In its infancy, the internet connected computers. Now, as it’s maturing, the internet connects many things in the physical world — our watches, machinery, and even food. As more and more industries — from manufacturing to micromobility — adopt IoT connectivity, the IoT market is expected to grow from $381.30 billion in 2021 to $1,854.76 billion in 2028. This means more connected devices, more unique use cases, and nearly endless possibilities for innovation.

Based on what we’ve seen at conferences like IoT World Silicon Valley, what we are hearing from our customers, and the latest IoT advancements, we’ve compiled a list of the IoT trends we expect to grow in 2022.‍

Edge computing is taking over

Edge computing brings computing power to the “edge” of the network — typically in the field, where IoT devices are actively gathering data.

Edge computing allows data to be processed and analyzed onsite rather than having to be sent to a cloud-based system. Processing the data closer to where it was collected can lower latency and improve efficiency and costs.

Edge computing also allows data to be analyzed in real time, allowing companies to respond more quickly to any issues found during analysis. In the future, edge architecture may handle the majority of IoT data processing. ‍

Recommended Reading: Edge computing in IoT: 5 reasons it’s important

IoT connectivity is driving Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Data has always been used as a decision-making tool, but analytics-based decisions are only as accurate as the data used to make them. Cellular IoT has enabled connected sensors and devices to generate tremendous amounts of data. These high-volume data sets are called big data. They are more complex and require powerful processors and software tools to extract insights.

By leveraging these large data sets, AI and ML technologies can gather more insights from IoT devices and predict future problems. Companies are building AI to avoid alerts from ever going off and powering real-time decision-making.

Let’s look at some examples of how AI is revolutionizing industries.‍

Recommended Reading: Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs. Machine Learning (ML): What’s the difference?‍

AgTech and AI

IoT sensors in farm fields are designed to monitor various critical agricultural data points, such as sunlight, pH levels, nutrients, livestock, and the level of moisture in the soil.

With the help of machine learning, this data can be used to improve agricultural efficiencies. For instance, by integrating soil moisture data with publicly available weather data that monitors rainfall, AI can predict whether the farmer should turn on irrigation or simply wait until the forecasted rainfall. This insight allows farmers to act preemptively, prevent the soil from ever becoming dry, and improve water management.‍

Industrial IoT and AI

A sensor connected via an IoT SIM card on industrial equipment can monitor, among other things, for excessive vibrations. Too much vibration could be a signal that the machine is about to break down.

If manufacturers build AI models using historical data and analyze the data coming from the vibration sensors, they can predict when the machines will need maintenance. This type of predictive maintenance can extend the life of machines and even help determine the reason for the failure of the machine.‍

Healthcare IoT and AI

A patient with a wearable sensor has their vital signs continuously monitored for any adverse health events (such as a heart attack). The sensor — which is connected to the internet — can alert them or their healthcare provider if there are any abnormal vital signs.

When coupled with AI and machine learning algorithms, the data can be analyzed to better predict when an adverse health event will occur or simply provide the physician with more accurate readings. This type of preventative medicine allows patients to receive care remotely and decreases the burden on the medical system.‍

Digital Twin technology is improving devices (and the world)

While nothing new, more and more companies are using digital twins for increasingly creative use cases. A digital twin is a digital replica of a physical asset. The replica is used to determine how the original asset would behave under various conditions. A digital twin of an Internet of Things device can impact the design, build, and operation of the device throughout its lifecycle. With an exact digital replica pulling in the same data as the physical device, companies are able to predict everything from machine maintenance to climate change. ‍

IoT security is critical

As more IoT devices come online, the threat of device hacking is growing. In 2022 there will most likely be a renewed focus on IoT security vulnerabilities. To prevent compromised data and privacy — or major business disruptions — companies will need to utilize a connectivity provider that focuses heavily on IoT security (Hologram, for example, uses three layers of firewalls).

eSIMs will also continue to gain popularity. These SIMs are embedded in the IoT device and cannot be physically removed. That’s significant because a stolen IoT SIM card poses a security risk if the authentication data is accessed via another device. ‍

Recommended Reading: 20 IoT security solutions for 2022 and beyond‍

IoT adoption is accelerating

One of the biggest IoT trends on the horizon for 2022 is its rapid adoption across industries. The last couple of years has shown that businesses need to take advantage of all the tools in their arsenal to cope with unforeseen obstacles (like a global pandemic). Having the ability to track cargo anywhere in the world, schedule telemedicine appointments, or shift an entire workforce to a remote model was all possible during the global pandemic with the help of the IoT. By investing in IoT technology, companies can better predict and handle disruptions.

IoT adoption will only continue to accelerate in 2022, in fact, 79% of organizations plan to invest significant amounts of money into at least one IoT project in the coming two years.‍

The connectivity solution

With the IoT industry growing rapidly, it's important to partner with a connectivity company that you can trust will support your growing fleet. With Hologram’s multicarrier, global network, your devices will automatically connect to the strongest available signal across 470+ carriers around the globe. Future-proof your IoT deployment today with our eUICC-enabled SIMs.