Top 9 IoT Applications In 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of connected devices that transmit data to enable communication and automation. It links physical devices to digital interfaces, connecting machines, humans, and data.

The IoT has become so prevalent due to advancements in technology. Low-cost, low-energy hardware such as sensors and RFID tags, improved wireless networks and cellular networks, advanced machine learning algorithms, and cloud computing have all contributed to the growth of IoT.

In addition to technology, current global problems such as climate change and the pandemic have led to an increased adoption of IoT solutions. Companies and governments are investing in IoT-based energy and resource management, and smart city planning.

Cloud vendors, such as AWS, are also focusing on the IoT cloud to support communication services and industry-specific solutions for organizations building or using IoT systems.

With these factors, a wide range of IoT applications are emerging, with some still experimental and others well-established. Here are the top 9 IoT applications worldwide today:

The IoT has become so prevalent due to advancements in technology

1. Enterprise Solutions Optimization

Large corporations employ IT personnel to manage and oversee their technological infrastructure. By implementing IoT, security solutions become more robust and effective. Real-time data analysis helps detect and prevent cyberattacks, it guides incident response and security protocol development.

IoT also provides a wealth of real-time data, enabling more informed business decisions through customer analytics. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a comprehensive framework for IT asset and service management, aligns IT services with business needs. As enterprise infrastructure becomes increasingly complex with interconnecting devices, incorporating IoT into ITIL practices is crucial to optimizing the framework.

2. Integrating smart homes

The integration of IoT technology into homes has led to the creation of smart homes. These homes use sensors to control and manage lighting, energy, and security systems. A smart home is like a mini version of a smart city, with the ability to automate various tasks and processes.

One example of a smart home system is Jarvis, created by Mark Zuckerberg. This system uses natural language processing to respond to voice commands and operates appliances and lights based on occupancy. It even plays personalized music and has a security system that uses facial recognition to identify visitors.

3. Revolutionizing Agriculture through IoT

The IoT holds great potential to transform the agriculture industry. With the world’s population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the need to scale up agricultural production is becoming increasingly urgent. By integrating technology with farming practices, IoT can help address the challenges of food security and climate change.

Sensors in agriculture can provide data on soil chemistry and fertilization profiles, enabling farmers to optimize their crop yields. Smart irrigation systems, using IoT technology, help to conserve water resources by automatically regulating the water supply based on soil moisture levels.

RFID chips can be used to track livestock, providing farmers with real-time data on an animal’s vitals, location, and vaccination history. Smart greenhouses use sensors to control microclimates for crops, helping them to thrive in controlled environments. Predictive farming, which uses data collected over time to inform agricultural practices, is becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve crop yields.

4. Building smart cities

A smart city is an urban city that uses sensors and cellular or wireless technology placed in ubiquitous places such as lamp posts and antennae. There are multiple facets in which one can incorporate IoT into the functioning of a city such as:

• Traffic management;

• Pollution monitoring;

• Resource management;

• Parking solutions;

• Infrastructure management;

• Disaster management.

In Palo Alto, California, a smart parking system has been implemented across parking spots in the city. It guides drivers to the nearest parking spot and has proven to reduce traffic congestion.

Building smarter cities with IoT

5. Upgrading supply chain management

Supply Chain Management (SCM) streamlines the flow of goods and services from procurement of raw materials to delivery to customers. It includes inventory management, fleet management, vendor management, and maintenance scheduling.

IoT is applied at several stages in the SCM process. Shipping companies use IoT trackers to monitor assets and analyze shipping routes to determine the quickest and most fuel-efficient path. They also use IoT to monitor and control parameters such as container temperature and humidity.

IoT allows managers to optimize the supply chain by enabling smart routing decisions, ensuring supply chain resilience. Real-time and remote fleet management streamlines the experience for managers and customers, alerting relevant personnel of any transportation delays or issues.

In fleet management, IoT provides end-to-end connectivity between vehicles, drivers, and managers, while also monitoring vehicle health and compliance with regulations such as emission standards.

6. Transforming healthcare

The pandemic has driven the adoption of IoT in the healthcare sector, offering a more efficient connection between patients, physicians, and pharmaceuticals. IoT allows proactive medical care.

Through the use of sensors, doctors can monitor patients remotely and receive alerts in case of abnormal readings. This is particularly beneficial for monitoring high-risk patients such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions. IoT also streamlines patient medical records and access to real-time data across departments.

Additionally, IoT has the potential to greatly improve medical research by providing vast amounts of real-time data. In the pharmaceutical sector, IoT optimizes the manufacturing process, leading to lower drug prices and efficient inventory management.

7. Revamping Wearables with IoT

Wearable technology has made significant strides with the implementation of the Internet of Things. This includes smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, and even connected clothing.

Smartwatches offer a range of features, from reading text messages and displaying notifications to tracking locations and setting reminders. These wearables are particularly useful for parents monitoring their children.

Wearables equipped with AR headgear provide surgeons with patient history, past data, and real-time information during surgeries. In a factory, IoT wearables are being tested to reduce workplace accidents, while the military uses them in combat.

8. Integrating connected factories

The Internet of Things aims to give physical devices a more prominent digital presence, and what better place to apply this than in a factory.

Factories use enterprise asset management (EAM) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for maintenance management, but combining these with IoT sensors can increase the lifespan of machines and ensure their availability and reliability.

Real-time monitoring with IoT enables predictive maintenance, optimizing machine health. Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is a strategy that monitors asset health and performs maintenance only when needed, reducing costs with the help of IoT.

IoT sensors can increase the lifespan of machines

9. Reshaping hospitality

The hospitality industry has undergone major changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased costs and travel restrictions. To cut expenses, the industry is turning to the Internet of Things for automation.

IoT can minimize human interaction, aligning with social distancing norms, by using mobile electronic keys for hotel check-in. These keys also allow the hotel to keep track of a guest’s location and enable direct billing for extra requests. IoT systems allow for room service and housekeeping requests to be made through a mobile device, and smart lighting and appliances enhance the customer experience.

The Internet of Things has already begun transforming the way we live and work, although the changes may not be immediately noticeable. Greater advancements are on the horizon, and both businesses and governments are preparing for them.