IoT devices will be the catalyst for the 4th industrial revolution

By the end of the year, there will be an estimated 207 billion or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices with a large percentage within industrial environments. As industries across the globe grapple with the challenges of modern manufacturing and production, the rise of IoT promises to revolutionize industrial automation.

Automation is not only enhancing productivity but redefining what is possible in modern manufacturing. As we delve deeper into the realms of industrial automation, it’s clear that the advancement of IoT devices is not just incremental—it is transformative. If companies continue to invest in this technology, IoT devices are poised to redefine the landscape of industrial automation, driving unprecedented levels of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.

Revolutionize efficiency

IoT devices are at the forefront of a new era in industrial automation, where efficiency is paramount. From manufacturing floors to supply chains, IoT devices are optimizing processes, reducing downtime, and improving cost savings. Additionally, companies are now able to monitor equipment performance, predict maintenance needs, and streamline operations with unprecedented accuracy. For instance, sensors embedded in manufacturing equipment can detect anomalies and predict failures before they occur, allowing for timely maintenance that minimizes disruption.

Beyond operational benefits, IoT plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in industrial automation. Smart sensors and monitoring systems enable precise tracking of resource usage, such as energy, water, and raw materials, allowing for real-time adjustments that minimize waste and reduce overall consumption. As industries increasingly adopt IoT technologies, the potential for achieving sustainability goals while maintaining high levels of productivity becomes more attainable.

By enabling predictive maintenance, IoT technology also allows businesses to anticipate equipment failures and perform timely repairs, thus avoiding costly downtime and extending the lifespan of machinery. Furthermore, the real-time data analytics provided by IoT devices optimize supply chain management, reduce inventory costs, and improve operational efficiency. As industries continue to embrace IoT, the cumulative effect of these cost savings contributes to a more competitive and financially robust industrial sector.

IoT’s impact on product quality

As industrial automation continues to evolve, IoT devices are becoming pivotal in enhancing product quality across various sectors. In fact, Deloitte highlighted that manufacturers utilizing IoT-driven automation saw a 10% to 35% improvement in product quality and a 20% to 30% reduction in maintenance costs. By integrating IoT sensors and analytics into production processes, manufacturers gain unprecedented insights into every stage of production, from raw material handling to final product assembly. These devices can detect minute variations in production parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, that could affect the quality of the finished product.

The impact of IoT on product quality is not just reactive but also proactive. IoT-enabled traceability systems ensure that every component of a product can be tracked from its origin to the final assembly, ensuring full compliance with industry standards and regulations. Plus, automated systems can monitor and adjust energy usage in real-time, leading to more efficient operations that lower the overall carbon footprint of a facility. By minimizing energy waste, companies will contribute to a more sustainable environment while also realizing substantial cost savings. These savings can be reinvested into research and development, driving innovation and enhancing product quality. In return, compliance eliminates unnecessary product waste and energy consumption, which then lowers the final cost for consumers while heightening brand reputation.

The future of industrial automation

The established benefits of an automated industrial structure are only a preview of the future. One of the most significant advancements for industrial automation is the integration of AI and machine learning with IoT systems. By combining the real-time data collection capabilities of IoT devices with AI-driven analytics, IoT technologies can be leveraged to enable the seamless integration of clean energy sources into industrial operations. Solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources can be efficiently managed through smart grids and automated systems that balance the energy load, ensuring that clean energy is utilized to its fullest potential. For instance, during peak sunlight hours, automated systems can prioritize solar energy, while at times of low renewable output, they can switch to stored energy or other alternative sources.

In tandem with AI-fueled automation, autonomous systems and robotics powered by IoT are set to revolutionize industrial operations. Robots equipped with IoT sensors can perform complex tasks with precision and flexibility, operating autonomously in environments that would be hazardous or challenging for human workers. These IoT-enabled robots can communicate with each other and with central control systems, coordinating their actions to optimize workflows and enhance productivity. Whether in assembly lines, warehousing, or transportation, the deployment of IoT-powered autonomous systems is streamlining operations, reducing costs, and paving the way for fully automated factories of the future.

As we stand on the brink of a new era in industrial automation, the integration of IoT, AI, and robotics promises to transform industries in ways we could only imagine a decade ago. This convergence of cutting-edge technologies offers a hopeful vision for the future—a future where industrial processes are smarter, more agile, and profoundly more connected.

Svetlin Todorov is cofounder of Shelly Group and CEO of Shelly U.S.A.