistics can increase productivity by foreseeing future risks. Green logistics has the potential to balance social, economic, and environmental conditions.

Top 5 Advantages of Green Logistics

Green logistics uses several technologies and solutions like IoT (Internet of Things) to improve processes. Green logistics has many advantages including:

Decreased Pollution

Companies using multi-sensor tracking devices see an impressive reduction in pollution generated. The logistics industry handles a quarter of total carbon dioxide discharge. By 2050, this percentage may increase up to 40%, unless we take intense actions. Given the present-day ecological crisis, tracking devices are beneficial both for the company and society as a whole to decrease pollution.

Lower Transportation Costs

Logistics operations are the processes of moving produced goods from the manufacturer to the consumer. The entire process includes inventory management, fulfilling orders, and delivering packages. Green logistics reduces the number of transport operations. This is especially true for businesses with combustion vehicles, emitting greenhouse gasses. Using green logistics will help a business make necessary savings, while reducing pollution.

Reduced Packaging Costs

Product packaging accounts for nearly 50% of the world’s plastic pollution. Green logistics facilitates options for reusable and biodegradable materials for packaging. These options include polyethylene foam, paper bags/tape, and corrugated cardboard. While ecological packaging can be more expensive at the onset, using recyclable materials can ultimately decrease packaging costs.

Better Brand Image

More companies are shifting to green operations. Eco-responsible companies take a winning position according to environmentally friendly suppliers. Companies with a green logistics approach achieve competitive advantages in their businesses by meeting the demands of both B2C and B2B customers. It is estimated that the greener logistics market size may reach $2.9 trillion by 2032, which is a CAGR growth rate of 8.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Warehouse Automation

Automation of warehouses is one of the green logistics strategies. WIth diverse automated processes including IMS and WMS, green logistics reduces losses and helps manage expiration dates. Tracking devices are also a vital tech part that enables green logistics. Warehouse 4.0 meets the efficient green logistics requirements. It is a win-win for the economy and the environment.

Sensor Technologies in Green Logistics

Multi-sensor tracking devices enable companies to increase productivity and sustainability. By digitizing the processes, it becomes easier to bring greener logistics to the world. The ability to properly monitor sustainability helps to protect the planet.

Internet of Things in Enterprise Logistics
The expected number of connected devices by 2026 is 26 billion. In 2022, the market for the world’s transport and logistics sector of the Internet of Things was 31 billion USD. By 2027, this number will probably grow to 67 billion USD. Logistics is now becoming increasingly globalized, therefore enterprises are looking to optimize their transportation, from start to end. To deliver that capacity, it’s crucial to use low-power devices. Such devices seamlessly connect across networks, borders, and protocols.

Sensor Technologies

Multi-sensor trackers can monitor humidity, pressure, temperature, and light. Once integrated into logistics assets, they ensure shipments at the required conditions. Several types of sensors can be used:

Temperature sensors check temperature-sensitive cargo like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or fresh goods. They record temperature levels on the go. If levels are above the threshold, the managers get warnings which allows them to take action.
Pressure sensors track the level of pressure in sealed containers. Multi-sensor tracking devices detect pressure changes. As this may show contamination, leak, or other issues, logistic managers will know how to prevent sensitive goods from contamination.
Humidity sensors help to oversee the level of humidity for cargo. This is important for textiles and electronics. Humidity sensors activate ventilation systems or dehumidifiers as needed. This allows companies to ensure optimal humidity conditions for their products.
Gas/chemical sensors monitor the presence of dangerous fumes or leaks in containers with gas or chemicals. Early screening is the guarantee of safety of the cargo and the employees who manage it.
Light sensors observe light levels. Such sensors detect if the area is subject to light. They prevent damage to electronics or sensitive chemicals. The sensors launch protective measures and adjust stockroom light.
Vibration sensors are helpful during cargo transits. They detect excessive movement that can impact the cargo. With data from sensors, logistics managers can act promptly.

Geography of Usage

IoT tracking devices have different interconnection technologies to adhere to specific cases. For uninterrupted tracking, they can work on land for use on rail and road. In addition, they work on transport that moves by air with tracking devices that have built-in flight modes which power back up on landing and automatically sleep on take-off. They can also work in the sea, determining the condition of goods and their position using the data from AIS that integrates with data from the base station of the shipping vessels.

Case Studies: Top Green Logistics Companies

There are many companies, committed to decarbonizing their logistic processes. They do so using multi-sensor tracking devices. For example, DHL has developed its GoGreen strategy. It uses sensors to protect against changes in humidity, temperature, vibrations, or light.
FedEx is another example that keeps updating its live-tracking devices to grow security, flexibility, and visibility. Its team brings all the gathered data and intelligence together. This information helps to comprehend cargo status and foresee problems or delays.

Conclusion

Green logistics is not only about getting cargo to its destination faster, it’s about making transportation beneficial for the environment. More companies will get greener in the next few years. They will ultimately force out those companies with traditional logistics models. Though a challenge at first, it’s important to innovate through green technology. Join the greener strategy now, it’s a win-win for companies and for the planet.

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, today announces that, according to a recent milestone report by Finite State, an independent third-party cybersecurity firm, nearly 95% of all Quectel modules shipped to the United States since the beginning of 2022 have industry-leading security scores based on penetration testing and binary analysis by Finite State.

