Lists, we love them. The new year has just started and we thought that would be a good time for a little recap. In this blog we will take you through the major developments in the field of IoT in 2022. What events have we seen pass by? And what turned out to be different than expected?
Of course, we also look at the expected IoT trends for 2023. Which important developments are on the agenda for 5G, NB-IoT and Edge, for example? You will discover it in the blog. This way, you will be completely up to date and you can start the new year with a fresh and well-informed view!
The most important IoT developments of 2022
1. Rise of Edge AI
Artificial intelligence has been around for a while, but last year AI was brought to the edge. For example, in 2022 we introduced the MCS AI Gateway. The powerful AI models are compressed into very efficient algorithms with Edge AI. These can be run directly on an Edge device. This allows you to make very intelligent decisions locally, for example based on image recognition. Without first having to send data to the cloud for analysis.
This analysis is done directly on the device itself. While further development and continuous optimization of the AI model is possible in the cloud. These AI model improvements can then be transferred to the Edge device. Edge AI is more sustainable, safer, cheaper and faster than Cloud AI due to these innovations.
2. Further rollout of 5G
5G seems almost commonplace now, but it certainly isn't! 5G is being rolled out on a large scale in the consumer market. This is just a souped-up version of 4G. The real 5G, with really high speeds and low latency, is still a long way off. But that long wait will definitely be rewarded soon. In the Do IoT Field Lab MCS is conducting research into (Private) 5G together with TU Delft, SURF, TNO and The Unmanned Valley. In this field lab we have already rolled out several great projects in 2022 in which 5G has provided revolutionary results.
3. Migration from 2G and 3G to LTE (4G)
We notice that many organizations are working on this migration now that 2G and 3G networks are being turned off. But there is still room for improvement. There are companies that have not yet delved into this. They now run the risk that devices will soon fail. That is why it is important to focus on the migration. Make an inventory and see exactly what is running (in the field). This way you are prepared for the migration to 4G and you will not be surprised by devices that fail.
4. Smart energy management due to energy crisis
2022 was all about high energy bills. It is more important than ever to monitor and manage your energy consumption. Only by gaining insight into your energy consumption can you create a constructive savings plan. Fortunately, there are various sensors and solutions available that allow you to easily gain insight into your energy consumption. Whether you already have an IoT platform, building management system or other network infrastructure, there is a suitable solution for everyone. Smart Energy Solution.
The need for the energy transition has been made painfully clear by last year's energy crisis. We will all have to do our part to make things more sustainable and to use energy sources more intelligently.
5. The Wonderful World of Blockchain & Helium
Last year should have been the year of Helium. But the great promise of the crypto world is under pressure. This is partly due to the (temporary) decline in crypto prices. We are still convinced of the added value of Helium. It is a fantastic example of how blockchain and crypto can be combined to roll out such a large IoT network worldwide. With the introduction of Private Helium it is even possible to combine your own LoRa/IoT network with the benefits of a Helium network.
Helium now has very good coverage in the Netherlands. That is why it can be used excellently for applications where you permanently need a virtually free internet connection. The Helium LoRa network now opens doors to applications from a completely different angle. Think for example of the use of IoT in marketing campaigns.
IoT trends you can't ignore in 2023
1. IoT deployed for Smart Energy
IoT will increasingly be used to measure energy consumption. Not only for insight into use, but also for benchmarking purposes to make processes more efficient. In addition, organizations can use IoT to prove that they are actively making things more sustainable and complying with relevant laws and regulations (compliance). IoT even offers opportunities for the entire electricity network. For example, electricity grids can even be optimized. IoT is conquering a place in the Smart Energy trend, as part of Smart Building.
2. Digitalization as a solution for staff shortages
The demand for personnel will continue to rise for the time being, while people with a lot of knowledge are retiring. Here too, IoT can offer a solution for organizations. By digitizing processes, more work can be carried out remotely. This makes these processes more efficient and less time-consuming. IoT ensures that work is carried out remotely, which means that knowledge is increasingly centralized. This digitization drive offers many opportunities for challenges due to staff shortages.
3. Edge connections with existing systems expanded
In 2022, we saw the first steps taken to connect IoT sensor networks to existing building management systems. This will be rolled out even further in 2023. Not just for smart building management, but even for Smart Industry applications with wireless IoT sensor networks. This further expands the opportunities for Industry 4.0 for organizations.
4. The 'real' 5G is coming
The 5G expectations for 2023 are high. For example, the new 5G auction of the 3.5 GHz frequencies planned for later this year. After this, we will finally be able to experience the great added value that 5G offers compared to 4G. This will offer many opportunities. Certainly for industrial organizations that want to make a move with Industry 4.0 applications. We are also closely following the possible possibilities for Private 5G in Belgium. But the real pioneers are looking even further. In 2023, the first contours of 6G, the successor to 5G, will also become visible.
5. NB-IoT as a standard for LPWAN
NB-IoT has been a buzzword for a while, but the technology has lagged behind expectations. We now see that several operators have serious intentions to further optimize and deploy NB-IoT as an LPWAN technology. For example, our partner T-Mobile even has a Innovation Center in the FC Utrecht stadium set up with NB-IoT. The technology is now supported by operators worldwide as a standard for LPWAN.
6. Security is becoming increasingly important
More and more devices, networks and 'things' are being linked together by an API in a cloud-based system. The security of sensor data, and thus the management of those API keys, is therefore becoming increasingly important. For example, generic standards are now being implemented for the issuance and management of API keys. Everything to make security even more reliable. For data protection, we see that customers are also considering on-premise/dedicated cloud solutions. This instead of shared cloud-based solutions. This gives them even more control over, and therefore protection of, their data.
7. Popularity of private networks continues to increase
This trend actually builds on the previous security trend. The great desire for even more reliable security is also reflected in a greater demand for private networks. In addition to data protection, more and more organizations also want to have their data under their own management. This gives them optimal control over their (sensor) data and business-critical applications. We see this happening not only in the Netherlands, but in many more countries.
8. Need for careful Remote Device Management is increasing
Every year, more IoT devices are being deployed in the field. The need to manage everything remotely at the touch of a button is only increasing. Many organizations are therefore experiencing the importance of managing IoT devices remotely. But there are also companies that have installed an RDM platform and, for example, have not applied any alarms. The result? Over time, it turns out that (parts of) the sensor networks no longer work. And if IoT and sensor data analyses are used for business-critical processes, this can have disastrous consequences for organizations.
IoT continues to make an impact
The world of IoT remains dynamic and developments follow each other quickly. As a result, the possibilities for organizations, and the profit they can achieve with IoT, are increasing. We look forward to the great IoT events that 2023 will have in store for us!
Has this blog made you enthusiastic about (starting with) IoT? And are you curious about what possibilities it offers for your organization? We are happy to help you! Take Contact Contact our account managers so that you can see together how you can successfully start with IoT applications.
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