The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing how businesses operate, connecting billions of devices for smarter, faster decisions. However, scaling IoT solutions demands more than plugging devices into a network; it requires mastering IoT connectivity architectures. Let’s unleash its potential.

IoT Connectivity Architecture: Engineering Guide to Enterprise-Scale Implementation

What if machines could intelligently and automatically adapt to the needs of industrial workers and integrate themselves in the human interaction loop, rather than expecting the worker to become trained about their intricacies?&nbsp;What if digitally enabled industrial production systems could prioritize sustainability and social performance in addition to maximizing production efficiency and optimizing production costs? &nbsp;This could unlock a new era for industrial production that delivers business and societal benefits at the same time. Imagine a world where digital manufacturing systems will be fundamentally designed to be human-centric and sustainable. This is not the distant future: It is the dawn of Industry 5.0, the next evolutionary step after Industry 4.0 and Cyber Physical Production Systems, where industrial production innovations meet empathy in order to craft a new wave of smarter, cost-effective, sustainable and human centric solutions to the benefit of both consumers and industrial organizations.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Introducing Industry 5.0</h2>Industry 5.0 focuses on sustainability and the collaboration between humans and smart systems towards shaping an industrial future that's not only productive but also inclusive and environmentally conscious. Similar to Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 relies on the deployment of cyber physical systems and their integration with advanced digital technologies. As such it is a continuation of Industry 4.0 towards a more responsible, sustainable and humanized use of manufacturing. The main characteristics of Industry 5.0 production systems are:<ul><li dir="ltr">Human-Centric Design: Industry 5.0 places the well-being, creativity, and capabilities of human workers at the heart of technological innovation.</li><li dir="ltr">Customization in Production: In the scope of Industry 5.0, the vision of mass customization is realized based on highly personalized products and services that meet the unique demands of consumers.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable Practices: Industry 5.0 is about manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impact, reduce waste, and promote the recycling of resources.</li><li dir="ltr">Cobots (Collaborative Robots): Industry 5.0 relies on co-bots i.e., robots designed to interact and work alongside human colleagues, as opposed to replacing them, which is the case with fully autonomous industrial robots.</li><li dir="ltr">Flexibility and Resilience: The production systems of the Industry 5.0 era must adapt swiftly to market changes based on agility that combines the best of machine precision and human intelligence.</li></ul>Overall, Industry 5.0 extends the digital transformation initiated by Industry 4.0 based on a layer of advanced personalization and environmental stewardship. It is a paradigm shift that recognizes not only the value of efficiency but also the humans’ role in complementing technology with creativity, contextual understanding, and moral judgment.To stay ahead in this transformation modern industrial organizations must embrace cutting-edge electronic components and semiconductor products. The latter are among the main building blocks that drive innovation, including for example sensors enabling precision in cobots to chips processing vast amounts of data towards smarter decisions for sustainable products and practices. The components and semiconductors used to support Industry 5.0 advancements are gradually becoming more sophisticated as high-quality and sustainable technologies are required. For instance, semiconductor innovation is driving the efficiency of energy use in production processes, which contributes to the Industry 5.0 sustainability ambition. Moreover, electronics that push the boundaries of what's possible in automation and machine intelligence are foundational for companies that develop advanced personalization and customization services.<h2 dir="ltr">Technology Enablers and Integration Challenges </h2>Industry 4.0 has been built upon cyber-physical production systems that are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and advanced robotics. For over a decade, such systems have boosted the automation and optimization of manufacturing processes. For instance, AI systems are instrumental in support predictive maintenance and production scheduling optimization use cases. At the same time, IoT and advanced robots facilitate the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), which enables digitally controlled applications like digital twins.&nbsp;Industry 5.0 builds on the above-listed technologies, yet it also elevates their role to support human centricity and sustainability. As a prominent example, Industry 5.0 leverages "Trusted AI" and "Explainable AI" (XAI) technologies, which integrate ethical principles (e.g., fairness, transparency) into AI systems. Trusted AI and XAI technologies enable AI systems to make decisions that are comprehensible and justifiable to human workers. As another example, state of the art IoT infrastructures evolve in Industry 5.0 to support user-centric digital networks. This enables real-time IoT communications are not only device-centric but also augmented for direct human interaction in ways that enhance machine-to-human collaboration. Moreover, conventional robotics are nowadays integrated with sensory and cognitive technologies to enable cobots and Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). Cobots work side-by-side with humans towards merging human intuition and empathy with robotics automation capabilities.Moreover, Industry 5.0 embraces new technological advancements such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP). A DPP resembles a secure decentralized digital twins’ infrastructure which can track a product's lifecycle journey. It provides detailed data on the origin, components, materials, and assembly process of products, towards boosting supply chain integrity and ecological consciousness.Considering these technologies, the implementation and integration of state of the art Industry 5.0 is much more challenging than the integration of systems of earlier generations. The integration challenge lies in the need to blend heterogeneous technologies, while considering the workers’ profile and sustainability parameters. For example, digital twin implementations must be worker centric based on the consideration of workers’ digital profiles. This enables human-centred digital twins that are typically difficult to design and integrate. As another example, the integration of a DPP infrastructure is typically complex as it federates heterogeneous data sources and services from different actors of the manufacturing chain. &nbsp;Overall, the integration of diverse systems in ways that balance automated efficiency and the creative value that human workers provide is one of the main challenges of Industry 5.0.