The report highlights a notable enhancement in Quectel’s security position, expanding the number of modules tested and with scores across the tested modules improving from an average of 33 to 18, up from an average of 62 to 24 in previous testing. This represents a substantial improvement, as both the initial and revised scores significantly surpass the industry average of 98 with the lowest (best) score of 10. Further, the number of and severity of vulnerabilities Finite State did identify in Quectel products or modules are significantly less than the industry standard and revealed a very limited attack surface. Those issues Finite State did discover have been quickly remedied by Quectel.

This advanced phase of testing leverages Finite State’s security technologies and expertise to conduct an exhaustive third-party evaluation of Quectel’s modules. The advanced testing encompasses an array of sophisticated security assessments designed to fortify Quectel’s modules against the evolving landscape of cyber threats, including binary analysis of numerous Quectel products and both penetration testing and binary analysis of several Quectel cellular modules.

“Entering this next phase of security testing with Finite State underscores our relentless pursuit of the highest security standards for our products,” stated Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions.

“Our continued collaboration is a reflection of our commitment to exceed industry security expectations, ensuring our customers benefit from the most secure and reliable communication modules available – tested and verified by one of the most trusted US cyber security firms. We’re thrilled that the latest report from Finite State demonstrates our commitment and progress.”

The continued integration of Finite State into Quectel’s transparency and security program reaffirms Quectel’s commitment to pioneering unparalleled security practices in the IoT and telecommunications sectors. Quectel has made a measurable improvement in key areas such as the security health of the code, the sophistication of the vulnerability management process, and the transparency of its software supply chain.

The program is strategically designed with three key goals to address the pressing issues in cybersecurity today:

Implementing the Finite State Platform into Quectel’s DevSecOps procedures, which enhances firmware binary analysis, manages vulnerabilities efficiently, and offers specific recommendations for remediation.
Developing and sharing Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and Vulnerability Exploitability Exchange (VEX) documents for each of Quectel’s products, which promotes a transparent environment and provides critical insights into the software components of Quectel’s devices along with any vulnerabilities they may contain.
Conducting comprehensive manual penetration tests by Finite State’s expert Red Team, which augments automated testing methods and delivers detailed security evaluations for Quectel’s product line.

Matt Wyckhouse, CEO of Finite State, commented, “Progressing to this next phase of security testing demonstrates Quectel’s commitment to leading the industry with transparent, rigorous cybersecurity practices. Quectel’s willingness to subject their products to such rigorous scrutiny is commendable and sets a new industry standard to further safeguard the IoT ecosystem.”

The outcome of this continued engagement is anticipated to enhance the security framework of Quectel’s modules and inspire a shift towards more rigorous security standards across the telecommunications industry. Quectel is dedicated to sharing insights and best practices gleaned from this process, contributing to a safer, more secure digital future.

In addition to the activity with Finite State, Quectel is actively pursuing collaboration with multiple standards-setting organizations to enhance and commit to a more rigorous set of security requirements. This initiative aims to achieve key security certifications from both industry and governmental bodies, underlining Quectel’s dedication to advancing security standards within the sector.

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‘U.S. Cyber Trust Mark’ Program Will Help Consumers Make Informed Purchasing Decisions and Encourage Manufacturers to Meet Higher Cybersecurity Standards

The Federal Communications Commission today voted to create a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for wireless consumer Internet of Things (“IoT”) products.

Under the program, qualifying consumer smart products that meet robust cybersecurity standards will bear a label—including a new “U.S Cyber Trust Mark”—that will help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, differentiate trustworthy products in the marketplace, and create incentives for manufacturers to meet higher cybersecurity standards.

With today’s action, the Commission has adopted the rules and framework for the program to move forward. Among program highlights:

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark logo will initially appear on wireless consumer IoT products that meet the program’s cybersecurity standards.
The logo will be accompanied by a QR code that consumers can scan for easy-to understand details about the security of the product, such as the support period for the product and whether software patches and security updates are automatic.
The voluntary program will rely on public-private collaboration, with the FCC providing oversight and approved third-party label administrators managing activities such as evaluating product applications, authorizing use of the label, and consumer education.
Compliance testing will be handled by accredited labs.
Examples of eligible products may include home security cameras, voice-activated shopping devices, internet-connected appliances, fitness trackers, garage door openers, and baby monitors.

The Commission is also seeking public comment on additional potential disclosure requirements, including whether software or firmware for a product is developed or deployed by a company located in a country that presents national security concerns and whether customer data collected by the product will be sent to servers located in such a country.

There are a wide range of consumer IoT products on the market that communicate over wireless networks. These products are made up of various devices, and are based on many technologies,
each of which presents its own set of security challenges. Last August, the Commission proposed and sought comment on developing the voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for IoT. The
rules adopted today are based on that record.

According to one third party estimate, there were more than 1.5 billion attacks against IoT devices in the first six months of 2021 alone. Others estimate that there will be more than 25 billion connected IoT devices in operation by 2030. The cybersecurity labeling program builds on the significant public and private sector work already underway on IoT cybersecurity and labeling, emphasizing the importance of continued partnership so that consumers can enjoy the benefits of this technology with greater confidence and trust

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Sequans Communications, S.A., a leading cellular IoT chipmaker, announces that it has been granted financing of 10.9 million EUR from the French government as part of the France 2030 initiative to support the development of technologies deemed to be strategically important to the national interest.

