Predictions for IoT in 2020

IoT, short for the internet of things, is a vast network of vehicles, home use appliances, physical gadgets and other electronics, sensors and connectable software which enables these gadgets to exchange data with the internet and other gadgets. This terminology came into existence in the late 90’s and was created by Kevin Ashton. The internet of things allows devices to be controlled by other machines within the same network.

IoT technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years, and the connected devices that hitherto had only limited functionality, are today able to accomplish a great deal more.
This is an exciting phase for IoT. The world is awakening to the potential of IoT and is embracing it at a tremendous speed. Tech giants are investing massive capital in developing IoT while some of the best minds across the world are focused on pushing the limits of this eco-system.

1.Manadatory Regulations for Security:
Considering the present IoT capabilities of focusing on applying processes and technologies, providing rapid responses to the dynamic security environment is becoming increasingly easy. According to Mike Ahmadi, Global Director, IoT Security Solutions at DigiCert, IoT professionals are now thinking about long-term management and deployment of systems and devices. Regulators are also considering how IoT product developers will handle the situation if the seemingly foolproof cybersecurity measures fall short.

We already saw the malware that affected IoT devices in 2016, and the crisis that the world faced consequently. Ahmadi says that it is difficult to recover the cost that developers would incur in implementing high security in consumer IoT devices; this means that they have poor motivation to ensure security and may compromise security to cut costs. This in turn means that it may become necessary to introduce regulations to make it mandatory. We may soon see the governments of the EU, US, Japan, and China recognizing these threats and making security implantation mandatory.

2.Prevalence of Smart Cities
Devices used by civic authorities to gather information and catch errant motorists and troublemakers, like video kiosks and surveillance kiosks, will be connected to the internet. Their functionality will be increased, and their scope of error decreased. Smart homes are already gaining popularity and becoming commonplace rapidly – the smart home industry is slated to touch the $ 50 billion mark by 2020. Already, Singapore, Seoul and Boston have invested IoT for turning their cities smart. Entrepreneur and inventor Kurt Uhlir says that it will go a step further from smart cities, and we may have responsive cities, with less traffic congestion, enhanced safety and increased sustainable development.

3.Increased Number of Self-driven Cars
Several IoT experts predict that a greater number of cars will be connected to the internet by 2020, with inbuilt internet services that enable it to be driven automatically, as well as increase the car’s functionality. We have seen that Google is already testing self-driven cars. Though the technology is still evolving, it may be perfected and commonplace in two years’ time.

4.Cities Will Continue to Become Smart
nternet of Things won’t only be limited to devices and things, it will have wider applications. One such obvious application of Internet of Things is the functioning of cities.

In future, cities will become smart courtesy the data gained from IoT and will enable its citizen to enjoy a hassle free and comfortable life. Thanks to IoT, cities will become more efficient & will be able to save money, time & other resources.

Data will be collected, managed and automated through video camera surveillance systems, taxi services and visitor kiosks.

Modern cities make it easier for citizens to travel from one place to another and access basic amenities. This system will also enable cities to maintain a detailed profile of its citizens and curb crime and other issues.

5.A Boost to Artificial Intelligence
Internet of Things will enable devices to collect data about you. From thermostats to vehicles and to even coffee makers, all devices will collect information about your behavior. This data will get stored in the cloud and will be used to make the device ‘learn’ without any manual programming. This learning known as machine learning is a critical aspect of artificial intelligence and the growth of IoT will boost artificial intelligence as well.

6.Data processing Solution in Companies.

The growth of IoT will result in accumulation of enormous data which will need to be processed and analyzed. The current data processing systems won’t be enough and hence companies will have to invest in solutions that are faster and cheaper.

7.Big Money
The technology world has acknowledged Internet of Things’ ability to enhance customer experience. Hence there will be no dearth in funding and capital for IoT.