2020 IoT Trends: Driving Innovation in the Federal Government
January 15, 2020 - In 2020, the number of active Internet of Things (IoT) devices is projected to grow to 20 billion, according to a Gartner Report. The IoT ecosystem is expanding rapidly, and we predict that number will only continue to grow over the next decade.
In a nutshell, IoT devices are things like watches or microwaves that connect to each other or the Internet. They collect data like hours slept or steps taken in a day and relay the data to an IoT platform like an app on your phone or laptop. There, the devices analyze the data to tell us results like our quality of sleep or even a customized exercise plan.
Considering IoT’s potential to improve our quality of life and efficiency, it’s no surprise that IoT will boom next year. Let’s take a look at some of the rising trends in IoT that are sure to dominate in 2020 and how they can transform government operations.
2020 Trends and Innovations
Voice Recognition
Alexa, how’s the weather? Smart home hubs like Amazon’s Echo Dot or Google Home are able to share the news, turn on the lights, and get breakfast started in the morning. We ask, and these IoT devices are able to recognize our voice with amazing accuracy. It only takes a microphone and a network connection, so we expect voice recognition in IoT to be on the rise.
In corporate environments, voice assistants are already gaining traction. Federal government pro tip: innovators should be wary of the “always on” microphone feature, but voice recognition can still be an invaluable asset in federal programs. Presently, voice-enabled programs are still in pilot stages, but with key features like portability and “hands off” capabilities, these voice assistants can be key in emergency response situations and day-to-day operations in many federal agencies.
Edge Computing
While cloud computing will continue to be foundational to IoT, especially with big data, we’re shifting towards data processing with edge computing. Instead of sending data to a different platform to be processed, edge computing allows for real-time insights by analyzing data on or near the device.
Edge computing is also far more cost-effective and efficient, and that’s where IoT shines. IoT with edge computing offers real-time analytics that could transform public safety and defense spaces such as military search-and-rescue operations and reducing traffic congestion in smart cities.
AI-Powered
We all know AI will be a powerful driver in multiple emerging technologies, and IoT is no exception. When AI integrates with IoT, data analysis becomes data-driven decisions. Take a self-driving car, for example. With AI, that car can analyze traffic patterns to find the fastest route and make safe decisions.
AI-powered technologies combined with edge computing could result in exciting new solutions. For example, traffic or surveillance cameras that process data streams in real-time at the device level could integrate with AI-enabled systems that immediately inform dispatchers and nearby first responders of emergency situations. Machine learning in IoT will continue to be critical going into the new decade for both industry and federal leaders.
2020 Impacts and Applications
Yes, IoT is propelling forward at breakneck speeds, but what does that mean for us? For many of us, IoT is already integrated into our lives, and we’re embracing connectivity. In the federal government, IoT is already driving change in the public safety and defense sectors.
Smart Cities
5G is rolling out, and we expect it to play a vital role in smart city development to support speedy transfer of data and increased connectivity. Today, smart cities are still the exception. While many cities have slowly introduced a few “smarter” developments, only a few cities have effectively enhanced operations with flood management sensors and self-driving shuttles.
In the next ten years, that won’t be the case. More and more cities will introduce IoT to their daily operations, improving traffic patterns and sustainability. Camera facial recognition software and other IoT developments could also provide huge leaps in public safety on a federal, state, and local level.
There’s even the possibility for a smart government. Not interested? Try a smart world.
Healthcare
Heart-monitoring devices and telehealth services have quickly grown in popularity in the past few years, and it’s not stopping now. IoT has the potential to impact hard-to-reach populations and offer quality healthcare services. After natural disasters and other catastrophes, telehealth is a critical solution for accessible healthcare.
However, one of IoT and healthcare’s greatest challenges continues to be broadband access in rural America. While edge computing offers insights in real-time, access to the cloud is a must for long-term care.
Security Risks
There’s a lot of buzz in the federal government about ensuring security with the rapid growth of IoT devices. At this rate of progression, security must be a priority instead of an afterthought. 5G also introduces more cybersecurity risks, and IoT devices are especially vulnerable.
This year, Congress has introduced a bill to step up security with IoT devices. Federal agencies like National Institution of Standards and Technology (NIST) have also recently released security recommendations for IoT. We only expect more dialogue about IoT safety and security as IoT is still a new and heavily unregulated technology.
Founded in 2007, Corner Alliance is a government consulting firm that serves federal clients primarily in the public safety, emergency management and business intelligence spaces. Corner Alliance is a company where your mission matters, driving change in government through stakeholder-centered solutions, innovative ideas and client loyalty.