Such financing will be received with an upfront payment followed by three milestone payments over the duration of the project. The France 2030 initiative, operated for the state by Bpifrance, aims to transform key sectors of the French economy, including the telecom sector, called for projects to accelerate the development of 5G and beyond as “sovereign solutions”.

In its proposal, Sequans outlined a plan to create a new generation massive IoT chip supporting 5G NR eRedCap (5G new radio enhanced reduced capability) that meets the requirements of the 3GPP standard defined in Release 18 and beyond. 5G NR eRedCap will comply with the latest 5G NR networks and address massive IoT applications with cost-effective, low-power, and ultra-reliable connectivity required for industrial, utilities, medical, asset tracking, and automotive applications.

Georges Karam, Sequans CEO, said:

“We are grateful that our proposal was chosen by France 2030 as it strengthens and secures our massive IoT low-power 5G product portfolio development. In addition to 5G NR eRedCap support, this new chip will be backward compatible with existing 4G networks, providing a smooth transition path from 4G to the latest 5G networks for the next ten years”.

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IoT Analytics has published a new analysis that highlights 10 emerging IoT trends driving market growth.

This analysis is derived from the comprehensive “State of IoT – Spring 2024” – a report on the current state of the Internet of Things, including market updates and projections, the latest trends, market sentiments, investments, M&As, industry expert opinions, and more.

Key Insights:

According to the latest State of IoT – Spring 2024 report, IoT remains a top-three corporate technology priority.
While AI has surpassed IoT in corporate prioritization, combining IoT and AI is on the rise and seen as a tailwind for the $236-billion IoT market rather than a disrupter.
IoT Analytics identified 40+ current IoT market trends in this research, 10 of which are shared below.

Key Quotes:

Knud Lasse Lueth, CEO at IoT Analytics, remarks:

“In 2023, the IoT market demonstrated significant resilience among economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. We now estimate a robust growth of 17% per annum through 2030. This growth is fueled by an increase in connected assets and corresponding investments in AI and cybersecurity within the IoT sector.”

IoT remains a top corporate priority on the back of the current AI wave

IoT remains a top priority. IoT remains a top-three corporate technology priority while AI has taken over as the top technology priority, according to the latest 148-page State of IoT – Spring 2024 report. In recent surveys from PWC, KPMG, and BCG, respondents ranked IoT second or third after AI in terms of investment prioritization for emerging technologies, with AI coming in first across the board.

AI is a tailwind for IoT. The latest research finds that the growth of AI is a strong tailwind for the $236-billion IoT market, as companies are gaining interest in both AI and IoT within their organizations. One indication is from IoT Analytics’ analysis of company earnings calls: since Q3 2022, the mention of these two technologies in the same earnings call rose by 61%.

40 current trends identified by the IoT Analytics team. IoT Analytics’ market analysis relies on the valuable findings of its research analyst team and input from industry experts and advisors. These professionals contributed greatly to the spring 2024 State of IoT report, which showcases nearly 40 IoT market trends, along with IoT market data, recent IoT news and developments, and the performance and activities of IoT companies. The analysis shows that AI is not the only trend that will help drive the IoT market—10 of the trends discussed in our report can be found below.

IoT market expected to continue its growth path. IoT Analytics assesses that the 10 trends discussed in this article (among many more) will contribute to an IoT market CAGR of 17% until 2030, which is a cautious downward revision from the forecasted 19% CAGR in early 2023 but nonetheless a testament to the strength of the technology and its impact in a variety of markets.

CEO quote: “In 2023, the IoT market demonstrated significant resilience among economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. We now estimate a robust growth of 17% per annum through 2030. This growth is fueled by an increase in connected assets and corresponding investments in AI and cybersecurity within the IoT sector.” – Knud Lasse Lueth, Chief Executive Officer

Spring 2024 macro environment outlook: Lingering economic uncertainty, but IoT remains a key investment

Inflation coming down. The high inflation rates that we saw in 2023 seem to be subsiding. The Euro area inflation estimate for January 2024 was 2.8%, down from 2.9% in December 2023. In the US, consumer inflation has greatly eased from its peak of 9.1% in June 2022; it currently stands at 3.2% in February 2023. In Asia, some countries witnessed their lowest inflation levels since 2022.

Muted global economic growth projections. However, despite inflation progress, global economic growth projections are still below the historical annual average. The IMF forecasts a 3.1% global economic growth in 2024 and a 3.3% growth in 2025. Additionally, by December 2023, China—the second-largest economy and the country with the most connected devices—experienced its longest deflation streak since 2009, with prices declining for the third consecutive month. On the flip side, India’s economy has been outperforming the rest of the world.

IoT markets affected, but positive sentiment shows. The IoT market has seen positive economic news lately. Going into 2024, the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index is back to its long-term average, indicating a normalization of supply chains after stormy times during the pandemic. Additionally, business sentiment around IoT appeared overall positive, and many IoT companies reported significant year-on-year growth in both revenue and gross margin within the IoT sector in Q4 2023 (e.g., Supercom, Lantronix, and Globalstar). Unfortunately, some IoT companies have reported revenue declines and market weakness.

