Internet of Things: Apps, challenges and future trends
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025
By: Ir Ts Dr Yew Hoe Tung, IEM Text Size: Smart homes use IoT devices for automation, energy efficiency, and security. Homeowners can control lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely through mobile apps, improving convenience and reducing energy costs. THE Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected physical devices that communicate and exchange data over the internet. These devices, embedded with sensors, software, and communication technologies, collect and transmit data to improve automation, efficiency, and decision-making. IoT has transformed various industries, including smart homes, factories, cities, and transportation systems, by integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing. Wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and cellular networks are essential to IoT, enabling efficient data transmission and connectivity. The applications of IoT cover a diverse range of sectors. In smart agriculture, IoT helps farmers monitor and optimize crop growth, irrigation, and pest control using sensors, drones, and AI. Wireless communication allows real-time data collection for better decision-making, improving efficiency and sustainability. Smart homes use IoT devices for automation, energy efficiency, and security. Homeowners can control lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely through mobile apps, improving convenience and reducing energy costs. In healthcare, IoT enables remote patient monitoring, real-time health tracking, and efficient hospital management. Devices such as smart wearables, remote sensors, and telemedicine systems enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. Environmental monitoring utilizes IoT sensors to track air and water quality, weather conditions, and wildlife movements. The real-time data analysis helps authorities manage pollution, detect environmental threats, and implement necessary interventions. Industrial automation benefits from IoT by integrating real-time monitoring, optimizing production processes, and reducing operational costs.
Advertisement Wireless connectivity and cloud computing improve efficiency, track equipment status, and also enhance workplace safety. In transportation, IoT-driven smart systems monitor traffic conditions and optimize routes. The real-time tracking helps in aviation and public transport by enhancing safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. The IoT has significantly transformed industries by enhancing efficiency, security, and sustainability. However, to unlock its full potential, key challenges such as security risks, high power consumption, skilled workforce shortages, and bandwidth limitations must be addressed. Overcoming these barriers is crucial for the effective implementation and continued advancement of IoT technologies. Security is a major challenge in IoT systems due to the large number of connected devices, which creates multiple entry points for cyber threats. The weak authentication mechanisms may make the system an easy target for hackers. Furthermore, data privacy is another major concern. IoT devices continuously collect and transmit sensitive information that can be intercepted if not properly encrypted. Power consumption is another critical challenge, as many IoT devices rely on batteries, especially in remote or off-grid locations. With increasing system complexity, energy demands rise, making long-term operation difficult. This is particularly problematic for long-range applications like traffic monitoring and remote sensing. Researchers are exploring solutions such as energy-efficient hardware, software optimizations, and energy-harvesting methods like thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and solar technologies to improve power efficiency. A shortage of skilled professionals in cybersecurity, data analytics, and wireless communication also hinders IoT development. Many countries struggle to find experts in these fields, delaying IoT projects. The growing adoption of IoT in smart cities, healthcare, and supply chain management further increases the demand for skilled workers. Companies and organizations must invest in training programs, while partnerships between industries and academic institutions can help bridge this skills gap. The increasing number of connected devices also presents a challenge in managing high data traffic. While 5G networks can support millions of devices, they consume significant power. Intelligent 5G-IoT networks optimize energy use and ensure efficient data handling. Additionally, improving backhaul infrastructure in 5G and future 6G networks is necessary to prevent data traffic bottlenecks. Expanding Free Space Optics (FSO) backhaul systems can help accommodate growing network demands. Limited bandwidth is another concern, as IoT devices often operate on low-power networks like LPWANs, which offer lower bandwidth compared to traditional cellular networks. This results in slow data transmission, latency issues, and restricted scalability. In some cases, weak signals create dead zones, affecting communication reliability. Advanced network optimization and better spectrum management are needed to support the expanding IoT ecosystem. Addressing these challenges is crucial for IoT's continued growth and efficiency. Enhancing security, improving power efficiency, developing a skilled workforce, optimizing network infrastructure, and increasing data transmission speeds will help ensure the successful deployment of IoT technologies. 5G wireless technology is a fundamental enabler of the Internet of Things (IoT), offering faster, more reliable data transmission, reduced latency, and greater bandwidth than previous cellular network generations. By facilitating seamless communication across different platforms, 5G enhances real-time data processing and operational efficiency. As 5G deployment continues globally, researchers and industry leaders are already looking ahead to the next breakthrough, 6G technology. Expected to deliver even lower latency and higher data speeds, 6G will support advanced applications such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgery. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a critical role in optimizing 6G networks, improving real-time learning, and enhancing overall network performance. AI is also transforming IoT, leading to advancements in areas like smart agriculture. Researchers are leveraging AI-powered image-processing systems to detect plant diseases using deep learning models. Machine learning algorithms are being applied to pest and weed detection, soil parameter estimation, and chatbot-based agricultural query systems. By integrating AI with IoT, these advancements enhance agricultural productivity, support data-driven decision-making, and optimize resource management. As AI technology continues to evolve, its synergy with IoT is poised to revolutionize various industries. Edge computing is reshaping IoT by bringing data processing and storage closer to the source, significantly reducing latency and enhancing response times. This is particularly advantageous for large-scale IoT implementations, such as smart cities, where edge computing improves Quality of Service (QoS) for real-time applications. The deployment of mobile edge computing servers further optimizes performance, ensuring efficient and seamless IoT operations. Additionally, edge computing enhances data security by minimizing the need to transmit sensitive information to centralized cloud servers. To further enhance edge computing, a robust device authentication and authorization mechanism is essential to build secure and reliable edge computing infrastructures. The integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, and future 6G networks will further strengthen IoT capabilities, enabling real-time data processing, enhanced security, and greater efficiency. Investing in cybersecurity measures, energy-efficient solutions, and workforce development will be crucial in overcoming existing barriers. As IoT continues to evolve, its potential to transform industries and improve quality of life remains vast. With continuous innovation and collaboration between industries, researchers, and policymakers, IoT will drive the next wave of technological advancements, shaping a smarter and more connected world. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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