By: Ingram Micro
In our ever-evolving digital world, staying ahead of the latest tech trends is crucial for businesses to thrive and for people to innovate. And what better place to begin than with the very technology that keeps everything connected: the Internet of Things (IoT).
Over the past decade, IoT technology has advanced rapidly and is creating abundant opportunities for IT solution providers, spanning across all industries. With 2023 well underway, keep an eye out for these 7 IoT trends that are actively powering a cleaner, brighter and smarter future.
1. Virtual reality (VR)
You can’t talk about trends in IoT without first discussing virtual reality (VR). VR gives users access to a fully immersive 3D virtual world that is nearly indistinguishable from reality. But VR’s potential extends far beyond sheer awe and entertainment value. In fact, VR is proving to be an invaluable resource and training tool for businesses worldwide.
Learning by doing is arguably the best training method—and VR offers some of the most realistic training scenarios available. Imagine a doctor being able to practice complex surgeries beforehand, or a pilot having hundreds of hours of flight simulator training before entering the cockpit. Thanks to VR this type of immersive training is now a reality. Not only does VR create smarter professionals, but in doing so, creates a safer society. Businesses can leverage VR to help their own employees learn faster and be better prepared to handle real-world scenarios.
2. Augmented reality
You may already be familiar with our next trend: augmented reality (AR). AR is a partially immersive experience that interacts with both real and virtual worlds, allowing organizations to test-drive scenarios before making any concrete decisions, assist with employee training and even provide virtual tours of spaces. This technology is a transformative tool for both everyday users and businesses.
AR has weaved its way into the lives of people and corporations. Mobile apps and video games utilizing AR are played daily and businesses have made AR standard practice for employee training and business demos, driving better results and helping users retain information with ease and accuracy. As this technology becomes more widespread, there is huge potential for solution providers to bring AR to new industries and empower progress.
3. Artificial intelligence
Perhaps the most talked about IoT trend over the last few years is the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a machine that can mimic human speech and behavior to problem solve with outstanding accuracy. It can also refer to any type of machine that is equipped with learning capabilities. Over time, AI has proved to be a tremendous tool for both individuals and businesses since it often catches mistakes that humans overlook.
When you see a doctor, it’s always smart to get a second opinion. What if that second opinion was AI? Physicians are now teaming up with AI in medical imaging so they can catch conditions quicker and more accurately, so patients can get treatment promptly. Additionally, businesses are using AI to automate analytics and other processes, helping businesses expand at a faster rate. Keep a close eye on this trend because we’re just now skimming the surface of AI’s boundless potential.
4. Internet of Things for homes, schools and businesses
IoT is a system of interconnected networks that communicate with each other to create a world connected to the internet, and its influence over cities, schools, offices, warehouses and homes is unmistakable. In 2023 we’re seeing IoT technologies become customary—and they’re generating a smarter world. Here are some of the most popular ways IoT is being used today:
Smart homes: IoT is being used to connect lighting, heating and other electronics so users can control their homes remotely from their phone or computer. (No more getting out of bed to turn the lights off.)
Education: Learning should be created equal and because of IoT the classroom is finally accessible to all students through resources like smartboards and immersive learning.
Businesses: Organizations are implementing IoT sensors such as motion sensors, magnetic sensors and proximity sensors that can collect enormous amounts of information clusters and be used to represent business insights.
5. Cloud computing
Data centers are trending? You heard that right. Traditional data centers are slowly moving out and the cloud is quickly taking over. For the first time, businesses don’t have to spend valuable time and resources maintaining their own physical data centers. Instead, they can opt for a much lower-maintenance hybrid-cloud model or fully transition to the cloud. With the help of cloud computing, businesses can now pay cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure (Azure) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to store, protect and support their data.
In addition to lower operational costs, businesses are ditching traditional data storage for cloud-based systems and hybrid-cloud systems for a big reason: data optimization. By harnessing and leveraging the power of a cloud service, organizations can obtain invaluable insights and optimize their business processes through a simplified and seamless analysis of data. While some organizations still opt for traditional data storage methods, it’s impossible to ignore the vast benefits and emerging influence that cloud computing has across the globe.
6. Wi-Fi 6 and 5G
Workplaces look a little different nowadays as many offices are embracing hybrid or remote work models. While hybrid and remote offices have many benefits, they also present some new security and connectivity challenges for businesses. Many organizations are turning to Wi-Fi 6 and 5G technology for help in creating swift and secure networks for employees.
Wi-Fi 6 and 5G technology offers faster, more secure and more reliable connections, giving businesses and their employees the ability to operate from anywhere in the world. This upcoming tech trend is making information transfer safer than before and helping businesses navigate new security threats in a frequently shifting work landscape.
7. Clean, eco-friendly and sustainable energy
In 2023, sustainability has become a ubiquitous concern among individuals and corporations alike. The ozone is finally healing, cities are switching to solar and the transportation industry is trading in fossil fuels for electricity. This shift to clean energy not only gives the environment a much-needed breather, but it also results in long-term cost savings for businesses and boosts their operational efficiency. New IoT technologies are being created that have the potential to help industries improve the environment while simultaneously helping them adhere to environmental regulations.
To keep up with strict government regulations, buildings require a clean and smart solution—and real-time energy monitoring is the answer. By harnessing a building’s data, this innovative technology allows organizations to track their energy usage in real time and identify energy-draining flaws in their systems, so they can repair damage quickly. This results in a lowered carbon footprint, reduced operational expenses and regulation compliance. It’s a win for businesses, a win for government and most importantly, a win for the environment.