Analyst quote: “India has emerged as the ‘new China’ in terms of growth outlook.” – Philipp Wegner, Principal Analyst—Data

With this market backdrop, the following is a list of 10 notable IoT and tech-related trends and opinions identified by the IoT Analytics team as part of the research for the report with accompanying commentary:

Trend 1: Semiconductor companies invest in embedded chipset security

Semiconductor companies are increasingly investing in embedded chipset security to address the growing security threats IoT devices face. Securing hardware at the chipset level with secure elements and physical unclonable functions (PUFs) can help protect data flowing from edge devices to the cloud.

Example: The ecosystem of US-based semiconductor company Intel is growing with security partners like US-based digital authentication company Intrinsic ID. In February 2024, Intel Foundry added Intrinsic ID to its Accelerator IP Alliance program, aiming to ensure the availability of hardware-based root-of-trust solutions for the Foundry’s members. Accepting that security and reliability are valuable for applications, the Foundry opened access to Intrinsic ID’s QuiddiKey X00 product family of root-of-trust (RoT) solutions, which use standard SRAM as a PUF to generate a hardware RoT without needing additional security-dedicated silicon.

Analyst quote: “Semiconductor companies are at the forefront of tackling [the growing security threats IoT devices face], focusing on investing in embedded chipset security, as hardware forms the foundational layer.” – Satyajit Sinha, Principal Analyst – Connectivity and hardware

Trend 2: Industrial automation hardware is becoming more intelligent with the integration of AI chipsets

With the advancement in AI technology, companies are now looking to leverage AI at the edge, increasing the demand for real-time data analytics also at the edge. AI chipsets are also becoming smaller in size while growing in power. This trend has led to the emergence of IPCs and gateways embedded with AI chipsets, resulting in edge AI equipment that can perform parallel computations and train algorithms with very low computational response latency.

One benefit of using AI chipsets at the edge is the acceleration of data processing directly on the industrial equipment. This, in turn, reduces network traffic and enhances security, as the amount of data going to the cloud for processing is reduced.

Example: At SPS in November 2023, Germany-based automation and digitalization manufacturer Siemens presented its SIMATIC IPC520A Box PC embedded with 6-core NVIDIA Carmel for edge capabilities and NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX GPU for A, making it suitable for AI-oriented operations. The IPC520A is designed to work seamlessly with AI-based applications across various industries, including factory automation and logistics.

Analyst quote: “Advancements in AI chipsets specifically designed for the edge are noteworthy. Embedding AI chipset in edge hardware such as IPCs and gateway is bringing decision-making closer to the edge and opening doors to new IoT applications such as machine vision.” – Kalpesh Baviskar, Market Analyst—Connectivity and hardware

Trend 3: The race for generative AI solutions in manufacturing has begun

Many industrial generative AI (GenAI)-based solution showcases are popping up. Vendors in the industrial and manufacturing space are racing toward developing GenAI-based solutions around coding, troubleshooting/support, operational analytics, and generative design, among others.

Examples: The following are just two of the six showcase examples found in the State of IoT – Spring 2024 report:

At SPS 2023, Germany-based automation technology company Beckhoff showcased its TwinCAT Chat for the TwinCAT XAE engineering environment. The TwinCAT Chat Client enables AI-supported engineering to automate tasks such as the creation or addition of function block code, code optimization, documentation, and restructuring.
In November 2023, Canada-based industrial AI software company Canvass AI announced the next evolution of its industrial AI software with Hyper Data Analysis. Through the use of GenAI, the Canvass
AI software now incorporates learnings from text and visual-based data—adding it to production data streams—to advance traditional time-series-based AI insights for applications such as visual inspection, predictive maintenance, and quality within the process industries.

Analyst quote: “15 industrial automation and related vendors at SPS 2023 told us that GenAI is currently one of their top technology priorities. Moreover, we observed that these GenAI-based solutions are mostly in the stage of showcasing their capabilities rather than being widely available to the public. We believe this is to evolve in the coming months when vendors will go ‘live’ with these products for purchase.” – Fernando Brügge, Senior Analyst—Industrial IoT and AI

Trend 4: Generative AI has a positive (not negative!) impact on the manufacturing workforce

The race to integrate GenAI solutions in manufacturing—and how it differs from other technologies so far—revolves around the speed of adoption and the level of investment in the technology. Within three months of its public launch, ChatGPT reached an estimated 123 million users, an incredible feat for a new type of product. Additionally, soon after ChatGPT’s launch, Microsoft made a $10 billion investment in OpenAI, helping increase ChatGPT’s profile. This investment also showed the seriousness big tech companies like Microsoft are placing in this technology, leading companies across industries to question how they could leverage GenAI in their processes.

Adoption of new technology in manufacturing is often associated with negative impacts on the workforce. However, GenAI adoption in manufacturing is expected to boost employment and upskilling, shifting focus from automation to strategic growth. With GenAI contributing potentially $2.6–$4.4 trillion to the global economy annually, according to McKinsey, manufacturers are likely to deepen their investment in AI technologies.

However, AI’s impact on the workforce appears counterintuitive to common automation narratives. According to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, 32% of manufacturers anticipate an increase in headcount due to AI, suggesting that AI will create new roles and require upskilling rather than just automating existing ones. With 96% of manufacturers projecting increased investment in AI, there is a clear trend toward embracing AI for cost savings, growth, and revenue generation.