<h2 dir="ltr">Industry 5.0 Use Cases</h2>Industry 5.0 enables a wide range of use cases that were hardly possible few years ago, including:<ul><li dir="ltr">Enhanced Customization and Personalization of Products: Industry 5.0 leverages AI-driven analytics and flexible manufacturing systems to provide a superior degree of product customization, which would traditionally be cost-prohibitive and logistically complex. To this end, machine learning algorithms are used to analyse consumer profiles and preferences towards tailored products at an individual level. Moreover, 3D printing technologies can be integrated with AI to enable just-in-time manufacturing of customized parts in ways that reduce waste and optimize resource use.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable Manufacturing Use Cases: Industry 5.0 enables the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices. For instance, DPPs enable transparent tracking of the ecological footprints of products, which is a key for adherence to environmental standards. Furthermore, AI can optimize energy use and automate waste management based on predictive scheduling of machinery maintenance that minimizes downtime and resource depletion. Likewise, AI-enhanced logistics enable eco-friendly supply chain management through optimization of routes and reduction of carbon emissions.</li><li dir="ltr">Improved Quality and Innovation through Human Insight and Machine Precision: Industry 5.0 fosters the interplay of human experience and robotic accuracy. For example, in quality control, AI algorithms for rapid and precise anomaly detection are combined with human oversight that can provide a better understanding of varied quality issues that may not be immediately apparent to AI. This symbiosis enhances the product innovation cycle and quality assurance processes, leading in higher production standards and innovative product features.</li><li dir="ltr">Anticipating and Meeting the Changing Needs and Expectations of Consumers: Predictive analytics and real-time data processing enable anticipatory models that forecast consumer trends and market demands. AI systems can integrate these insights with dynamic production planning tools to adapt manufacturing processes in near real time. This is a key to fast responsiveness to market fluctuations and consumer demands.</li><li dir="ltr">Human-Robot Collaboration: There are several Industry 5.0 applications based on cobots. As a prominent example, in automotive assembly, cobots perform heavy lifting and precision tasks, which reduces ergonomic risk to human workers. At the same time, humans provide critical quality assurance and fine adjustments, which optimizes the assembly process.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Best Practices for Industry 5.0 Adoption and Deployment </h2>Industrial organizations wishing to adopt, deploy, and fully leverage Industry 5.0 had better consider the following best practices:<ul><li dir="ltr">Integration of Human-Centric Technology Solutions towards a smooth transition: Integrating human-centric technology asks for a structured framework that begins with an identification of the specific needs and capabilities of the human workforce which can be enhanced through technology. Accordingly, there is a need for a comprehensive technological audit that documents the digital maturity of the industrial organization and identifies gaps where human-centric technology can be beneficial. This is a key for designing interfaces and applications that prioritize ease of use, accessibility, sustainability and ergonomic principles. The next step involves the implementation of pilot projects to validate the effectiveness and acceptance of proposed solutions. The latter must be refined iteratively based on stakeholders’ feedback. This requires continuous dialogue between technology designers and end-users to foster innovation and inclusivity.</li><li dir="ltr">Strengthening the Human Factor through upskilling and reskilling: Industry 5.0 is hardly possible without a strategic commitment to develop the workforce's skillset to thrive alongside advanced technologies. This involves assessing the skill gaps that may emerge as a consequence of new technology adoption, as well as crafting tailored training programs. It is also essential to promote a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, which ensures that employees adopt new technologies as an opportunity for growth.</li><li dir="ltr">Measuring Economic Performance and Sustainability: Industry 5.0 organizations must adopt a dual-lens approach to performance measurement that encompasses both economic viability and sustainability metrics. This includes incorporating sustainability objectives into the core strategic planning and performance evaluation frameworks. Moreover, it entails the use of advanced data analytics to monitor and optimize resource utilization, energy consumption, and waste generation. Note also that sustainability and economic performance reporting must be transparently to stakeholders in order to foster trust and reinforce commitment to ethical practices.</li><li dir="ltr">Human Centricity by Design: Designing systems and processes with a human-centric approach ensures that technological advancements do not detract from the welfare and productivity of the workforce. This entails embedding ergonomic design principles across technological interfaces and work environments to enhance safety and comfort, while prioritizing the development of technologies that augment human abilities and creativity. A good practice is also to engage workers in the design and innovation process towards ensuring that their insights shape the development of technologies and work practices.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable by Design Production: A 'Sustainable Production by Design' philosophy integrates sustainability considerations into every stage of the product lifecycle, from conception to disposal. Relevant strategies include: (i) Selecting materials and product configurations that lead to eco-friendly products; (ii) Leveraging digital twin technology for optimizing product designs with minimal material waste and energy usage; (iii) Adopting circular economy principles, such as designing for disassembly and recyclability that minimize the environmental footprint; (iv) Employing lifecycle assessment tools to evaluate and mitigate the environmental impact of products and operations.</li><li dir="ltr">Keeping up with Future Trends like AI Advancements and Sustainable Technologies: Staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and sustainability in Industry 5.0. This requires: (i) Investing in research and development (R&amp;D) and establishing partnerships with academic and industry leaders to tap into emerging technologies; (ii) Adopting a proactive approach to technology scouting to anticipate technological breakthroughs and their implications; (iii) Cultivating a culture of innovation that encourages experimentation and the exploration of novel applications of Industry 5.0 concepts.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>Overall, Industry 5.0 introduces a transformative convergence of advanced digital technologies with human-centric design and sustainability principles. This convergence recalibrates the industrial fabric towards personalization, circularity, and enhanced collaboration. It also asks for the strategic integration of AI, IoT, and cyber-physical systems in ways that augment human expertise and innovation. Industry leaders must embrace these principles towards the dual objective of optimizing economic growth and environmental performance.&nbsp;

