Introduction
The number of connected devices continues to grow at an exponential rate. According to various analytics agencies (such as Gartner and IDC), by 2025, the total number of IoT devices worldwide could exceed 75 billion. At UnioTech, we are at the very center of this transformation, helping businesses across the globe implement innovative IoT solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and competitiveness.
But which trends will shape the development of the Internet of Things in the coming years? Below is our analysis of the key areas that we believe will have the greatest impact on business and society by 2025.
1. Smart Cities
- Automation of city services. Smart lighting, intelligent water supply, air quality monitoring, etc. All these lead to resource savings and a higher level of comfort for residents. According to Deloitte, in cities where “smart” solutions have already been introduced, electricity costs have been reduced by an average of 15–20%.
- Integrated security systems. IoT cameras, sensors, and AI will enable real-time situation monitoring on streets and timely responses to potential threats.
- Convenience for citizens. Through specialized apps, residents can easily find parking spaces, plan routes considering traffic congestion, and even monitor their utility expenses.
Example: In several cities in China and South Korea, “smart traffic” systems already in place have reportedly reduced travel times during peak hours by 10–15% thanks to traffic light synchronization based on real-time road congestion data.
2. Industry 4.0
- Predictive analytics and maintenance. Installing sensors on equipment makes it possible to forecast breakdowns in advance and minimize downtime. According to McKinsey, this approach can reduce maintenance costs by 10–40%.
- Flexible and adaptive supply chains. IoT and Big Data technologies enable real-time inventory monitoring and demand forecasting, which reduces storage costs and boosts customer satisfaction.
- Automation and robotics. The use of collaborative robots (cobots) and machine vision systems in manufacturing ensures high precision of operations while mitigating the risks of human error and downtime.
Example: BMW actively employs sensors for assembly quality control and predictive maintenance of robotic arms on its production lines. This reduces defect rates and increases overall factory productivity.
3. Healthcare
- Telemedicine and remote monitoring. Wearable devices connected to IoT platforms allow doctors to monitor patients around the clock, collecting data on blood sugar levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and more.
- Personalized treatment. The combination of Big Data and AI helps doctors prescribe targeted therapies, minimizing the risk of side effects.
- Enhanced logistics and control. IoT solutions in the pharmaceutical industry ensure proper storage and transportation conditions for medications, taking into account temperature, humidity, and other parameters.
Example: Some clinics in the United States use “smart” insulin pumps and pacemakers that automatically adjust medication dosages and device operation settings based on the patient’s vitals.
4. Agriculture
- Precision farming. Soil moisture sensors, nutrient sensors, and GPS trackers for agricultural machinery help optimize irrigation and fertilizer application, increasing yield by up to 30%.
- Robotics. Drones and robotic systems are widely used to monitor field conditions, spray crops precisely, and harvest.
- Eco-friendliness and cost savings. Process optimization helps reduce water and chemical use, positively impacting the environment and lowering farmers’ expenses.
Example: John Deere has integrated IoT systems into its machinery, enabling farmers to analyze data on crop yields, weather conditions, and soil status in real time.
5. Education
- Smart campuses. Universities and schools are adopting solutions to control energy consumption, automatically regulate lighting and heating, and improve safety.
- Interactive spaces. AR/VR technologies combined with IoT sensors make the learning process more visual and engaging.
- Performance analytics. AI- and ML-based platforms can analyze students’ academic activity, helping teachers adjust curricula and create personalized recommendations.
Example: Some U.S. universities use data analytics on attendance, time spent on assignments, and participation in online discussions to identify “knowledge gaps” and promptly adjust the educational process.
6. Transportation and Logistics
- Intelligent transportation systems. Sensors and cameras monitor traffic flow to help reduce congestion and accidents.
- Smart supply chains. Real-time cargo tracking, optimized route planning, and automated documentation.
- Autonomous transport. By 2025, a significant increase in the use of driverless and electric vehicles is expected, making them an integral part of smart cities and logistics networks.
Example: Amazon actively tests drone and unmanned vehicle deliveries, which can speed up delivery times and lower logistics costs.
7. Disaster Prediction and Loss Reduction
- Early warning systems. Networks of sensors detect changes in seismic activity, river water levels, wind speed, and other factors to warn of potential disasters in advance.
- Coordination of emergency services. Thanks to IoT and a unified command center, rescue operations can be planned and adjusted in real time.
- Post-crisis recovery. Data from drones, satellites, and IoT devices help assess damage quickly and organize reconstruction efforts.
Example: In Japan, a network of sensors is deployed to issue alerts to citizens’ mobile devices several minutes before an earthquake, and to stop high-speed trains for safety.
8. Business Applications and Security
- Integration of AI and ML. Real-time Big Data processing from multiple connected devices enables companies to make strategic decisions quickly.
- Cloud and Edge Computing. Moving part of the computational workload to the “edge” of the network increases processing speed, reduces data transmission costs, and lowers latency.
- Next-generation communication protocols. 5G, LPWAN, and other technologies deliver high bandwidth and low latency, opening up possibilities for large-scale IoT projects.
Example: Manufacturers of “smart” cameras and video surveillance systems are embedding AI modules directly into cameras (edge AI), analyzing the video feed without sending the entire data stream to the cloud.
The IoT world is expanding rapidly, changing established processes and lifestyles. From automating city services and industry to ensuring safe and efficient supply chains — the Internet of Things is penetrating all areas of our lives. Companies that begin deploying IoT solutions today will gain a strategic edge, optimize expenses, and be better prepared for future challenges.
At UnioTech, we help businesses across various industries develop and integrate IoT platforms. If you have any questions or ideas about IoT applications, we would be happy to discuss them and find the best solutions for your needs.
