The Background of the Era of IoT Platforms

The Rise of IoT

Before explaining the rise of IoT, it is necessary to provide a basic definition of IoT. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a broad concept that refers to connecting all items to the internet through various information sensing devices, such as RFID, infrared sensors, GPS, and laser scanners, to achieve intelligent identification, positioning, tracking, monitoring, and management.

The rise of IoT is a gradual process that can be traced back to the late 1970s when a student at Carnegie Mellon University (David Nichols) connected a Coca-Cola vending machine to Arpanet (the predecessor of the internet), making it the world’s first IoT device capable of reporting inventory status.

As time progressed into the 1990s, with the popularization of the internet and the development of mobile communication technology, the concept of IoT began to gain attention in academia and industry. In 1999, Kevin Ashton of MIT first proposed the term “Internet of Things,” marking the official birth of IoT as an independent field.

Entering the early 2000s, the emergence of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology provided a new technical foundation for the further development of IoT. In 2005, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) released the “ITU Internet Report 2005: The Internet of Things,” predicting that IoT would bring about a “trillion-sensor economy,” further promoting the research and application of IoT technology.

In 2007, Apple launched the first-generation iPhone, whose integrated sensors and application programming interfaces (APIs) provided new possibilities for the interaction between IoT devices and smartphones. In the same year, Amazon launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), providing powerful data storage and computing capabilities for IoT devices.

Entering the 2010s, with the rapid development of cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, IoT began to enter a period of rapid growth. In 2014, Google acquired smart home device manufacturer Nest Labs for $3.2 billion, marking the beginning of large technology companies’ attention to IoT technology.

In the critical year of 2016, the number of IoT devices worldwide surpassed the total population for the first time (the 2018 World IoT Expo revealed that the number of IoT devices reached the trillion level), marking that IoT had become a part of our lives. In the same year, organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) began to formulate international standards related to IoT to promote the global unification and interoperability of IoT technology.

Technological Driving Factors

The rise and rapid development of IoT are attributed to breakthroughs and innovations in a series of fundamental technologies. Sensor technology, as the tentacles of IoT, plays a crucial role. They can sense changes in the environment, such as temperature, humidity, light, and pressure, and convert these changes into electrical signals, providing rich data input for IoT devices. With technological advancements, sensors are becoming smaller, smarter, and maintaining low power consumption, allowing them to be widely deployed in various devices and environments.

The data collected by sensors needs to be transmitted through reliable communication technology. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and other communication protocols provide diverse connection options based on different application scenarios and needs. Wi-Fi, with its high-speed data transmission capability, is suitable for scenarios requiring large data exchanges; Bluetooth and Zigbee, with their low power consumption and short-distance communication advantages, play important roles in wearable devices and smart homes. Emerging technologies such as LoRa and NB-IoT further expand the communication range of IoT devices, making it possible to build wide-area IoT.

Data processing and analysis are the brains of IoT. As the number of IoT devices increases, the amount of data collected grows exponentially. The application of big data technology allows us to process and analyze this massive data, extract valuable information, and support decision-making. Thanks to cloud computing, it provides almost unlimited storage space and computing power, making data storage and analysis more efficient and cost-effective. Combined with edge computing technology, it pushes data processing to the edge of the network, reducing data transmission latency and improving system response speed and reliability. The combination of these three technologies provides an intelligent and efficient data processing and analysis architecture for IoT.

As these technologies continue to develop and integrate, IoT is gradually realizing its vision of fully connecting the physical and digital worlds. From smart homes to industrial automation, from smart cities to remote healthcare, the application prospects of IoT are vast, gradually changing our lives, work, and interaction methods.

Industry Application Cases

The cross-industry application of IoT technology is continuously driving industrial innovation and business model transformation. Here are some typical cases of IoT applications in various fields, demonstrating how technology helps industries achieve intelligent transformation.

Manufacturing

In the manufacturing industry, the application cases of IoT technology are very extensive, covering multiple aspects such as production monitoring, equipment maintenance, and supply chain management. The following will elaborate on relevant application cases from multiple dimensions:

1. Production process optimization: IoT technology can be used to monitor various parameters on the production line in real-time, helping manufacturers optimize production processes. For example, sensors installed on machines can monitor key indicators such as temperature, pressure, and vibration to ensure that the production process runs in the best condition. By collecting and analyzing this data, manufacturers can identify production bottlenecks, predict potential equipment failures, and make timely adjustments.