Industry 5.0 envisions a future where machines adapt to workers’ needs, integrating seamlessly into human workflows. In this new era, digital manufacturing systems will focus on sustainability and social impact alongside efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Industry 5.0: Evolving Digital Industry Towards Maximum Societal Value

The stage is set and the pressure is high in this final episode of Circuit Showdown.&nbsp;Michael, Renee, and Charles return to face their toughest challenge yet. After two intense rounds of competition and a bit of a curveball, they have one last design standing between them and the title of the first-ever Circuit Showdown. Who will be the champion?&nbsp;Just when everything was going smoothly, Chief Mentor, Raymond Yin, let the contestants know that they’d need to create an IoT dashboard using the Arduino IoT Cloud to show their data visually.&nbsp;An unexpected twist means that each contestant must quickly adapt. Now, they not only have to complete their designs in a short time frame, but also connect them to the cloud—bringing real-time data into the mix.&nbsp;For these rising engineers, winning isn’t just about the prize; it’s about proving their ability to innovate under pressure.&nbsp;“Winning this contest would be an awesome part of my career,” Michael shared. Renee chimed in, “I just really want to make the people who have helped me get to this point in my life so far, proud.”&nbsp;With the clock ticking down, every second counts even more!&nbsp;As they work to incorporate the Arduino IoT Cloud into their projects, the judges weigh in on the difficulty of this final step. They admit that it’s not impossible but will add another layer of difficulty, especially with time running out.&nbsp;By the time the countdown reaches its final moments, the contestants step back from their workstations, exhausted yet hopeful.<h2>Final Presentations: A Battle of Ingenuity</h2>Each contestant presents their final design to the judges, walking them through their creative process and how they overcame the hurdles along the way. Every project is unique, blending practicality with innovation, but the challenge of incorporating IoT adds a new level of complexity.&nbsp;For some, the cloud integration didn’t go exactly as planned and set them back.<h2>A Tough Decision</h2>The judges take time to discuss what they’ve seen. They know that choosing a winner won’t be easy. Each project brought something different to the table—whether it was creativity or technical skill.&nbsp;While the projects were impressive and tied into their personal experience, the IoT twist separated those who could quickly adapt under the pressure.&nbsp;As the deliberation continues, it becomes clear that this will be a close decision. The judges need to rely heavily on the criteria—functionality, usage of available resources, adherence to the theme, and originality. They will also need to consider how the contestants handled the unexpected twist.<h2>Who Will Win?</h2>With the decision made, the contestants are called back to hear the judges’ final thoughts. “All of you demonstrated incredible resilience and creativity,” the judges announce. “But only one of you can be crowned the champion of Circuit Showdown.”&nbsp;As the final moments unfold, one contestant emerges as the champion, but the true victory belongs to all three—who walk away with confidence in their abilities and the experience of competing at the highest level.&nbsp;Find out who will be the first-ever Circuit Showdown champion. Watch the <a href="https://www.mouser.com/circuit-showdown/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=circuitshowdown&utm_campaign=episode4">finale episode</a> now.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qkuIrHsNVPA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>

In the final episode of Circuit Showdown, three contestants face their toughest challenge yet: integrating an IoT dashboard into their designs. With time running out, the judges are left with a tough decision. Who will rise to the occasion and win the championship?

The Finale: Who Will Be Crowned Circuit Showdown Champion?

‘Industry 4.0’—the next&nbsp;stage of the Industrial Revolution—leans heavily on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to support large scale automation of traditional manufacturing practices. In turn, today’s IIoT is founded on wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) communication,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Technologies/Edge-AI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">edge computing</a>, and Machine Learning (ML).&nbsp;Wireless networks&nbsp;using these technologies&nbsp;link machine tools,&nbsp;programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, gateways, and the Cloud, enabling every part of the factory to gather and process data and share information with every other part as well as the Internet. This&nbsp;deep&nbsp;mine of information is enabling engineers to revolutionize how everything is manufactured - from cans to cars, screws to smartphones, and jigsaws to jet turbines.&nbsp;But there is always room for improvement. For example, machines can be further enhanced to improve yield and quality while using less material, while engineers can design products for greater sustainability. A new generation of IIoT solutions promises to make this happen.&nbsp;<h2>IIoT&nbsp;and M2M&nbsp;increase manufacturing flexibility&nbsp;</h2>Wireless technology not only cuts the cost of implementing IIoT connectivity it also makes it easy to reconfigure networks as the factory adapts and expands. Such technology not only changes the way products are made but also how they’re designed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, connectivity links the front office to the factory floor using M2M communications, allowing computer aided design (CAD) tools to talk to machine tools to directly program them to make parts. And machine tools can speak to CAD to let them know where the bottlenecks are in the manufacturing process such that products can be redesigned for simpler manufacture without compromising function.&nbsp;The results are an increase in productivity and reduction in product failures - bringing sustained cost savings and environmental benefits.&nbsp;<h2>Edge computing and&nbsp;ML&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;production in&nbsp;smart factories&nbsp;</h2>Once mass production is up-and-running, wireless technology makes the modern factory a highly controlled and optimized environment. Things rarely go wrong. But rarely doesn’t mean never. Today’s wireless&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Bluetooth-Low-Energy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bluetooth LE</a>&nbsp;Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) from Nordic incorporate powerful embedded processors to perform edge processing, looking for the infrequent trends that indicate things might be changing for the worse. This edge computing is increasingly reliant on ML models constantly adapting to spot deviations in sensor trends and forwarding the key information for further action.&nbsp;&nbsp;Such models can help to pre-empt issues that might arise due to these external factors—for instance, an increase in humidity caused by workers arriving for the day, air flow from open windows and doors, and changes in temperature throughout the day and night—and adjust machine settings in advance of those factors&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;manufacturing processes. And dedicated vibration and acoustic sensors can&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;the machine tools to make sure they are in the best of health. Any unusual vibration, temperature increase or increase in power consumption can be reported ahead of a breakdown for early maintenance – thus preventing an unscheduled and expensive hiatus in production.&nbsp;<h2>Tech to&nbsp;power the industrial future&nbsp;</h2>But while modern factories are impressive examples of the power of connectivity, standing still is not an option. The Japanese concept of Kaizen (“improvement”) epitomizes this strategy. Kaizen guides continuous effort across the factory to improve programs and processes while eliminating waste and redundancy. Kaizen has proved so successful that it has spread throughout the world.&nbsp;To continue the improvement process, factories will need even better wireless technology than they have today. Nordic is working hard and investing deeply to build and supply the next generation of IIoT technology. Several multiprotocol SoCs and Systems-in-Package (SiPs) from Nordic’s product range already support TinyML, a framework for running embedded ML on constrained devices. But there’s much more to come.&nbsp;The company’s new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF54H20">nRF54H20 SoC</a>, for example, integrates multiple Arm Cortex-M33 processors, clocked up to 320 MHz, together with multiple RISC-V coprocessors. The higher clock speeds of the SoC’s application processors allow for reduced processing latency for AI operations, when compared to Nordic’s nRF5340 SoC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Better yet the nRF54H20 brings increased efficiency—cutting the power consumption required to run equivalent operations—because it is fabricated using the cutting-edge 22-nm process node. In addition, Nordic’s next-generation multiprotocol radio offers improvements in both TX power and RX sensitivity, enabling efficient and reliable transfer of information from embedded ML applications to Cloud connected devices, or between different nodes in a network. This makes the SoC ideal for next generation IIoT applications.&nbsp;&nbsp;The nRF54H20 will be supported in Nordic’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Technologies/Edge-AI/ML-Studio?lang=en#infotabs">ML Studio</a>&nbsp;alongside the nRF52, nRF53, nRF91 Series products already supported.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>The beginning of a revolution&nbsp;</h2>Wireless tech is&nbsp;booming&nbsp;in&nbsp;IIoT&nbsp;applications.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;ABI Research, the Bluetooth-enabled industrial devices market&nbsp;alone&nbsp;is expected to grow from 143 million annual unit shipments in 2023 to over 611 million by 2028, achieving a CAGR of 34 percent over the five-year forecast&nbsp;period[1]. But even with this impressive growth things are just getting&nbsp;started; Industry 4.0 is set to have a larger impact on global manufacturing than all three&nbsp;previous&nbsp;major leaps in the industrial revolution combined.&nbsp;<hr><h3>References </h3>1. https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/7783366-how-can-bluetooth-technology-enable-digita/&nbsp;

