IoT technology has changed the landscape when it comes to how consumers interact with technology. Whether we’re talking about 5G networks, edge computing, machine learning, smart home devices, wearable devices, or connected cars, this is something that’s changed data analysis and decision-making at the device level for everyone forever.

Key industries such as Healthcare, Manufacturing, Transportation, and even Agriculture have largely embraced IoT technology and made the move to integrate custom software into their operations. The flow of data provided by IoT devices has revolutionized these industries. In healthcare, IoT enables remote patient monitoring and even helps with diagnoses. 

Manufacturing industries use IoT to manage inventory and monitor equipment performance. Transportation companies often use IoT for fleet management and route optimization. Agriculture benefits from IoT by using sensors to do things like monitor soil moisture, temperature, and crop health. 

As IoT continues to evolve, its ability to influence the way services are delivered and how businesses operate internally will get much stronger. But out of all the industries we’ve mentioned, transportation is the focus of this blog. 

IoTransportation

IoT is a huge force in transforming the transportation sector as it facilitates data exchange between vehicles and infrastructures. Here’s some of the main things it’s bringing to the scene:

Connected Vehicle Solutions: IoT empowers vehicles with sensors, communication systems, and embedded technology to exchange data in real time. This connectivity enables vehicles to communicate both with each other and the surrounding infrastructure, thus enhancing road safety, optimizing traffic management, and boosting overall efficiency.

Intelligent Infrastructure: IoT integrates into transportation infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and traffic lights. This monitors the conditions of the infrastructure, such as structural integrity, traffic patterns, and environmental factors. By collecting and analyzing this data, authorities can make decisions regarding maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure updates.

Fleet Management and Logistics: The incorporation of IoT into fleet management enables operators to efficiently monitor and manage their vehicles. Leveraging sensors and GPS devices, fleet managers gain access to real-time information on vehicle location, fuel consumption, engine performance, and maintenance needs.

Intelligent Traffic Management: IoT plays a critical role in optimizing traffic flow by collecting data from diverse sources, including GPS devices, traffic sensors, and surveillance cameras. This data can also be used to monitor traffic conditions, as well as identify congestion points and better manage traffic.

Better Passenger Experience and Safety: IoT technology plays a key role in boosting the passenger experience. It gives real-time updates on arrival and departure times, potential delays, and alternative routes. Passengers can easily stay informed through user-friendly mobile apps or even in-vehicle displays, contributing further to their safety and convenience.

What’s Next?

With any new level of innovation, the question inevitably becomes “So what now?”.The future of IoT in transportation is currently leaning towards smart transportation, which requires effective utilization of resources. IoT is solving many problems faced by the transport industry, such as increased fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance, and truck driver shortages. But there are still unsolved issues like traffic accidents, parking problems, congestion, and vehicle emissions. 

As the innovation gets better, here are some aspects of IoT to look out for in transportation:

Expanding Horizons of Industrial IoT (IIoT): The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is poised for continuous expansion, ushering in heightened levels of automation, optimization, and efficiency across diverse industries like manufacturing, energy, transportation, and agriculture. IIoT applications use predictive maintenance, asset tracking, supply chain streamlining, and orchestrating smart grids.

AI and Machine Learning Fusion: The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with IoT gadgets stands to elevate their capabilities significantly. AI can scrutinize big datasets produced by IoT devices, take meaningful insights, and aid in decision-making processes.

Sustainability: IoT technology can help to reduce emissions and improve sustainability in transportation. This includes applications such as smart routing, which can help to optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption.

Autonomous Vehicles: The development of autonomous vehicles will continue to be a major trend in the transportation industry. IoT technology will play a crucial role in enabling these vehicles to communicate with each other and with the surrounding infrastructure.

The Takeaway

With artificial intelligence and machine learning setting the pace for industries around the world, nothing is off the table when we’re talking about automation and augmentation. It’s difficult to predict what will come next, but it’s less difficult to prepare as best as you can by looking for opportunities to integrate AI and machine learning into your business. We’ve made a tool to help you understand just how ready you are for this. 

In the meantime, be mindful of and open to change. Technology is coming at us all, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Written By Ben Brown

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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.