Kiva Allgood, head of IoT, Ericsson:
1. The edge is closer than ever
“As enterprises become ‘digitized’ and enable more connected machines, sensors and solutions, computing in the cloud won’t be fast enough to optimize performance in real-time. Enterprises will need computing near the edge. This creates an opportunity for operators building 5G networks.
“5G networks and cutting-edge AI and ML will enable enterprises to learn, adapt and change processes instantly to yield a greater ROI. 2020 will see more telecom operators partnering with cloud providers [to deploy] IoT platforms and AI and ML solutions – and [these things will drive] edge computing.”
2. Customization becomes a reality
“In 2020, Industry 4.0 will gain momentum through the continued proliferation of 5G and IoT. This will support innovations in robotics, AI and more, [which will] have a major impact in manufacturing – in automotive, electronics, textiles and more – as the manufacturing floor and assembly line becomes modular.
“Powered by 5G and IoT, breakthroughs in digitalization and automation will enable fully digital manufacturing, allowing production to change mid-stream without disruption. This will power hyper-customization, allowing the end-customer’s product to be tailored for specific requirements. Smart manufacturing in 2020 and enable customization to become a reality.”
3. Security issues rise for the unprepared
“The number of connected devices will increase the amount of data transmitted – opening new access points for attack. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a report outlining recommendations on how to mitigate risk and overcome security challenges.
“But securing devices after deployment is much harder than doing so from the outset. Companies of all sizes, including network operators, must be prepared to keep critical operations up and running, and put end-to-end security solutions in place to protect their business and mission-critical applications from the start.”
4. Global connectivity is a must
“As the world becomes more global and connected devices travel [everywhere], the need for immediate and always-on connectivity [anywhere] is paramount. But connecting devices that must be always-on and able to travel across borders can be difficult.
“There is a need for a fully global connectivity footprint for IoT. Global connectivity platforms are now a ‘must’ to ensure seamless connectivity management, and also to measure performance, usage, and other insights that can be valuable to enterprises looking to expand globally.”
5. Sustainability takes center stage
“The Paris Agreement, signed in 2016 to limit the threat of climate change, has become more of a focus for businesses. The use of IoT solutions can accelerate the reduction of global emissions by up to 15 per cent by 2030, while being responsible for only 1.4 per cent of global emissions.
“The 2019 Exponential Roadmap was developed by leading companies showcasing how scaling 36 solutions could halve emissions by 2030. Many of these solutions are underpinned by technology innovations. But an ecosystem of service providers, OEMs and end-user enterprises must work together and deploy solutions that can help combine efforts seamlessly.”