‘Industry 4.0’—the next stage of the Industrial Revolution—leans heavily on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to support large scale automation of traditional manufacturing practices.

Machine Learning is transforming the Industrial Internet of Things

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of advanced technologies, the complexities of globalization, and increasing demands for sustainable practices.&nbsp;Our latest report, Building the Factory of Tomorrow, offers an in-depth analysis of the core forces shaping modern industrial production, from the accelerated pace of technological innovation to the integration of human-robot collaboration in next-generation factories.Download this detailed report to explore:<ul><li>Cutting-edge advancements in AI, Quantum Computing, and Hyper Automation that are impacting manufacturing processes.</li><li>The impact of globalized supply chains and virtual collaboration tools in enabling seamless cross-border operations.</li><li>The shift toward sustainable production models, emphasizing circular value chains and carbon-neutral practices.</li></ul>This report provides valuable technical insights for engineers, industry leaders, and decision-makers seeking to leverage the latest innovations and strategic trends to enhance operational efficiency and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.Get your free copy now and start building the factory of the future!<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731578657635-5+Rising+Trends+for+AI+Adoption+in+Manufacturing+%282%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <iframe src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 540px; height: 400px;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><hr><h2>Report Foreward</h2>In the heart of our rapidly evolving world, industrial factories and buildings stand as symbols of human progress. Yet, they also represent a significant environmental challenge. Accounting for approximately 50% of the world’s energy consumption1, these structures are at the centre of our global energy dilemma.While industrialization has been a strong force for good, the current industrial model is failing our planet. With 80% of the energy supply provided by fossil fuels, of which 30% of emissions are caused in industrials2 the quest for a net-zero future is not just a goal—it’s an imperative. This journey necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation, reimagination, and reinvention of operational methods.Automation technology, with its potential to transform the industrial landscape, has an important role to play in a more sustainable future. By digitizing, connecting, and interpreting data from what has widely become known as the Intelligent Edge, we can access insights that were previously beyond our reach. These insights have the power to unlock unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and productivity enhancements, forming the foundation upon which sustainable manufacturing capabilities can be built.The Factory of Tomorrow will call for a digital transformation requiring manufacturers to re-engineer their systems for efficiency as they enable more data-driven decisions while also bridging the gap between their operation technology (OT) and their information technology (IT) networks. It is no longer about optimizing siloed products and processes in a linear way, it is about full system optimization. By merging digitalization and automation, operations transform to be data-focused, iterative, and circular. Data illuminates every phase, making it transparent and flexible, allowing for quick responses with complete system awareness. Therefore, even in unpredictable scenarios, one can make swift and knowledgeable decisions, enhancing processes across the entire system.While presently only about 20% of shopfloor data is being utilized3, this needs to increase so that manufacturers can fully leverage the associated data insights. By collecting more data from the manufacturing processes, the insights obtained can contribute to improved efficiency, system uptime, and production yield. This necessitates an increasing number of sensors to collect this data within the manufacturing landscape. These sensors will demand flexible and dynamic connectivity, coupled with integrated intelligence to realize smart edge sensing capabilities. Making decisions at the edge reduces the volume of data that requires transferring back to the control room. This allows for faster insights, improved bandwidth utilization along with reducing unnecessary energy usage. This sensorization of the factory floor also enables factories of the future to adapt to a more flexible manufacturing environment to meet consumer personalization demands down to batch sizes of one.At Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), we identify three core pillars of the Digital Factory where our domain expertise, technology, and system-level solutions play a central role in unlocking the future of automation - Connect, Control, and Interpret. In the context of highly adaptable and dynamic digital factories, the connection of sensor data using industrial Ethernet and IO-Link® connectivity technology facilitates the integration of the OT and the IT layer. The control of flexible IO modules, coupled with precision motion control and advanced real-time aware robotics capabilities, empowers the digital factory to adjust to any demands while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. Lastly, the Interpret aspect enables the future factory to enhance manufacturing yield through sophisticated asset health monitoring and actionable insights from sensors at the edge. Data will serve as a vital component within the smart factory, and in collaboration with ADI, we can assist in connecting, controlling, and interpreting this data to drive toward a better future.This industrial report provides an overview of the key elements of the factories of tomorrow, highlighting the holistic approach required to the multifaceted endeavour of designing for automation. It starts by presenting a blueprint encompassing both technological and non-technological elements, followed by an exploration of key enabling technologies such as cloud/edge computing, networking, and AI. Both greenfield and brownfield deployments are considered as well as a detailed description of cyber-security-related considerations and challenges. It concludes with a summary of the main elements making up the future factory while likening the transition to the factories of the future as a marathon rather than a sprint, with the transformation taking place in a gradual, staged approach versus all at once.As you delve into the pages that follow, I invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient world. Let’s tap into the capabilities of automation technology and collectively shape the Factory of Tomorrow.Fiona TreacyManaging Director, Industrial AutomationAnalog Devices, Inc. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731578770498-3+%283%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><h3 dir="ltr">Foreward references:</h3><ol><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/">Use of energy explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eesi.org/topics/fossil-fuels/description#:~:text=Fossil%20fuels%E2%80%94including%20coal%2C%20oil%2C%20and%20natural%20gas%E2%80%94have%20been,supply%20about%2080%20percent%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20energy.">Fossil Fuels | EESI</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://drivesncontrols.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7309/Gateway_gives_access_to_80_25_of_OT_data_that_is_usually_lost.html">Drives and Controls Magazine (drivesncontrols.com)</a></li></ol>

