COVID-19 boosts enterprise interest in IoT technology, according to research firm IoT Analytics

Among the key findings:

• The value of remote asset access has increased
• Digital twins are helping with scenario planning
• Smart City data platforms and drones are revealing their value and gaining acceptance
• IoT track and trace solutions are being used more extensively

Lueth noted that, as expected in a crisis situation, many companies have already significantly reduced their plans for capital expenditures (CAPEX) in 2020. Cost reduction is expected to have a detrimental knock on effect on technology adoption, as it will postpone innovation and eliminate non-essential tech from budgets.

At the same time, with social distancing measures and a (near) 100% remote workforce, enterprises are trying to maintain transparency over manufacturing, processes and employee activity. IoT Analytics predicts process automation will become critical as many jobs once performed by people will now have to be taken over by automated tech and devices.

According to automation experts interviewed for the study, it is in times of crisis that companies invest in automation which could turn robots, for example, into a saving force during a pandemic. Instead of being seen as taking away jobs from humans, robots can save humans from risk of illness and death.

To that end, how are enterprises going to ensure business continuity? Supply chain issues have impacted manufacturing and many other industries as COVID-19 restrictions on transportation have led to delays in production and distribution. Business transparency is a big issue, Lueth noted.

One solution: remote asset access tools, which are becoming more popular as they help the workforce conduct virtual inspections, diagnostics and reports. Digital twins have become more prevalent in creating digital representations to help speed up or automate decisions and scenario planning. Digital twins can be used in simulating supply chain issues to predict vulnerabilities and assist in creating alternative strategies, according to the report.

IoT-enabled track and trace solutions that provide real-time supply chain visibility are more used during the crisis than before, as companies are trying to keep track of disruptions and pattern changes. IoT solution providers are leveraging the data to keep businesses informed on what is happening in their IoT networks.

IoT and public health

The global pandemic is highlighting the value of IoT outside of business activity. Smart city data platforms have provided a critical look into public health. South Korea, for instance, used such a tool to contain coronavirus by getting data on people who were infected and their interactions.

Lueth noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the healthcare system which has led to a increasing visibility and use of digital health solutions such as telehealth consultations, digital diagnostics, remote monitoring for chronic diseases, and robot assistance. In China, robots were used for hospital disinfections and medicine delivery.

Drones are another example of devices actively used during the crisis for medical deliveries, surveillance and monitoring of public spaces, for agriculture processes and to deliver messages. Huawei partnered with XAG Co. Ltd. and turned 2,600 smart robots and drones into disinfectant sprayers, according to the report.

The findings are an extract from IoT Analytics full Q1 2020 report, available on their web site.

Article Topics

digital twins  |  drones  |  healthcare  |  IIoT  |  smart city