Emerging roles will likely include AI strategy managers and data specialists, reflecting a shift toward higher cognitive work.

Advisor quote: “The urgency for upskilling is underscored by the current lack of a dedicated AI training budget in 65% of manufacturing firms, signaling a potential increase in investment in human capital.” – Jeff Winter, Industry 4.0 expert and advisor

Trend 5: Companies are in danger of neglecting tech adoption basics in the rush to generative AI

GenAI is everywhere. Vendors are looking for ways to implement it in their products or to create new ones, and end users are eager to adopt. This rush, however, is not always helpful when it comes to adopting new technologies. The hype can often shift the mindset of adopters and vendors alike from “What technology should I use to alleviate X pain point?” to “How should I use this technology to alleviate some (sometimes non-existent) pain point?”

In almost all the surveys that IoT Analytics conducts—be it about IoT use case adoption, Industry 4.0, IoT software, or similar—“having a set goal” is always on the list of success factors that respondents mention. This is often forgotten whenever a new technology promises to “change the way we work” (the metaverse, for example).

Analyst quote: “[AI] should be treated like any other technology. First, think of the why, who, and how before deciding on implementing it. Second, if you are a (software) vendor, you should also keep in mind that being fast to innovate is not always the most important factor to keep your customers happy.” – Dimitris Paraskevopoulos, Senior Analyst—Quantitative data

Trend 6: Marketplaces are gaining in importance for technology procurement

Companies and sellers alike are embracing the subscription-based economy and seeking to simplify the procurement process. In January 2024, IoT Analytics published an article delving into the rise of B2B marketplaces, noting that B2B marketplaces are the fastest-growing procurement channel for software.

Analyst quote: “Cloud hyperscaler marketplaces currently lead in cloud-based software spending since many businesses have already committed cloud spending that can be utilized to procure software from these platforms.” – Justina-Alexandra Sava, Market Analyst—Software

Trend 7: Data fabric is emerging as an advanced evolution of data lakes

Though a relatively new term, data fabric describes a comprehensive data integration and management framework. It encompasses architecture, management tools, and shared data sets and is designed to assist organizations in handling their data.

Data fabrics differ from data lakes in that they go beyond storing raw data and from data warehouses in that they handle only processed or refined data. A core benefit of data fabrics is they offer a cohesive, consistent user interface and real-time access to data for all members of an organization, regardless of their global location.

Examples:
In 2023, several large data management vendors either upgraded their already existing data fabric solutions or launched new solutions:

In February, US-based data integration platform provider Talend—one of the early users of the term data fabric—announced upgrades to their Talend Data Fabric solution, which was initially launched in 2015.
In May 2023, US-based technology and software company Microsoft introduced Microsoft Fabric and launched it in November.

Analyst quote: “Given the increase in data complexity because of the exponential growth in big data, propelled by hybrid cloud, AI, IoT, and edge computing, there seems to be a good opportunity for vendors [offering data fabric].” – Mohammad Hasan, Market Analyst—Software and cloud

Trend 8: Hyperscalers pivot their edge strategies to innovate and secure their IIoT market position

Cloud providers are strategically adapting to the evolving IIoT market. In recent developments within the IIoT landscape, important shifts have occurred among major cloud service providers, with more focus on edge and containerization strategies.

Examples:

Microsoft pivots its Azure IoT strategy toward Kubernetes. Microsoft has notably redirected its strategy toward Kubernetes, a move signaling a pivot within its Azure IoT Operations offering. This transition, accompanied by organizational restructuring and the discontinuation of the Azure Certified Device Catalog, highlights how Microsoft’s IoT strategy seems to evolve as technology and market dynamics shift.
Google ends IoT Core but keeps Manufacturing Connect via Kubernetes. Similarly, Google’s decision to terminate its IoT Core offering in August 2023 has prompted attention. Despite this closure, Google’s IIoT solution, Manufacturing Connect, remains viable through its Kubernetes-compatible architecture, a strategic alignment reflecting the company’s technical prowess in this domain.
AWS boosts IIoT investment with Sitewise and Monitron enhancements. AWS seems to double down on the IoT edge, which is particularly evident in the revitalization of Sitewise and other offerings like Monitron.

Advisor quote: “As the IIoT market evolves, cloud giants like Microsoft, Google, and AWS are moving further to the edge by embracing Kubernetes and enhancing edge computing capabilities. Their strategies revolve less around serving individual use cases themselves but rather participating in the edge (software) platform layer, which serves as the basis of digitalization for their partners and customers.” – Matthew Wopata, Edge solutions expert

Trend 9: Industrial vendors are strongly investing in DataOps solutions

Several vendors are investing in industrial DataOps solutions to tackle data integration and analysis challenges.
Industrial DataOps is an approach to data integration focusing on enhancing data quality through contextualization and modeling. This approach is experiencing growing attention within the industrial connectivity space.