Our latest report, Building the Factory of Tomorrow, offers an in-depth analysis of the core forces shaping modern industrial production, from the accelerated pace of technological innovation to the integration of human-robot collaboration in next-generation factories.Download this detailed report to explore:<ul><li>Cutting-edge advancements in AI, Quantum Computing, and Hyper Automation that are impacting manufacturing processes.</li><li>The impact of globalized supply chains and virtual collaboration tools in enabling seamless cross-border operations.</li><li>The shift toward sustainable production models, emphasizing circular value chains and carbon-neutral practices.</li></ul>This report provides valuable technical insights for engineers, industry leaders, and decision-makers seeking to leverage the latest innovations and strategic trends to enhance operational efficiency and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.Get your free copy now and start building the factory of the future!<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731667139731-5+Rising+Trends+for+AI+Adoption+in+Manufacturing+%282%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe> <h2>Report Foreward</h2>In the heart of our rapidly evolving world, industrial factories and buildings stand as symbols of human progress. Yet, they also represent a significant environmental challenge. Accounting for approximately 50% of the world’s energy consumption1, these structures are at the centre of our global energy dilemma.While industrialization has been a strong force for good, the current industrial model is failing our planet. With 80% of the energy supply provided by fossil fuels, of which 30% of emissions are caused in industrials2 the quest for a net-zero future is not just a goal—it’s an imperative. This journey necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation, reimagination, and reinvention of operational methods.Automation technology, with its potential to transform the industrial landscape, has an important role to play in a more sustainable future. By digitizing, connecting, and interpreting data from what has widely become known as the Intelligent Edge, we can access insights that were previously beyond our reach. These insights have the power to unlock unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and productivity enhancements, forming the foundation upon which sustainable manufacturing capabilities can be built.The Factory of Tomorrow will call for a digital transformation requiring manufacturers to re-engineer their systems for efficiency as they enable more data-driven decisions while also bridging the gap between their operation technology (OT) and their information technology (IT) networks. It is no longer about optimizing siloed products and processes in a linear way, it is about full system optimization. By merging digitalization and automation, operations transform to be data-focused, iterative, and circular. Data illuminates every phase, making it transparent and flexible, allowing for quick responses with complete system awareness. Therefore, even in unpredictable scenarios, one can make swift and knowledgeable decisions, enhancing processes across the entire system.While presently only about 20% of shopfloor data is being utilized3, this needs to increase so that manufacturers can fully leverage the associated data insights. By collecting more data from the manufacturing processes, the insights obtained can contribute to improved efficiency, system uptime, and production yield. This necessitates an increasing number of sensors to collect this data within the manufacturing landscape. These sensors will demand flexible and dynamic connectivity, coupled with integrated intelligence to realize smart edge sensing capabilities. Making decisions at the edge reduces the volume of data that requires transferring back to the control room. This allows for faster insights, improved bandwidth utilization along with reducing unnecessary energy usage. This sensorization of the factory floor also enables factories of the future to adapt to a more flexible manufacturing environment to meet consumer personalization demands down to batch sizes of one.At <a href="https://www.analog.com/">Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)</a>, we identify three core pillars of the Digital Factory where our domain expertise, technology, and system-level solutions play a central role in unlocking the future of automation - Connect, Control, and Interpret. In the context of highly adaptable and dynamic digital factories, the connection of sensor data using industrial Ethernet and IO-Link® connectivity technology facilitates the integration of the OT and the IT layer. The control of flexible IO modules, coupled with precision motion control and advanced real-time aware robotics capabilities, empowers the digital factory to adjust to any demands while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. Lastly, the Interpret aspect enables the future factory to enhance manufacturing yield through sophisticated asset health monitoring and actionable insights from sensors at the edge. Data will serve as a vital component within the smart factory, and in collaboration with ADI, we can assist in connecting, controlling, and interpreting this data to drive toward a better future.This industrial report provides an overview of the key elements of the factories of tomorrow, highlighting the holistic approach required to the multifaceted endeavour of designing for automation. It starts by presenting a blueprint encompassing both technological and non-technological elements, followed by an exploration of key enabling technologies such as cloud/edge computing, networking, and AI. Both greenfield and brownfield deployments are considered as well as a detailed description of cyber-security-related considerations and challenges. It concludes with a summary of the main elements making up the future factory while likening the transition to the factories of the future as a marathon rather than a sprint, with the transformation taking place in a gradual, staged approach versus all at once.As you delve into the pages that follow, I invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient world. Let’s tap into the capabilities of automation technology and collectively shape the Factory of Tomorrow.Fiona TreacyManaging Director, Industrial AutomationAnalog Devices, Inc. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731578770498-3+%283%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><h3 dir="ltr">Contributors</h3>John Soldatos, Editor-in-ChiefSamir Jaber, Co-authorDavid Pike, Co-authorRavi Rao, Co-authorJake Hertz, Co-author<h3 dir="ltr">Acknowledgements</h3>We would like to thank Simon Duggleby from Mouser for his patience and energy throughout this project, as well as thanks to Mark Patrick at Mouser for his valuable insights. We extend our most profound admiration and appreciation to Udi Goldstein for his exceptional design work. Ahead of What’s Possible is a trademark of Analog Devices. Foreward references:<ol><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/">Use of energy explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eesi.org/topics/fossil-fuels/description#:~:text=Fossil%20fuels%E2%80%94including%20coal%2C%20oil%2C%20and%20natural%20gas%E2%80%94have%20been,supply%20about%2080%20percent%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20energy.">Fossil Fuels | EESI</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://drivesncontrols.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7309/Gateway_gives_access_to_80_25_of_OT_data_that_is_usually_lost.html">Drives and Controls Magazine (drivesncontrols.com)</a></li></ol>

