Entering the first months of 2024, the fusion of AI and IoT emerges as a cornerstone for industry evolution, marking a significant leap towards intelligent, interconnected systems. This confluence, known as AIoT, promises to enhance decision-making processes and operational efficiency through the integration of sensor-generated data and AI-driven analytics. The landscape is further enriched by advancements in Cyber Security, the introduction of the SGP.32 eSIM specification for IoT, and the expansion of Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies, highlighting the increasing importance of secure, reliable data exchange and the seamless connectivity of devices across the globe.
Looking closer, how exactly might the intersection of these industries and technologies effect each other specifically?
Generative AI and IoT: a powerful combination
As the critical role of verifiable data in AI success takes centre stage, emphasising the need for meticulous validation to enhance security protocols becomes ever more pressing. IoT and AI are poised to transform traditional operating models as businesses further digitise their interactions and communications.
Undoubtedly, AI will impact the IoT evolution, and the reverse is also true, with both technologies complementing each other as Artificial Intelligence of Things or AIoT. The sensor-driven learning data amassed by IoT devices coupled with AI analysis applications to self-correct, adapt to scenarios, and continually improve.
While the volume of data explodes, organisations increasingly opt for IoT edge devices to reduce network congestion and benefit from streamlined data processing close to the source instead of in remote Cloud data centres, which take longer to process and use more power. Subsequently, this leads to more actionable insights in real-time through decreased latency, higher levels of security, and greater power efficiency.
IoT device security
As businesses strengthen their digital footprint by investing in more networks and connected devices, the challenge of maintaining and updating software, hardware, and firmware increases. More devices talking to each other encourages an upsurge in cybersecurity threats.
In this digital age, protecting device data at the source with practices like Zero trust and using a root-of-trust like IoT SAFE to establish a secure connection is paramount before data is transmitted between edge devices, the Cloud, and back to the central application. Generative AI systems are evolving at a fast pace.
Unfamiliarity when using Generative AI can carry significant data security risks – particularly in scenarios where data informing the data is fake or tempered, which is known as data poisoning. Knowing where to start can be daunting, but real-life data from IoT sensors can act to verify against and correct such threats. It’s best to start where you can control. To this end, incorporating a secure OS into the device at the manufacturing stage enables connectivity providers to secure their credentials at the source, providing traceability to the collected data. Under these circumstances, the embedded SIM (eSIM) and integrated SIM (iSIM) are ideally suited for providing data confidentiality and integrity through chip-to-Cloud security, thus addressing customer privacy concerns.
IoT eSIM specification to simplify device integration
eSIM adopters can now benefit from the eSIM for IoT standard (SGP.32), which will facilitate compliance with global data sovereignty and local roaming regulations by making it easier for even the most network-constrained devices to switch to a local connectivity provider, ensuring data stays in-country. The GSMA SGP.32 eSIM for IoT specification paves the way for device makers to benefit from the new standard while addressing fragmentation and interoperability issues by improving a wide range of devices.
The SGP.32 specification allows the backend server (“eIM”) to communicate with any IoT device, instructing them to trigger a profile download without SMS. Growth of MVNO services can be anticipated with access to profiles from multiple connectivity providers, allowing them to serve enterprises globally across all cellular technologies with greater ease. The new eSIM for IoT standard will undeniably encourage eSIM adoption, and we should expect the marketplace to evolve as new devices and use cases enter the IoT ecosystem.
Low-power IoT devices: open new use cases
New SGP.32 protocols, such as CoAP/DTLS, for LPWAN network-constrained devices using technologies such as NB-IoT, are set to drive the growth of low-powered IoT devices, including smart meters, asset trackers, and smart labels. According to the Trusted Connectivity Alliance, deploying low-cost, low-power IoT devices is transforming entire industries by enabling new use cases.
The manufacturing supply chain is becoming increasingly digital for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) [have to make prudent choices where profile provisioning takes place to maximise battery life available in service. Cellular profile provisioning for connectivity can now occur at order fulfilment time in the IoT device factory for greater simplicity and reliability, allowing OEMs the flexibility to implement orders from pre-assembled stock. The low-power IoT device market is set to grow because the most prevalent devices are lifetime battery-driven and connected out-of-the-box for ease of use, and some, such as smart meters, stay connected for 15-20 years.
Original equipment manufacturers to unlock IoT deployments
In 2024, Original Equipment and Design Manufacturers (OEMs/ODMs) and enterprises will gain more control of their devices and orchestration operations. Manufacturing IoT devices with embedded connectivity for global deployment will become more streamlined and flexible thanks to the new GSMA eSIM for IoT and in-factory profile personalisation standards. With greater control over swapping operator profiles, we can expect a democratisation of IoT deployments where enterprises select and obtain subscriptions from operators outside their home country. For this reason, MVNOs can use different MNO profiles to federate their connectivity, empowering customers to activate automated local profile-provisioning and switching in minutes.
New opportunities: 5G IoT and satellite connectivity
The 5G Standard (in 3GPP releases 17&18) defines the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) for NB-IoT and offers services that use Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation for 100% global coverage. The cost of NTN connectivity has dropped over the past year, making it accessible to new industries. The new integration will make it frictionless for device makers to transition between cellular and satellite connectivity for continuous hybrid coverage.
IoT Analytics cited that satellite IoT connections are expected to grow from 6 million to 22 million between 2022 and 2027 at a CAGR of 25%. NB-IoT devices can connect to satellite or cellular networks in remote areas, which is a significant leap compared to prior satellite comms trackers. We stand at the cusp of a technological revolution where satellite and 5G IoT open new opportunities in hard-to-reach locations for sectors such as shipping, energy, and agriculture with enhanced coverage for improved customer experiences.
In short, the next 12 months will reveal more platform plays, delivering increased business value due to deeper insights and their ability to triangulate data from multiple devices. Meanwhile, new standards will provide exciting opportunities to meet diverse IoT ecosystem demands from OEMs and MVNOs. NTN and cellular will come together as a hybrid option for consumers and businesses where applications require nonstop connectivity in hard-to-reach areas on land or sea.
Paul Bradley is the VP of Solution Sales at Kigen. where he works with Tier 1 partners within the ecosystem to identify challenges and solve them through things like secure identity from chip-to-Cloud.