Examples:

Some of the key vendors that offer industrial DataOps for data contextualization and modeling include:

New vendors: Cognite – CDF, HighByte – Intelligence Hub, Prosys – OPC UA Forge, Litmus – Litmus Edge, Element – Unify, and Crosser – Flow Studio
Industrial incumbents: ABB – Ability Genix, Aveva – PI System, Aspentech – Inmation, GE Digital – Asset Modeler, and Halliburton – DecisionSpace 365

Analyst quote: “In the world of AI, OT data stands as the cornerstone. It’s the quality and context of this data that truly empowers insights. We are seeing vendors aggressively advance DataOps tools for modeling and contextualization, with both new entrants and established OEMs perfecting their solutions. This concerted effort underscores the pivotal role of enhancing the quality of data from varied assets/software in unlocking digital transformation’s full potential.” – Anand Taparia, Principal Analyst—Industrial IoT

Trend 10: Robots charged per hour are starting to replace manual labor due to labor shortage

Manufacturing companies can benefit from equipment as a service (EaaS) by replacing labor-related operational expenses with another type of operational expense: robotics as a service (RaaS). RaaS is a relatively new business model, where a robot is provided by a machine builder on an outcome-based basis (paying per parts produced with the equipment) or runtime basis (paying per hours of equipment used) instead of as a direct purchase.

Example: US-based truck trailer chassis manufacturer Cheetah Chassis chose to hire welding robots per hour and explained that it could not find enough welders to fulfill demand. Its CEO, Garry Hartman, explained that it had trialed robotics before, but it was unsuccessful because it did not have the capacity to program and service robots. With RaaS, Cheetah Chassis can now enjoy the benefits of robotics without having to do so because it is provided by the RaaS vendor.

Analyst quote: “Companies are more likely to consume equipment by the hour if they are trying to fill in the gaps in the workforce (which is already paid by the hour) rather than purchasing new equipment.” – Matthieu Kulezak, Senior Analyst—Industrial IoT

Conclusion

The IoT sector is undergoing transformative changes. The new 148-page State of IoT – Spring 2024 report highlights the continuous evolution and resilience of the IoT market, driven by technological advancements and strategic shifts.

The shift of hyperscalers towards edge and containerization strategies, the integration of AI into industrial automation, the advent of generative AI in manufacturing, and the rise of data fabric solutions represent just a few of the dynamic developments redefining the enterprise IoT ecosystem. These trends, alongside other market data in the report, not only reflect the current state of the market but also provide a glimpse at future growth and innovation.

In navigating this landscape, it is crucial for businesses to stay informed and adaptable. With a projected CAGR of 17% until 2030, the potential for growth and transformation in the IoT sector is immense.

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Berg Insight, the world’s leading IoT market research provider, today released new findings about the market for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

The estimated market value for ITS deployed in public transport operations in Europe was € 2.15 billion in 2022. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 percent, this number is expected to reach € 2.92 billion by 2027. The North American market for public transport ITS is similarly forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.8 percent from € 0.88 billion in 2022 to reach € 1.34 billion in 2027.

Berg Insight is of the opinion that the market for ITS in public transport is in a growth phase which will continue throughout the forecast period. Considerable investment is going toward electrification of the public transport fleet, which will require more sophisticated ITS solutions to operate smoothly. In addition, the increasing demands from travellers for convenience and accessible real-time information contribute to a positive market situation. Governments in both Europe and North America view public transport as a prioritised area for investment. The Canadian government has for example announced a CAD 2.75 billion (€ 2.0 billion) investment toward electric buses, school buses and related charging infrastructure between 2021–2026.

A group of international aftermarket solution providers has emerged as leaders on the market for public transport ITS. Major providers across Europe and North America include Canada-based Trapeze Group and Germany-based INIT, which have significant installed bases in both regions. Clever Devices and Conduent hold leading positions on the North American public transport ITS market. The former has expanded into Europe with an acquisition and the latter is an international provider of fare collection systems. Additional companies with notable market shares in North America include Cubic Transportation Systems and Avail Technologies. Siemens Mobility is a prominent vendor of software in both Europe and North America.

Examples of major vendors on national markets in Europe include EQUANS and RATP Smart Systems, which hold leading positions in France. IVU is an important player primarily in the German-speaking part of Europe. Vix Technology, Flowbird and Ticketer are moreover major providers on the UK market. Other significant players include the Spanish groups GMV, Indra and Grupo ETRA; French Thales; Atron in Germany; Scandinavian FARA, Pilotfish and Consat Telematics; and Austria-based Swarco and Kontron Transportation. Volvo Group and Daimler are moreover notable players from the vehicle OEM segment, while companies such as Scania, Iveco, Gillig and New Flyer also offer some conventional OEM telematics features for their buses.

“We are increasingly seeing that solutions are developed with standardisation and interoperability in mind. ITS solution providers are now for example commonly requesting labels of compliance from standard organisations,” said Caspar Jansson, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight. Interoperability opens up many new possibilities for various stakeholders in the ITS ecosystem.

Mr. Jansson concluded:

“The standardisation efforts enable public transport agencies to combine competitive solutions from multiple vendors in their networks. The first tenders explicitly requiring equipment to be compliant with the ITxPT standard have now been issued.”

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Imagine your coffee maker not only brewing your favorite blend but also earning a small fraction of Bitcoin while doing so. This scenario is not a distant dream but an emerging reality where the Internet of Things (IoT) meets Bitcoin. The world of smart devices is rapidly evolving, and with this evolution comes an unexpected player: cryptocurrency mining.

The Emerging Trend of IoT in Cryptocurrency Mining

Cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, has been a hot topic for some years now, on account of its revolutionary impact on finance and technology. If you’re keen to find out more, you can discover more Bitcoin news and analysis on dedicated platforms like NewsBTC.