Introduction

The Blueprint for a Modern Smart Factory

Technology Enablers of Manufacturing Automation and Future Factories 

Applications of the Factory of the Future 

The Human Factor: Trustworthy Technologies and Workforce Upskilling 

Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance in Manufacturing Automation

Measuring ROI and Sustainability

For over a decade, manufacturing enterprises have been heavily investing in the digital transformation of their production operations. These investments are driven by three megatrends of our era, including unprecedented technology acceleration, climate change, and the need to operate in a globalized environment. Earlier sections have attempted to picture the Factory of the future and the ways it holds the promise to improve production quality, time and cost. The Factory of the Future will employ cutting-edge digital technologies, such as cloud/edge computing, Big Data, &nbsp;Artificial Intelligence, additive manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things, as well as 5G/6G networks. &nbsp;These technologies will lead to increased automation and significant improvements in a wide range of production functions, such as production scheduling, asset maintenance, and quality control, which is fully in line with the vision of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).Nevertheless, any improvements in the automation and cost-efficiency of production functions must be also trustworthy and human-centric. Recent experiences from Industry 4.0 pilots reveal that manufacturing enterprises won’t be willing to adopt AI-based cyber-physical production systems unless they understand and trust their operation. In this direction, there is a surge of interest in technologies (e.g., explainable AI (XAI), human-robot collaboration, cybersecurity) and practices that boost the trustworthiness of digital manufacturing functionalities. Except for being human-centered, digital manufacturing operations must also strive to improve environmental performance and sustainability in an effort to address and mitigate climate change challenges. The shift of Industry 4.0 operations towards a human-centric and more sustainable direction is sometimes characterized as Industry 5.0 manufacturing, which is seen as the next evolutionary step to digital manufacturing.The Factory of the Future must therefore align with the requirements and characteristics of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 applications. This asks for the deployment of a host of digital technologies, as well as their integration in value-added applications inside the factory and across the manufacturing value chain. The deployment of Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies requires significant changes in the physical elements of the factories, which will include cyber-physical production systems such as industrial robots, cyber-physical systems, flexible production lines, and a variety of IoT devices. It also requires a radically new workplace design, which shall be able to accommodate human-centred manufacturing systems. &nbsp;Furthermore, the development and deployment of Future Factories requires a radical rethinking and reengineering of production processes towards a data-driven and more automated dimension. The latter rethinking is expected to reduce human involvement in low-level laborious processes while intensifying the human role as coordinator and supervisor of the digital operations of automated manufacturing systems. This will lead to considerable changes in positions and roles inside the manufacturing enterprises.To remain competitive and to support novel customized production Manufacturing enterprises have no other option than to ride the wave of Industry 4.0/Industry 5.0 production operations by transforming their factories and their manufacturing operations. In this direction, they must invest in technology and in a wide range of complementary assets such as novel production models, new manufacturing processes, as well as employees’ training. The design and deployment of novel production processes is a key prerequisite for using cutting-edge technologies to reduce error-prone processes and achieve cost-effective automation. At the same time, the upskilling and reskilling of manufacturing workers is indispensable for engaging the workforce in new roles. Most importantly, manufacturers must allocate effort to realise a cultural shift from conventional production operations and models (e.g., inflexible production lines, made-to-stock production models) to the next generation of data-driven, AI-enabled models (e.g., flexible production lines, mass customization).&nbsp;The transition to the factories of the future is a marathon rather than a sprint race. Therefore, manufacturing enterprises must develop an Industry 4.0/Industry 5.0 strategy and develop well-structured pathways for the transformation of their operations with clear and tangible milestones. In most cases, manufacturers will have to ensure a smooth transition from their existing factories and production operations to the factory of the future. The pathway for this transformation must include a gradual, staged deployment of digital technologies, including digital enablement of conventional production systems that rely on Operational Technology (OT). As already outlined, technology upgrades and use case deployment must be accompanied by investments in employee upskilling, novel processes, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, these investments must have strong support from the senior management of the manufacturing enterprise, as the transition to the factory of the future will entail significant changes in business processes and employees’ roles and responsibilities. To boost the commitment of the senior management, it is essential to continually quantify and prove the benefits of the transition to the factory of the future. In this direction, the presented guidelines for calculating ROI and S-ROI can be leveraged.While most of the future factories will be a result of brownfield deployments, greenfield deployments are also possible. Greenfield deployments require less effort for reengineering and transforming legacy systems and operations. This provides more versatility for building factories that can fully leverage the benefits of cutting-edge digital technologies.&nbsp;Both greenfield and brownfield deployments can greatly benefit from testing and experimentation facilities, including pilot production lines. This is because changes in physical processes incur significant failure risks while providing very limited room for “trial and error” processes. Pilot production lines and testbeds can therefore contribute to reducing deployment risks.The vision of the future factory is fantastic, yet very challenging. Therefore, manufacturers must carefully plan their transformation and transition journey. We hope that the present guide can provide valuable insights for starting this journey on the right foot.Download the full report now.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731674464752-5+Rising+Trends+for+AI+Adoption+in+Manufacturing+%282%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>

Report Conclusion

A Comprehensive Guide to Manufacturing Automation

Building the Factory of Tomorrow

Both work on common principles, but IIoT is a defined area of IoT:&nbsp;<ul><li dir="ltr">IoT involves mainly consumer activities, while&nbsp;<a title="What Is IIoT?" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-iiot" target="_blank">IIoT</a> is devoted to industrial applications.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">IoT aims to enhance quality of life, while IIoT systems aim to improve productivity and efficiency in industrial settings.</li><li dir="ltr">IoT includes many applications, from consumer electronics to life-saving medical devices and wearables, even reaching city infrastructure. IIoT centres primarily on automating and optimising industrial processes.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">What is IoT?</h2>IoT refers to everyday devices and systems connected and interacting via the internet. They have embedded software to facilitate data exchange and processing, sensors, and other technologies that allow remote control and monitoring. In this way, they offer enhanced accuracy, efficiency and the possibility of significant economic growth.&nbsp;IoT is integral to our digital landscape in various sectors like home automation, entertainment, transportation and healthcare. As well as enhanced life quality, the IoT helps improve our safety and security in many ways.<h2 dir="ltr">What is IIoT?</h2>The IIoT focuses on industry, applying IoT technologies to industrial processes and applications. It's found in many sectors, including manufacturing, energy management and logistics.&nbsp;IIoT leverages advanced digital technologies to enhance industrial processes, improving productivity, safety and operational efficiency. These may include intelligent sensors, big data,&nbsp;<a title="How To Use AI/ML To Optimise Manufacturing Costs" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/how-to-use-ai-ml-to-optimise-manufacturing-costs" target="_blank">AI/ML</a> (machine learning), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Such systems offer benefits that include autonomous operations, real-time monitoring and analysis and predictive maintenance.<h2 dir="ltr">Some IoT Applications</h2>IoT has transformed many ordinary objects into "smart" devices. These can interact in entirely new ways with humans, their environment and other devices. You'll find them in many familiar situations, such as:<ul><li dir="ltr">Smart homes with interconnected lighting and temperature control systems, security and household appliances.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Intelligent cities improve urban environments with IoT-managed energy grids, traffic and waste management systems and public safety.</li><li dir="ltr">Connected vehicles enhance your driving experience with entertainment, traffic updates, real-time navigation, vehicle diagnostics and many other benefits.</li><li dir="ltr">Wearables enhance your quality of life by collecting health-related data and monitoring your activity levels, sleep patterns, etc.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Some IIoT Applications</h2>IIoT is mainly used in industry to automate production processes and optimise business systems. You can use it to improve product quality, increase efficiency and save costs in several areas, such as:<ul><li dir="ltr">Supply chain and logistics management, improving efficiency with automated inventory management, real-time tracking and predictive analytics for demand planning.</li><li dir="ltr"><a title="What Is Predictive Maintenance?" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-predictive-maintenance" target="_blank">Predictive maintenance</a>, continuously monitoring industrial equipment to identify potential problems before they cause failures. Preventive maintenance extends equipment life and prevents costly downtime.</li><li dir="ltr">Smart grids aid efficient energy management within an industrial environment, using smart meters, sensors and digital communications.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Critical Differences Between IoT and IIoTÂ&nbsp;</h2><h3 dir="ltr">1. Scale and Scope</h3>IoT governs everyday connected devices like smartphones, wearables and home appliances.IIoT involves automating complex industrial processes and large-scale M2M communication.<h3 dir="ltr">2. Precision and Complexity</h3>IoT devices typically perform simple tasks like activating security systems or adjusting temperatures.IIoT performs complex operations demanding high precision, like variable equipment speed and product quality control.<h3 dir="ltr">3. Connectivity and Interoperability</h3>IoT devices generally use standard home or office networks and common communication protocols to connect to the internet.&nbsp;IIoT employs more robust systems with specialised industrial communication protocols for secure, reliable, high-speed data transfer. Industrial equipment and machinery are so diverse that interoperability is a challenging barrier to overcome.IoT and IIoT use standard M2M protocols most notably, Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT).<h3 dir="ltr">4. Security Protocols</h3>Security is paramount in all internet-connected operations. However, IoT devices typically exchange less sensitive data and may use less stringent security protocols.IIoT systems handle critical data and control systems for industrial applications, where a security breach could have catastrophic consequences. IIoT systems, therefore, implement far more rigorous and advanced security protocols. These might include intrusion detection systems, data encryption and regular security audits.<h3 dir="ltr">5. Programmability</h3>Most IoT devices have pre-programmed functionalities designed for general consumer demands. Although you can customise some, they usually offer only limited programmability.IIoT systems are designed for different industries and companies with specific needs. Therefore, They can be tailored to each customer with greater flexibility. IIoT devices are highly programmable for making autonomous decisions and performing complex tasks. With machine learning algorithms, they can even learn from previous experience.<h2 dir="ltr">Would You Ever Need To Choose Between IoT and IIoT?</h2>This situation isn't likely. Depending on your specific circumstances and usage requirements, whether you're choosing a system for consumer use or an industrial complex should be obvious.The IoT is geared to simplifying your life with connected devices like smartphones and tablets. It can enhance your home with intelligent systems and offers many user-friendly applications and devices designed to make your life more enjoyable and convenient.The IIoT is aimed at business owners and industrial operations. It offers many powerful tools for improving industrial productivity, safety and efficiency. You'll be able to control much more complex processes and gain valuable insights from extensive data analysis.It doesn't have to be a choice. IoT and IIoT work happily in tandem. If you live in a block of flats, you might have smart (IoT) home devices like a fridge or TV in your flat. The whole block, however, might have deployed IoT devices to manage services like lift maintenance and heating systems.Many businesses combine IoT and IIoT systems to achieve the optimal workflow. For example, a manufacturing company may deploy IoT applications for office and facilities management. At the same time, they can use IIoT applications in their production processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

