We reveal the top trends in the Industrial IoT sector in 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the connection of various physical devices through the Internet in order to collect and share data with each other and with other devices. Its integration in the field of energy has made it possible to optimise electricity control processes and improve the efficiency of facilities. In fact, more and more IoT equipment in industry is becoming interconnected.

So, after telling you what the key trends in the energy sector will be this year, we now bring you the top trends in the IoT sector in 2024.

1. Improved interoperability of devices

One of the top trends that will shape the IoT industry in 2024 is device interoperability. As IoT devices from different manufacturers increasingly communicate with each other, it is essential to adopt open and collaborative standards to ensure smooth and seamless integration. Interoperability is also enhanced by the implementation of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and regular firmware and software updates.

In this context, the implementation of industrial communication protocols will facilitate efficient, fast and cross-cutting data exchange between all network components.

2. Edge computing

Edge computing is a prominent feature in the IoT domain in terms of data processing at source. Being able to handle critical processes in the field and only transmit relevant information about control and monitoring devices to a central server that can be used for analysis and storage purposes.

By 2024, edge computing will become an even more crucial component of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Its use will help reduce bandwidth congestion and further simplify projects. It will also drive the gradual transition from 32-bit to 64-bit systems, as it will require the integration of Dockers, container managers that facilitate communication at the software level.

3. Data analytics and artificial intelligence

AI has become a reality in the context of the IIoT. In 2024, the focus of this technology will be especially on machine learning, known as Machine Learning, with the aim of ensuring data quality and reliability.

On the other hand, data analytics through Edge Computing emerges as one of the main strategies being pursued in the smart industry to reach an even higher level of sophistication involving real-time data analysis and response. Predictive maintenance is a good example of this: end devices monitor and control all possible variables to ensure efficient production.

4. NB-IoT / LTE-M communications to displace 2G /GPRS and 3G

By 2024, the adoption of devices integrating NB-IoT / LTE-M communication technologies is expected to increase significantly, a trend that will push 3G and 2G / GPRS equipment into the background. These conventional technologies have high power consumption and difficulties in efficiently adapting to applications where only a small amount of data is transmitted infrequently.

In contrast, emerging IoT technologies, most notably NB-IoT, offer a solution focused on communicating small amounts of data with a long lifetime. This technology uses a low-power network in a narrow band, providing extended coverage and longer battery life for sensors.

LTE-M, on the other hand, is emerging in response to the specific demands of IoT applications with low-power requirements. This technology enables higher data rates, lower latency and the ability to send voice, making it an ideal choice for mobility applications.

NB-IoT and LTE-M are becoming increasingly popular in the IoT space as they leverage existing infrastructure, offering more efficient and tailored solutions with improved performance.

5. Security and privacy in the IIoT world

Security and privacy in the IIoT world are essential to preserve and protect data integrity. This security component encompasses critical aspects such as authentication, data encryption, access and key management, and the implementation of security updates and patches, among other measures to prevent cyber-attacks.

Some of the challenges posed by IoT cybersecurity include the diversity and heterogeneity of devices, the lack of common standards, limited computational and energy resources, and the complexity associated with effective management and monitoring.

Against this backdrop, addressing the challenges becomes essential to ensure the robustness and reliability of IIoT systems. Therefore, we can anticipate that security will be one of the trends in the IoT sector in 2024, which will end up representing a significant part of global turnover in the future. Indeed, cybersecurity is no longer an optional add-on, but an imperative.

6. Decentralised energy systems

The relationship between IoT and energy efficiency will be a key element in creating smart built environments by 2024. Smart cities will increasingly adopt distributed energy resources such as solar panels, wind turbines and energy storage solutions. IoT will play a crucial role in managing and optimising these decentralised systems, leading to more resilient and sustainable urban energy infrastructures.

Energy efficiency is one of the many benefits of incorporating IoT into commercial buildings. The IoT architecture includes sensors, actuators, cloud-based software and layered communication protocols. These are controlled by a central building management system (BMS), which helps optimise the systems, allowing them to communicate with each other and work together. This offers building owners and operators a means to make their facilities more energy efficient.

So much for our summary of IoT trends in 2024. All in all, this year promises to strengthen IoT as a fundamental pillar of technological evolution. The trends we highlight will not only drive efficiency and sustainability, but will also lead the way to smart and resilient built environments in the future.