Jason Hope Predicts IoT Trends for 2020

The Internet of Things has already made a mark on the way brands create and transport merchandise, how homes operate and even how health information is shared. As more and more organizations and individuals begin to understand the possibilities and scope that the interconnectivity of the IoT can offer, we’ll see a rapid increase in growth and adoption in 2020 and beyond. According to futurist and technology expert Jason Hope, we’ll see rapid expansion in a variety of sectors this year. The future of IoT is bright indeed.

IoT Goes Mainstream

The Internet of Things was once ostracized to technical folks and developers. It has since become so mainstream that most non-tech folks can list IoT items in their own homes. Using the Internet of Things, or IoT, devices connect and communicate vis the Internet. At the most basic level, this means your refrigerator can let you know when you’re running out of eggs; manufacturers can track devices, equipment and more in massive warehouses and complexes.

The Internet of Things is also a big business. Many major household brands have or are developing IoT applications for home and business use in 2020, including:

• General Electric: The brand’s Predix IoT platform is already in heavy use in hospitality, travel and utility brands; this innovative use of IoT connects raw data with end-user applications, allowing for strategic planning and deployment of assets in real-time.
• Cisco: The brandÕs SmartGrid platform uses IoT to collect and assess utility data; The use of AI and machine learning maximizes efficiency on a large scale.
• Nest: One of the original IoT devices used in homes; Google purchased this industry leader in 2014. It now produces a smart fire alarm, powered by IoT, to identify high-risk situations and combat deadly home fires.
• Alivecor: This medical device brand is one of the hundreds making a mark in the healthcare space by offering patient monitoring via IoT. Alivecor’s products leverage IoT to track EKG and cardiac status while patients are at home; other brands deliver information on blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and more

What’s Coming in IoT for 2020?

Expect brands to have an intensive focus on getting understandable IoT technology into the hands of consumers. IoT has been used in logistics and warehouse settings and in the manufacture of goods. Getting these innovations into the hands of individual users is just beginning. According to Jason Hope, individuals can expect to encounter IoT-equipped devices in a variety of consumer goods, from appliances to medical devices. Hope predicts that 2020 will be a groundbreaking year for consumer adoption of IoT goods and services. Potentially, billions of people will be more connected than ever before.

Greater Focus on Healthcare

Hundreds of medical device brands are either already working to serve the nation’s aging population or working towards compliance with regulatory and privacy issues surrounding the use of PHI (Personal Health Information). The benefits of medical device use go beyond the individual user. The primary focus of monitors using IoT is to improve patient outcomes. The data collected, though, is also incredibly useful for population health initiatives. According to Jason Hope, the healthcare industry sees IoT as a way to both improve patient care and reduce costs.

Medical devices using IoT routinely alert physicians to changes in a patient’s health. This prevents hospitalization and reduces the risk of an emergency room admission. Patients benefit from improved outcomes and experiences. Meanwhile, providers and facilities have more accurate data to work with when it comes to patient health and compliance. According to Jason Hope, this combination of savings and positive outcomes means the healthcare industry will continue to adopt IoT solutions in 2020 and beyond.

Increased Exposure to Risk

The Internet of Things has plenty to offer both individuals and the business community. Tech expert Jason Hope cautions that the rapid growth, however, leaves room for cybercriminals to exploit systems. We should be protecting sensitive medical data during its transfer from the individual to the provider, says Hope. In some cases, cybercriminals can divert and use the data. Even more concerning is the possibility that cybercriminals could use devices to access larger networks; an IoT equipped device with an established connection could put an entire network at risk. Because of this, Hope predicts we’ll also see intense interest in privacy and in network security as 2020 progresses. Brands will rush to reassure users and protect sensitive information.

Smart Cities and Governments

Traditionally slow to adopt tech advancements, cities, and local governments will become increasingly reliant on the Internet of Things. From libraries to parking meters, video surveillance and even tax collection and administrative tasks, the Internet of Things will play an increased role in the way the government works and serves the community. An increased focus on social issues may also shape the way IoT works in an official capacity says, Hope. Collected data can better serve at-risk members of the community and focus on providing services that are currently unoffered.

Machine Learning and AI Make a Mark on IoT

As integrated devices continue to collect data, expect to see machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions cope with all the information being collected. More robust data processing solutions will need to cope with the massive amounts of information being generated. All that information also allows for better, more efficient use of many products and services.

Brands will use IoT collected data to enhance and personalize services. Meanwhile, smart devices will leverage AI to learn user preferences and provide more custom levels of service. According to expert Jason Hope, this means users will do less work to use the devices in their own homes; those devices will automatically adjust to preferred settings and programs. Currently, devices do a great job of communicating stated needs and collecting data. They’re not so great at using that data to improve the day to day lives of users. That will change in 2020, says Hope.

Growing Demand for 5G

We need Faster, better networks and connections to facilitate the connections used to relay information from one device to another. Jason Hope says we can expect to see an increased focus on 5G development and availability in IoT.

Expect improving patient care and outcomes as well as bolstering public health and services. IoT will continue to make a mark on various industries and become more mainstream than ever in 2020. This growth should also trigger enhancements in 5G adoption and the creation of better, stronger security protocols for all industries. Expect to see these changes as the year progresses and rapid IoT adoption continues.

Connect with Jason Hope

Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium