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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It will begin to recurrently bill €187 million in binding orders signed with 350 clients in over 50 countries.

Sateliot, the first company to operate a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) 5G IoT satellite constellation acting as a seamless roaming extension of cellular networks, will launch four new satellites into space this year with SpaceX.

With the deployment of these four satellites plus the two already orbiting the Earth, Sateliot enters the first phase of its constellation, opening its commercial phase.

Sateliot, which counts partners such as Indra, Cellnex, or Sepides, will begin billing the €187 million of binding orders with over 350 clients in more than 50 countries worldwide. With these recurring revenues, the company aims to generate €500 million in revenue by 2027 and become a one billion revenue company by 2030.

The Spanish company has recently raised €13.5 million; of these, €6 million came from Banco Santander, €5 million from a convertible note, and the remaining €2.5 million from a participative loan from the public company Avançsa. These funds, along with the start of Series B, will allow it to advance its technology development, launch the four satellites, and strengthen the human team for the complete deployment of its constellation in 2027/2028, providing real-time coverage worldwide.

What are the satellites like?

The satellites consist of 4 cubesats, each 20 x 10 x 35 centimeters in size. They are the size of a microwave and have a net weight of 10 kilograms. They will orbit at an altitude of between 500 and 600 kilometers, have a lifespan of five years, and cover 100% of the planet.

However, the fundamental part of these satellites lies in their interior, supported by their own innovative technology tested and validated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the 3GPP, the organization that periodically brings together the main actors in the telecommunications sector. This technology is standard and democratic, open to all citizens, public administrations, and companies.

Being standard makes it scalable, easy to maintain, and updated, allowing for the progressive deployment of the constellation according to customer demands. It starts with connectivity services for IoT applications such as agriculture, which only require two daily messages, and ends with real-time services worldwide. In this way, Sateliot can provide service with its first-phase constellation as opposed to other companies that need to deploy
many more satellites for a similar commercial start.

Sateliot is renowned worldwide for satellite IoT and is one of the main companies driving the Spanish New Space, a strategic sector that has taken advantage of technological advances, reduced development times, and low investment costs to give renewed impetus to the industry.

Jaume Sanpera, CEO and co-founder of Sateliot said,

“We are ready to enter a new dimension, both technologically and commercially. We are closer to becoming the first IoT constellation operating worldwide under the 5G standard. And we will place Spain at the forefront of the New Space revolution.”

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The past few years have seen remarkable growth in the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) across industries like healthcare, business, and finance. In fact, a previous post illustrates how this trend is poised to remain throughout 2024 as the IoT landscape continues to transform when powered by other emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

For instance, the combination of AI and ML can aid in predictive maintenance and energy management, while also being compatible with IoT management platforms for overall operational efficiency. However, new priorities arise with these changes, such as enhanced cybersecurity in IoT networks to preserve data integrity and device security and energy efficiency to reduce waste and contribute to sustainability goals.

Despite IoT delivering productivity and efficiency at a large scale, its increasing rate of development and adoption can also have drawbacks in terms of prolonged screen time. Considering the average screen time of users worldwide is six hours and 37 minutes per day, this means that professionals developing IoT systems or individuals who utilise IoT for work, education, and daily life expose themselves to the blue light emitted by digital devices.

As the article will discuss, the long-term consequences of blue light exposure raise the need to include digital eye health and safety among the priorities in this modern, IoT-focused era.

Prolonged exposure to blue light in the digital age

As IoT networks are increasingly becoming essential for productivity, users must be careful of the blue light from smartphones, computers, tablets, and other digital devices. 2022 research published in the journal Heliyon notes that despite blue light influencing visual performance in terms of the perception of visual stimuli and contrast sensitivity, these artificial sources of blue light raise a myriad of health concerns.

Since blue light has a higher photon energy than other wavelengths of visible light, it can cause retinal damage and increase the risk of ocular conditions like macular degeneration. Blue light has also been linked to computer vision syndrome, which can manifest as symptoms like blurry vision, headache, dry eyes, and eye discomfort and fatigue. If left unregulated, excessive absorption of blue light can also disrupt the body’s natural sleep patterns, ultimately affecting health and quality of life.

The increasing need for eye-healthy tech

Fortunately, the prevailing health concerns associated with blue light from IoT devices can be mitigated with the help of other technologies. Among these are blue light glasses, which provide digital protection and visual comfort by filtering harmful blue-violet light and only allowing blue-turquoise light to enter the eye for increased alertness. Eyewear retailer Eyebuydirect even offers a wide range of blue-light filtering lens options, from EBDBlue Plus for everyday use to EBDBlue 360 for premium anti-glare. These lens options are applicable whether the user wears prescription glasses for vision correction or non-prescription ones for eye care and maintenance.

