The Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered us into a new age of connected devices, AI, and smart gadgets. Here’s how the technology is set to evolve in the coming year.
 

Experts have identified three spheres of influence and growth for IoT technology: inside our homes, in major industries, and healthcare. 

IoT has shaped, informed, and dominated consumer electronics in 2023. The electronic gadgets that have impressed us the most so far are gadgets that we can use alongside other gadgets seamlessly and without fuss. 

For example, our TVs today have capabilities closer to computers than merely the monitors they were ten or even five years ago. Installing one out of the box is very easy, and takes out the guesswork about which wires or cables to connect to which ports. With only a few simple clicks of the remote, our TVs are instantly connected to our internet providers and streaming services of our choice. 

In major industries, IoT can feel “invisible” at the consumer end, but it has become vital to the lifeblood of many modern businesses. Point-of-sale (POS) systems are just one way that IoT has improved the retail sector. Behind the scenes, IoT provides businesses with valuable data companies use to optimize operations and productivity. 

In the sphere of healthcare, medical wearables are evolving, and becoming even more sophisticated. Wearables today are taking on more “organic” and “skin-like” features. Many of these provide a more natural feeling for patients compared to some bulky electronic gadgets made to monitor a patient’s vitals and other health indicators. 

In the coming year, it’ll be exciting to see how IoT will elevate these three spheres, and in what direction this technology will take. 

(Also Read: What’s Next for the Internet of Things?)

Internet 2.0

Ahead of the Internet 2.0 conference taking place in February 2024, leading experts in IoT have identified key topics to be discussed in the event. The Internet 2.0 conference in 2024 focuses on emerging IoT trends and will explore the impact that cutting-edge technologies will have on our world. 

A few of these highlights include:

• The rise of edge computing – Edge computing is defined as data processing closer to the source (i.e., IoT devices) instead of the data being sent to the cloud. It is supposed to reduce response time, thereby improving the efficiency and seamlessness of IoT applications. 
• AI and machine learning – The integration of AI and machine learning tech into IoT devices is supposed to make these devices more predictive and capable of “making decisions” in anticipation of their user’s needs. 
• Blockchain for more security – A focus on reviews and authentication for more transparent and fraud-proofed operations

A Focus on Cybersecurity

As most of our devices become more interconnected with each other, and more data is exchanged between them, risks to security and data breaches become more pervasive. Forbes identifies that AI-powered cyberattacks are expected to present a growing threat in 2024. Experts have become focused on reviews and finding Blockchain-based solutions to mitigate issues related to data breaches and fraud, a concern that IoT has yet to effectively quash. 

Convergence

Leading tech figures also mention the convergence of AI and machine learning with IoT (AIoT). Some say that today’s smart gadgets are defined by their interconnectivity, but in 2024, we may see truly smart gadgets that can anticipate our needs and make decisions based on those needs. Forbes says that in 2024, industries will make it a priority to develop protocols to enable numerous smart devices to interact with each other and exchange data safely. 

IoT and Green Technology

An intersection between IoT, sustainability, circular economy, and green technology will also emerge. IoT will be applied to boost energy efficiency, monitor waste management systems, and optimize supply chains. 

Improving Vehicle and Traffic Safety

Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure safety is another area for IoT’s growth. Attention will be paid to developing more autonomous vehicles and transportation systems. Traffic systems that ensure better vehicle flow are worthy investments for cities with a high vehicle population. City governments need to be clued into how IoT can be used to improve urban infrastructure. 

More Personalized and Customized Healthcare

The healthcare sector will become even more personalized through IoT. Customized care will be on the rise as wearables become more advanced and attuned to the specific needs of patients. Virtual hospitals provide not only accessibility but also comfort and ease to patients. With medical data being monitored from a central location (i.e., a hospital), patients can be treated from home. 

The Speed of Thought

Beyond 2024, IoT may even allow devices to evolve to the point that they can be powered with the speed of thought. With many of these advancements pointing towards anticipating human needs and faster decision-making, advancing brain-computer interfaces could be the next big step. Forbes mentions Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a project that merges tech with healthcare. It focuses on medical wearables, surgical robots, and implants. 

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