Traditionally, mining Bitcoin requires significant computational power and energy, often involving large data centers. However, a new trend is emerging where IoT devices are being utilized to assist with mining cryptocurrencies.

This development is not just fascinating but also raises questions about practicality, efficiency, and the future of both IoT and Bitcoin.

How Does It Work?

The concept is straightforward. IoT devices, which include everything from smart fridges to thermostats, are connected to the internet and can perform tasks autonomously. By integrating Bitcoin mining software, these devices could use their processing power to mine cryptocurrencies when they are not in full use.

For instance, your smart TV could mine Bitcoin while you’re not watching it. This approach can turn idle times into productive economic activities, albeit on a small scale.

The Attraction and Challenges

But why would one consider using IoT devices for Bitcoin mining? The main attraction lies in the potential to generate value from devices that are already operational. It’s an innovative way to monetize investments in smart technology.

Additionally, it could also democratize the mining process, which is currently dominated by players with massive computational resources.

Energy Consumption and Sustainability

As we delve deeper into the world of IoT and Bitcoin mining, it’s crucial to address the environmental impact and the ethical considerations that come with it.

On one hand, these devices, when not in use, could provide a more distributed form of mining, potentially reducing the need for large, energy-intensive mining farms. On the other hand, the cumulative impact of numerous devices, each drawing additional power for mining, could add up, contributing to higher overall energy consumption. This scenario becomes particularly concerning when considering the energy mix used to power these devices, which often includes non-renewable sources.
Striking a balance between innovation, profitability, and responsibility is key.

Technical and Security Considerations

However, there are some major challenges to this novel concept. The foremost concern is the capability of IoT devices.

Mining requires considerable processing power, and most IoT devices are not designed for such tasks. This means that the amount of Bitcoin that can be mined through these devices is minimal, raising questions about the viability and profitability of such endeavours.

There are also serious security issues to contend not, not least the ever-present threat of hack attacks.

The Future of IoT and Bitcoin Mining

Looking to the future, the convergence of IoT and Bitcoin mining hints at a fascinating shift. As technology advances, the processing capabilities of IoT devices are likely to improve, potentially making them more suitable for mining activities.

Moreover, this trend could inspire the development of new, more energy-efficient mining algorithms suitable for IoT devices, further integrating the worlds of smart technology and cryptocurrency.

In A Nutshell

The idea of using IoT devices for Bitcoin mining is still in its very early stages, but it’s a concept that holds potential. It represents a unique intersection of two groundbreaking technological trends. While there are practical and technical hurdles to overcome, the prospect of smart devices not just simplifying our lives but also contributing to economic activities is an exciting development.

As with any technological advancement, a careful and considered approach will be essential to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities that this innovative convergence presents.

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, will be participating as an exhibitor and keynote speaker at the upcoming Connected Auto & Electric Vehicles (CAEV) India event, set to take place in Bengaluru.

This prestigious event gathers industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss and showcase the latest trends, technologies, and solutions in the connected auto and electric vehicle sectors. Manfred Lindacher, VP Global Sales Automotive at Quectel Wireless Solutions, is scheduled to deliver one of the opening keynote addresses on the first day of the event.

During the show, Quectel is set to unveil the AW200Z multi-mode smart LTE module equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionalities, designed with functionality to help meet the requirements of the two-wheeler industry. This innovative module is powered by Qualcomm’s advanced 64-bit quad-core Cortex-A53 processors, coupled with an integrated Adreno 702 GPU.

Designed to meet the diverse requirements of both industrial and consumer sectors, it offers robust performance and versatile multimedia capabilities. With its extensive support and reliability, it stands out as the preferred choice for applications demanding high data rates and long-term usage. The AW200Z harnesses the Qualcomm® QWM2290 SoC and boasts an array of features including Bike-to-Cloud connectivity, seamless integration with Vehicle Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), and proactive service provision, enabling customers to streamline their two-wheeler application development processes effortlessly.

The module boasts enhanced mobile rendering APIs for image and video applications, leveraging the capabilities of the Adreno 702 GPU. It also provides worldwide LTE, UMTS/HSPA+, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE coverage, along with dual ISPs and support for up to 25 MP camera @ 30 fps, enabling seamless recording and playback of 1080P videos @ 30 fps. Additionally, its multi-constellation GNSS receiver ensures fast and accurate fixes in various environments, making it ideal for applications requiring precise location services.

“Participating in CAEV India is a fantastic opportunity for Quectel to demonstrate our commitment to the Indian market and our leading position in the global IoT and automotive sectors,” said Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions.

“We’re also delighted to introduce the AW200Z smart module, ideal for customers in the two-wheeler industry.”

During the event, Quectel will showcase its full range of cellular, C-V2X, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ultra-wideband and smart automotive products and solutions, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the industry, offering high performance, low latency, and robust security features essential for connected vehicles and autonomous driving technologies.