Protective features against blue light can also be integrated into the IoT devices themselves to minimise visual damage. For example, Eyesafe recently introduced Eyesafe RPF60, a patented blue light filtration technology that reduces 60% of blue light at the wavelengths that matter most (435-440nm). When applied to digital screens, this innovative light absorption technology can protect users from the negative effects of blue light without compromising quality and colour performance. Additionally, Eyesafe has updated the specifications for RPF Radiance Protection Factor for screen accessories, allowing consumers to choose displays that are tested and assigned a protective rating.

Lastly, IoT itself can be deployed to regulate blue light exposure and maintain optimal eye health. Australian-owned hardware company Ams released the AS7264N tri-stimulus sensor to measure blue-light wavelengths in lit environments and ensure it closely matches the human eye’s response to the visible light spectrum. The sensor is small and low-cost, and can be installed in displays, lighting systems, and smart building automation or management solutions. Overall, this makes the device useful in protecting end-users from blue light’s adverse health effects across commercial, residential, and industrial settings.

Clearly, blue light exposure in this digital age is not something that can simply be overlooked. As IoT devices, networks, and systems that serve as artificial sources of blue light become a part of everyday life, it is worth investing in tech like blue light-filtering glasses, monitors, and sensors for optimal eye health and sight preservation.

The post Digital Eye Health Becomes A Priority Amid the Increasing Adoption of IoT appeared first on IoT Business News.

According to a new report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the installed base of smart gas meters in Europe amounted to 55.9 million in 2023, equivalent to a penetration rate of 45 percent.

The installed base is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.8 percent between 2023 and 2028, reaching 77.6 million units at the end of the period. Annual shipment volumes amounted to 4.8 million units in 2023 and are expected to be around 5.0–5.8 million throughout the forecast period.

The UK, Italy and Belgium were the most active markets, together accounting for 86 percent of all smart gas meter shipments during the year. While the rollouts in Italy, France and the Netherlands are largely completed, the UK market is finally after several delays ramping up yearly installations to reach a peak of 3.2–3.4 million units per year during 2024–2025. Belgium and Ireland are two other markets that are expected to contribute with significant shipment volumes in the coming years. The Spanish market is expected to reach yearly shipment volumes of 1.0 million units by the end of the forecast period.

The smart gas meters deployed in Europe have over the past years not been networked in quite the same way as their counterparts in the electricity sector. A common model, observed in the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium, is to utilize a local wireless or wired interface to transmit gas data via the customer’s smart electricity meter. A mix of 169 MHz RF and 2G/3G cellular communications has meanwhile been the primary model for the largest projects in which smart gas meters have been deployed independently of smart electricity meters, such as in Italy and France. A change of the status quo is likely on the horizon as new types of LPWA technologies have become more readily available in the past couple of years.

Mattias Carlsson, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight, said:
“The Italian gas sector was the first in Europe to initiate large-scale adoption of NB-IoT as a primary smart meter connectivity choice and in 2023 the installed base of gas meters with NB-IoT connectivity in the country reached more than 2.5 million at the end of the year. We anticipate that by the end of the forecast period NB-IoT will become the go-to connectivity option for smart gas meters, not only in Italy but also in several other European markets.”

The composition of communications technologies in the installed base of smart gas meters has already begun to shift in favor of new LPWA technologies. 169 MHz still however remains the most popular communications technology with a market share of around 37 percent at the end of 2023, while Zigbee boasted a market share of 26 percent. By 2026, Zigbee is expected to surpass 169 MHz as the most prevalent connectivity option with an installed base of 23.4 million – a number that is further forecasted to increase to 25.5 million in 2028.

NB-IoT/LTE-M is expected to be the fastest growing connectivity option at a CAGR of 35 percent during 2023–2028 to reach an installed base of around 13.2 million units in 2028 and accounting for as much as 60 percent of yearly shipment volumes at the end of the forecast period.

Another emerging technology trend is the anticipated increase in the use of hydrogen in European gas supply operations.

Mr. Carlsson concluded:

“Projects are currently underway in for example the UK and Italy that pilots metering devices capable of measuring either pure hydrogen or a blend of hydrogen and natural gas. The interest in hydrogen meters is anticipated to increase as the technology matures.”

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