THE 5 BIGGEST INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) TRENDS IN 2021 EVERYONE MUST GET READY FOR NOW
By Bernard Marr, Credits to Forbes.com Read Original Article
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most prominent tech trends to have emerged in recent years. In simple terms, it refers to the fact that while the word “internet” initially referred to the wide-scale networking of computers, today, devices of every size and shape – from cars to kitchen appliances to industrial machinery – are connected and sharing information digitally, on a global scale.
As with every aspect of our lives, the global coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly affected the way this trend is developing and impacting our lives. In a world where contact between humans is, for now, more limited, contact between devices, tools, and toys can help us to remain connected.
So, here’s my look ahead to 2021 and some of the ways we can expect to see this megatrend playing out, and playing an increasingly large role in how we live, work, and play.
Healthcare investment in IoT to skyrocket
From telemedicine to automated home help for the elderly and disabled, smart wearables, sensors, and connected devices will continue to change the way healthcare is delivered. It will also be used to minimize unnecessary contact in situations where the risk of viral contamination is particularly high, for example, care homes and infectious disease wards within hospitals.
As a great demonstration of how the ongoing pandemic has accelerated the adoption of tech-driven healthcare transformation, original estimates for the number of “virtual visits” or online appointments with healthcare providers in the US was 36 million. In reality, that number is now on course to be closer to one billion, and this trend will undoubtedly continue upwards during 2021 now that infrastructure and patient awareness of the advantages is in place.
Strong growth has also been seen in the market for devices that will allow the elderly to remain independent in their own homes for longer. This will include tools utilizing AI to detect falls or changes to regular daily routines that could alert relatives or healthcare providers that intervention could be required. Adapting to the challenges posed by Covid-19, this same technology can be used to determine if there is a rapid deterioration in the health of people who may be shielding or isolating at home, as the disease can often put people in a state where they are unable to seek help by themselves, in a matter of hours.