Demonstrations from both Quectel and Ikotek will include:

Smart Instrumental Cluster by Longxin Electronic Technology: This advanced cluster features Bluetooth-enabled keyless unlocking, one-button start functionality, and supports a range of unlocking methods including Bluetooth, NFC, App, and mobile phone NFC. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with a rear-mounted 4G communication box for enhanced connectivity. With built-in alarm and flasher capabilities, it offers comprehensive security features. Furthermore, it supports one-wire/485 connectivity for versatile integration.
BMS 4G Cloud Box: This cutting-edge device features LTE Cat 1 connectivity for high-speed data transfer. It supports Base Station Positioning for accurate location tracking. Compatible with one-wire/485 connections, it offers versatile integration capabilities. It also boasts IP65 rating for durability and resilience against environmental factors.
4G Battery-Powered Tracker: Equipped with LTE Cat 1 connectivity, this tracker ensures fast and reliable data transmission. It features GPS/BeiDou/Base Station Positioning for precise location tracking. Optional serial/485 connectivity offers flexibility in integration and additionally, it supports patch cards and has an IP67 rating, making it durable and suitable for various environmental conditions.
T-BOX B: This advanced device operates on LTE Cat 1 network, providing robust connectivity. It utilizes GPS/BeiDou/Base Station Positioning for accurate location tracking. With support for CAN/485/Wireless connections, it offers versatile integration options. This device can also accommodate patch cards and features a built-in battery for uninterrupted operation. Furthermore, it includes an integrated alarm system for enhanced security.

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Tele2 AB (“Tele2”) and the q-trade platform foodora announce today that they will launch food deliveries using IoT and 5G connected drones.

The deliveries will be made wherever possible to the customers’ property or garden and lowered with a cable from the drone, with the first deliveries taking place already in the spring on Värmdö, outside Stockholm.

Now launching foodora Air, which is a fleet of electric drones that, with the help of 5G technology from Tele2, will provide fast and efficient delivery service of food from a number of restaurants on Värmdö, outside Stockholm. Aerit, a technology leader in the drone industry, has developed advanced drones integrated into foodora’s technology platform to create a seamless and efficient delivery experience connected with the latest 5G technology from Tele2.

Stefan Trampus, Executive Vice President B2B at Tele2, says:

“This marks a new era in how people receive deliveries, and we believe we can see more applications in other industries. For us at Tele2, the partnership with foodora is a perfect example of how we can use our 5G connectivity and expertise to drive future delivery services in a simple, sustainable, and smart way, while providing customers with an extraordinary experience.”

The drones have a range of 21 kilometers and emit 2 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, which can be compared to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered delivery vehicles that emit 143 and 110 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, respectively.

“Technology and connectivity have the potential to break many of the limitations that currently exist in rural areas, where access to various services and products has decreased in line with rapid urbanization,” Stefan Trampus concludes.

Deliveries will, where possible, be made directly to customers’ properties or gardens and lowered with a cable from the air. Deliveries will commence in May on Värmdö, and food can be ordered through the foodora app. The goal is to expand to more areas in Sweden so that more locations can have access to the same service available in major cities.

“We are proud to be the first in Europe to launch real drone deliveries, and we are excited to have Tele2 and Aerit as partners on this exciting journey. Fast home deliveries are a democratic issue, in my opinion. Regardless of where you are in the country, it should be possible to quickly get what you need, such as medicines or groceries. It should not only be available to people who have chosen to settle in big cities,” concludes Daniel Gustafsson Raba, Director Operations at foodora.

Tele2 will provide continuous connectivity for the drones based on 5G IoT (Internet of Things) technology. Drones require both short response times and the ability to send and receive large amounts of data to handle deliveries safely, supported by 5G.

Technical information foodora Air:

Maximum range: 21 kilometers
Maximum delivery range: 12 kilometers
Maximum delivery weight: 4 kilograms
Weather capacity: Can fly in rain, wind, and snow

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Omnispace, the company redefining mobile connectivity for the 21st century, today announced a collaboration with MTN, the largest mobile network operator in Africa.

MTN provides voice, data, fintech, digital, enterprise, wholesale and API services to over 290 million customers in 19 countries. This partnership will explore the use of S-band for satellite services to expand MTN’s portfolio of wireless service in their markets.

This initiative underscores Omnispace and MTN’s joint commitment to developing cost-effective global connectivity solutions beyond existing cellular, land-based networks. The companies will explore the integration of MTN’s terrestrial mobile networks with the Omnispace non-terrestrial (NTN) network, leveraging 3GPP standards, to serve consumer mobile and enterprise IoT services. Furthermore, the companies will also explore how they may collaborate on the development and growth of an ecosystem of devices and software.

“This collaborative effort would offer access to secure, cost-effective, ubiquitous 5G mobile connectivity by seamlessly integrating our respective satellite and terrestrial networks,” said Ram Viswanathan, CEO of Omnispace. “Omnispace is pleased to work together with MTN to deliver this first-of-its-kind, 3GPP standards-based solution to add non-terrestrial network connectivity to a large ecosystem of compatible devices, products and applications.”

Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, said:

“Through this collaboration, we aim to methodically extend the reach of our services, understanding the profound role connectivity plays in shaping societies and supporting growth.”

“Our partnership with Omnispace is a strategic step towards ensuring consistent, reliable access to our network, contributing to the foundational infrastructure that supports a digitally inclusive future, enabling the benefits of a modern connected life for all.”

Under the agreement, Omnispace will develop a next-generation standards-based mobile and IoT network designed to serve MTN markets. In the interim, the companies will partner to test existing technology, prove capabilities, and use cases using Omnispace’s on-orbit satellites.

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