2. Predictive maintenance: Predictive maintenance is one of the key applications of IoT in manufacturing. By continuously monitoring the operating status of equipment, manufacturers can use artificial intelligence, large models, deep learning, and machine learning technologies to predict equipment failures and perform maintenance in advance, thereby avoiding unexpected downtime and production interruptions. For example, data collected by condition monitoring systems (CMS), combined with machine learning algorithms, can identify trends in equipment performance degradation and take action before problems occur.

3. Quality control: IoT technology can also improve product quality. During the production process, sensors can detect product dimensions, colors, or other quality attributes to ensure that products meet standards. Through real-time data analysis, manufacturers can quickly identify the root causes of quality issues and take corrective measures to reduce waste and rework.

4. Supply chain management: Combining IoT technology with supply chain management can improve logistics efficiency and transparency. By installing RFID tags on goods or using GPS tracking devices, manufacturers can monitor the location and status of goods in real-time, thereby optimizing inventory management, reducing inventory backlog, and improving response speed to customer needs.

5. Smart factory: IoT is a key technology for realizing smart factories. In smart factories, equipment and machines are connected through IoT, enabling them to communicate and collaborate with each other to achieve automated production. In addition, by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, smart factories can self-optimize production processes, improving production efficiency and flexibility.

The aforementioned potential application scenarios of IoT in manufacturing are being implemented by companies such as General Electric (GE), Siemens, Bosch, and Huawei. The following are some publicly disclosed case scenarios from these companies.

1. General Electric (GE): GE uses IoT technology in the aviation field by installing sensors on aircraft engines to collect flight data for real-time monitoring and analysis, optimizing fuel efficiency and predicting maintenance needs.
2. Siemens: Siemens’ digital factory utilizes IoT technology to achieve automation and intelligence in the production process, improving production efficiency and product quality.
3. Bosch: Bosch has implemented IoT solutions in its factories, using sensors and data analysis to achieve real-time monitoring and optimization of the production process.
4. Huawei, in cooperation with China Mobile, has achieved flexible production manufacturing in the Songshan Lake factory in Guangdong Province using 5G technology. Through the 5G network, Huawei has realized wireless connection of the production line, significantly shortening the production line adjustment time from the original 2 weeks to 2 days, and improving production efficiency.

Agriculture

The application of IoT in agriculture, often referred to as precision agriculture or smart agriculture, improves the efficiency, sustainability, and environmental friendliness of agricultural production through technological means. The following will elaborate on relevant application cases from multiple dimensions:

1. Precision irrigation optimization: The application of IoT technology plays a crucial role in agricultural irrigation. By deploying soil moisture sensors, the system can monitor soil moisture conditions in real-time and automatically adjust irrigation facilities to ensure that crops receive the right amount of water. This intelligent irrigation strategy not only greatly saves water resources but also significantly improves crop yield and quality.
2. Crop growth monitoring: IoT technology combined with satellite imagery and drone technology provides a new means of crop monitoring for agriculture. High-resolution cameras mounted on drones can capture detailed information about crop growth, enabling early detection and timely response to issues such as pests and nutrient deficiencies.
3. Smart greenhouse management: The application of IoT technology in greenhouse agriculture makes environmental control more precise and efficient. The system can automatically adjust the temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide concentration in the greenhouse to provide ideal environmental conditions for crop growth, thereby increasing crop growth speed and yield.
4. Livestock health monitoring: The application of IoT devices in animal husbandry provides new solutions for livestock health management. By installing sensors on livestock such as dairy cows, key indicators such as activity level, body temperature, and milk production can be monitored in real-time, allowing for timely detection and handling of health issues to ensure the health of the herd.
5. Agricultural data analysis: Integrated IoT data analysis tools can process large amounts of data from sensors and tracking devices, providing deep insights to help farm managers make more scientific decisions. These analysis tools can predict crop yields, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall agricultural efficiency.

The aforementioned potential application scenarios of IoT in agriculture are being implemented by companies such as John Deere, Monsanto, Trimble, and Netafim. The following are some publicly disclosed case scenarios from these companies.

1. John Deere: As an agricultural equipment manufacturer, John Deere has developed smart agricultural equipment that integrates GPS and IoT technology to improve land use efficiency and crop yields.
2. Monsanto: Monsanto uses IoT technology for field monitoring, collecting data through soil moisture sensors and weather stations to optimize irrigation and fertilization plans.
3. Trimble: Trimble provides precision agriculture solutions, including soil analysis, crop yield monitoring, and farm management software, helping farmers make more informed decisions.
4. Netafim: As a pioneer in drip irrigation technology, Netafim uses IoT technology to optimize irrigation systems and improve water resource utilization efficiency.

