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Top IoT Use Cases

The Internet of Things extends over a vast array of devices and use cases – from the watches and fitness trackers we wear to the digital twins and robotics used in industrial environments. But what are the top IoT use cases?

According to the State of the IoT report published in spring 2024, the Internet of Things (IoT) has consolidated its position as a top three corporate technology priority.

Let’s consider some of the use cases which have assured the IoT of this priority position on the corporate agenda.

#1. Industrial performance monitoring

IoT sensors offer a rapid and cost-effective way to retrofit existing equipment with the means to gather insights about processes, machine performance and overall equipment efficiency. This can be used to adapt processes in response to the data insights generated. In this way, IoT investment drives continuous improvement initiatives.

#2. Manufacturing quality control

IoT devices, including cameras linked to AI-powered optical recognition solutions, can have an important role to play in manufacturing quality control. By automating the detection of defects, IoT solutions can help to ensure consistent and effective detection and response.

When combined with additional AI analytics, process data can then be used to simulate different manufacturing scenarios and develop process and quality improvements.

#3. Industrial preventative maintenance

By capturing data from a machine, one can make decisions about when maintenance is due. By combining IoT sensor data with AI algorithms, preventative maintenance can be automatically scheduled, saving time and effort, reducing the likelihood of downtime, making maintenance more cost-efficient and prolonging the lifetime of machines and equipment.

#4. Industrial tracking and logistics

The original IoT application was a RFID-enabled supply chain tracking solution proposed in 1999 at Proctor and Gamble. Since then, the IoT has helped organisations to track product around manufacturing processes, through logistics processes and helped to drive supply chain efficiencies.

Alongside the growth of the IoT and increasingly affordable sensors and tracking devices, the expansion of 5G and mesh WiFi networking have helped to extend the applications for industrial tracking and logistics. Now sensors are in almost every vehicle used along the supply chain. And digital twins and AI-powered modelling is helping to suggest further supply chain optimisations based on IoT derived data.

#5. Autonomous vehicles

Autonomous vehicles have wide application in an industrial context, especially in areas which are hazardous or have potentially explosive atmospheres, for example. Automated conveyor systems, robotics and autonomous vehicles all have a role to play in reducing risk and streamlining logistics processes.

#6. Healthcare and preventative medicine

In healthcare, the IoT is changing the way we manage chronic diseases. Wearable technologies that track patients’ vital signs and sensors embedded in devices such as insulin monitors or oxygen tanks are empowering patients to manage their own day-to-day care.

At the same time, the data captured from these devices helps physicians to develop personalised care paths for the individual patients and consider more appropriate medical responses. Plus, the data can be used for early detection and to trigger emergency responses.

Beyond the individual patient, researchers and healthcare resource planners can use AI algorithms to monitor and analyse these data sets on a community level. This will help researchers to understand diseases better. Plus, resource planners can optimise care pathways and resource planning accordingly.

#7. Agriculture

There are already many compelling IoT use cases in agriculture. Sensors and IoT devices are being connected to capture information about soil, temperature, humidity, crop health, irrigation and more. This information helps farmers to optimise fertiliser and water use and pest control. Responses can be automated based on data alone. For example, low soil moisture readings can trigger automated irrigations systems.

In this way, the IoT is helping farmers to be more efficient and profitable while helping to reduce the environmental impacts of farming.

#8. Customer insights

The post-sales data from connected products can be harnessed to drive product innovation and post-sales service and support and to develop new marketing strategies and timely communications.

However, the area in which the IoT is driving the most decisive customer insights is retail. Retailers are using IoT devices to track customers around store, monitor behaviour in response to promotions and displays and alert customers to offers and promotions. In this way, the IoT is helping to boost sales and conversation rates whilst also capturing key information about consumer behaviour which can drive further, continuous improvement.

#9. Building management

IoT devices are used to monitor conditions inside and outside a building, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, etc. This data can then be used to adapt building systems, including air conditioning, blinds, windows, lighting, heating, etc.

In this way, the IoT is helping building managers to optimise resource use and reduce the carbon footprints and environmental impact of their estates.

#10. Environmental monitoring

Sensor data is important for environmental monitoring inside and outside of the built environment. As well as compelling use cases in building management and cities, IoT devices are actively helping to protect wildlife and monitor environmental conditions so that effective remedial actions can be taken to protect nature and boost biodiversity.

For example, energy providers use IoT sensors and cameras paired with AI-powered optical recognition solutions to monitor and protect birdlife around offshore windfarm installations. In this way, the IoT is helping to protect our natural world for future generations.

Top IoT use cases

The applications for IoT technologies are wide ranging – touching almost every aspect of industry and our world. As the pace to technological innovation continues to accelerate, so will the number of compelling IoT use cases that can benefit us as organisations and as individuals.

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