The impact of IoT in industrial automation has been gaining momentum in recent years. The Internet of Things started as a much-debated futuristic technology but became a reality that helps industrial automation companies to improve operations, increase earnings, productivity and safety for human workers. According to a survey by Microsoft, about 85% of companies have already implemented IoT solutions in their projects. Sirin Software offers IoT development services to increase business efficiency, remove human intervention, and achieve your objectives.
The digital transformation accelerated industrial IoT development, so the technology reached more Industrial IoT applications, such as energy, manufacturing, facility management, transportation, mining and metals, oil and gas, aviation and others. According to predictions, one of the consequences of the pandemic is that in the near future, we will see the use of IoT in industrial automation projects, such as Internet of Logistics Things, Internet of Retail Things and Internet of Workforce Management. The global IoT market is expected to grow by $263.4 billion in 2027.
The Industrial Internet of Things is aimed at the automation and improvement of operational efficiency; however, nowadays it offers opportunities in cost optimization, asset performance maintenance and management, creating new revenue models and leading to innovation. Let us consider the main IoT trends in 2021.
Industrial IoT Applications
Secure Operational Technology Environments
Due to the growth of cyber risks in 2021, industrial automation companies will take measures to secure operational technology networks. The traditional security solutions like industrial demilitarized zone or air gapping have noticeable vulnerabilities. For instance, third-party workers have remote access to machines and systems. A study by Ponemon Institute revealed that OT related to running utilities have vulnerabilities to cyberattacks that can cause serious damage.
Industrial Internet of Things devices often has native integration with IP networks which makes them easy targets for cyber threats. Industrial automation companies should enhance the capacity to detect the risks and respond to cyberattacks. The experts from Sirin Software will help you to develop secure IoT solutions to optimize business processes, increase operational resiliency, and reduce risks.
The IT cybersecurity practices used for enterprises are not always compatible with industrial environments. Moreover, IT professionals do not often have expertise or understanding of process control and OT. Thus, the companies need to find solutions that meet the requirements for both IT and OT. This implies the ability to respond to anomalies, visibility, and understanding the limitations within industrial IoT projects.
Remote Operations
The coronavirus pandemic created new challenges in the development of IoT in industrial automation projects. Organizations have increased the use of IoT in industrial automation to maintain business efficiency, eliminate unnecessary site visits, improve safety and prevent the employees from moving throughout the facilities.
Therefore, one of the main trends of Industrial IoT development is remote operations leading to full autonomy. The use of the Industrial Internet of Things will allow us to completely get rid of the need for workers to be present and monitor the process.
Due to AI solutions, there will be a wide range of Industrial IoT applications, including autonomous vehicles for packing, autonomous haul trucks for mining, distribution grid automation and computer-based train control.
Multiple Access Technologies
Wireless connectivity and innovative technologies like 5G and Wi-Fi 6 are changing the picture of Industrial IoT development. 5G has a great potential for IoT in industrial automation projects, increasing the overall bandwidth and allowing more Internet of Things devices to connect. The other benefits of 5G are faster data throughput, high sensor density for data gathering, and low-latency communication.
The industries that are expected to apply 5G and the Internet of Things in industrial automation include manufacturing, construction, the automotive sector, and the natural resources sectors, such as gas and oil mining.
Companies are expanding the number of industrial IoT projects, and the need to manage multiple-access technologies is growing. There is a huge number of wireless technologies that can be involved in IoT in industrial automation. These are Wi-Fi, Wi-SUN, LoRaWAN, Bluetooth, public or private cellular, and many others.
The primary challenge for the companies will be to determine the best solution for the particular use case for IoT in industrial automation projects to reduce expenses and provide security. The main points for consideration are the use case, technology differentiation, spectrum, and total cost of ownership. The best option would be to create a strategy that will allow optimizing resources and delivering safe end-to-end IP infrastructure.
If you want to know more about IoT in industrial automation, contact our experts now.