Smart Home

As one of the important application areas of IoT technology, smart homes are gradually changing our living environment, making home life more intelligent, convenient, and comfortable. The following is a detailed discussion of application cases in the smart home industry:

1. Home automation control: The application of IoT technology makes home automation possible. Home lighting, HVAC, security, and other devices can be intelligently connected for centralized management and remote control. Users can automatically adjust lighting, control indoor temperature, and perform security monitoring through smartphones or voice assistants, enhancing the convenience and comfort of the home.

2. Energy consumption optimization: Smart home systems monitor household energy usage in real-time, such as electricity, water, and gas, and use data analysis to optimize energy consumption patterns. The system automatically adjusts the operation of appliances to reduce energy waste, helping users effectively lower energy costs and achieve green and energy-saving living.

3. Home security monitoring: IoT technology plays a key role in home security monitoring. Systems equipped with smart locks, cameras, and motion sensors can monitor and report abnormal activities in real-time. Users can receive security alerts remotely and obtain timely information about the safety of their homes, ensuring family security.

4. Health status monitoring: Smart home systems track users’ vital signs and activities through wearable devices and health monitoring instruments, detecting and warning of potential health issues in advance. This care mechanism provides users with health advice and lifestyle guidance, focusing on the health of family members.

5. Integration of smart voice assistants: Smart voice assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Google Assistant, enable users to control smart home devices through simple voice commands using voice interaction technology. These assistants can not only control devices but also provide information queries, schedule management, and entertainment playback services.

6. Intelligent indoor environment regulation: Smart home systems monitor indoor environmental quality, including key indicators such as air quality, temperature, and humidity. By intelligently adjusting air conditioners, air purifiers, and other devices, the system maintains the comfort and health of the indoor environment, creating a more livable living space for users.

7. Interconnection of smart appliances: IoT enables various smart appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines, to connect and work together, automatically performing tasks based on user habits and preferences. This interconnection enhances the convenience of appliance use and improves energy efficiency.

The aforementioned potential application scenarios of IoT in smart homes are being implemented by companies such as Nest Labs, Philips Hue, and Samsung SmartThings. The following are some publicly disclosed case scenarios from these companies.

1. Nest Labs: Acquired by Google, Nest Labs developed a smart thermostat that learns users’ living habits and automatically adjusts the home temperature, improving energy efficiency and comfort.
2. Philips Hue: Philips’ Hue smart lighting system allows users to adjust the color and brightness of lights according to their preferences, and even automatically change lighting modes based on different times of the day.
3. Samsung SmartThings: Samsung’s SmartThings platform provides an open smart home ecosystem, allowing users to connect and control various smart devices, achieving highly personalized home automation.

Policy

Looking back, in 2021, the “Three-Year Action Plan for the Construction of New IoT Infrastructure (2021-2023)” and the “Guidelines for the Construction of IoT Basic Security Standards System (2021 Edition)” were released. The Three-Year Action Plan for the Construction of New IoT Infrastructure was jointly formulated and issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the National Energy Administration. The following are some key points of the action plan:

1. Basic principles: Focus on key technology breakthroughs, demand-driven, coordinated, independent innovation, safe and reliable, to accelerate the breakthrough and application level improvement of key core technologies of IoT.
2. Action goals: By the end of 2023, new IoT infrastructure will be initially built in major cities in China, technological innovation capabilities will be significantly improved, the industrial ecosystem will be continuously improved, the application scale will continue to expand, and the support system will be more complete.
3. Key tasks: Including innovation capability enhancement actions, industrial ecosystem cultivation actions, integrated application development actions, and support system optimization actions. These tasks cover key technology breakthroughs, industrial ecosystem construction, industry application promotion, large-scale application of IPv6, standard system construction, and improvement of public service systems.

The “Guidelines for the Construction of IoT Basic Security Standards System (2021 Edition)” mentions two phased goals:

1. Goal by 2022: Initially establish the IoT basic security standards system, develop more than 10 key industry standards, clarify the security requirements of key basic links such as IoT terminals, gateways, and platforms, to meet the needs of IoT basic security assurance, and promote the improvement of IoT basic security capabilities.
2. Goal by 2025: Promote the formation of a relatively complete IoT basic security standards system, develop more than 30 industry standards, increase the coverage of standards in subdivided industries and fields, improve the security level of cross-industry IoT applications, and ensure the safe use of consumers.