IoT, the Internet of Things, can be compared to a mathematical set. IIoT, the Industrial Internet of Things, is a subset of that group. 

What Are The Differences Between IOT and IIOT?

A low-voltage motor control centre with fixed shelves

A deep dive into the basics of MCC buckets, architecture, applications, and challenges associated with the implementation of MCC buckets in varying industrial infrastructures.

MCC Buckets: Engineering Marvels Revolutionizing Material Handling

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) have transformed motor-control operations, benefitting various industries such as manufacturing, HVAC, water treatment, and more. VFDs have boosted operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This article explores its operation and applications.

What is a VFD: Unlocking the Power of Variable Frequency Drives

Communication protocols in industrial-based PLC automation system

This article delves into the key difference between PLC and DCS, providing a clear framework for choosing the appropriate technology for specific applications, and finally decoding the automation divide. 

Difference between PLC and DCS: Decoding the Automation Divide

Imagine an industrial plant where machines autonomously predict maintenance needs and optimize operations. Such efficiency is powered by IoT architecture. This guide breaks down the layers of IoT, from sensors collecting data to intelligent apps providing insights.

Understanding IoT Architecture: Key Layers and Core Technologies Explained

Building a sensing application offers a host of exciting engineering challenges. Many sensing techniques start their life in the company laboratory or university research center. This testing ground refines methods, hardware, and software to measure a specific physical property. If the sensing technology demonstrates a significant cost saving, reduction in physical volume, or drop in power usage over existing methods, efforts are made to commercialize it.Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) are a great example. Devices like the resonant gate transistor<a href="#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title="" target="_blank">[1]</a>, created in the late 1960s, are considered one of the first examples of this technology. Later, during the 1980s and 90s, mass manufacturing techniques for micromachining silicon MEMS sensors were developed, opening the doors to a range of new sensing devices.Today, it’s challenging to imagine a world without MEMS technology. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) that got a man to the moon was large and bulky<a href="#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title="" target="_blank">[2]</a>. By comparison, MEMs sensors that measure millimeters on a side and weigh basically nothing are integrated into every smartphone.<h2>Keeping Tabs on Power Consumption</h2>Internet of Things applications typically include some sort of sensing, allowing the node to share data about its surroundings or operation, even if sensing is not its primary function. Such data can be stored to keep track of temperature, humidity, or vibration during operation. It might then be combined with other data to perform predictive maintenance or explore the reasons for field failure of a device.If the device is battery-powered, the engineering team will want to fully understand the impact of such overhead functionality on the power budget. After all, while the insights the sensor delivers can be helpful, it can’t be at the expense of battery life. An excellent tool for exploring this is the Qoitech Otii Arc Pro<a href="#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title="" target="_blank">[3]</a>.Inside is a two-quadrant source measurement unit (SMU) that can source voltage and current while measuring them. This allows developers to power their application, measure the current drawn, and determine energy consumption. With such data, the lifetime of a power source, such as a battery or energy harvesting circuit, can be determined.The anodized black case features two banana sockets that power the target application (Figure 1). When powered via the USB interface, developers have a supply configurable from 0.5 V to 4.2 V. Adding an external power supply (7.5 V – 9 V) enables the output to be increased to 5.0 V. The voltage setting has a resolution of 1 mV, while the output current can reach 2.5 A continuous and 5.0 A peak with the external power supply.<img width="342" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyODM3Mzg3MTIyLTE3MjI4MzczODcxMjIuanBlZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Figure 1: Qoitech’s Otii Arc powers your application while monitoring the current drawn, even down to nanoamp levels.On the measurement side, the Otii Arc offers an analog bandwidth of 400 Hz, a sample rate of 1 ksps for voltage, and between 1 ksps and 4 ksps for current, depending on the measurement range. It also provides a wide current measurement dynamic range, covering nine orders of magnitude from nA to A.This combination of source and sink not only allows power consumption measurement but also supports the analysis of the batteries you intend to use in your application. Battery datasheets usually provide some discharge profiles, but it is challenging to extrapolate this accurately for your own use case (Figure 2). The Otii software provides a Battery Toolbox<a href="#_edn4" name="_ednref4" title="" target="_blank">[4]</a>&nbsp;feature for undertaking such measurements, enabling you to create a clear picture of battery profile under varying discharge conditions.<img width="226" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyODM3Mzg3MTI5LTE3MjI4MzczODcxMjkucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Figure 2: While battery datasheets provide example discharge profiles, they can be challenging to apply to your own application.With the profiles captured, Otii Arc can then emulate those batteries while connected to your circuit &nbsp; (Figure 3). This provides a range of insights. Battery life can then be determined, such as under good and poor radio link conditions. To explore how your circuit handles potential brown-out conditions, you can also replay a section of the battery life, such as the final portion where the output voltage rapidly drops off.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyODM3NTA3NzU2LTE3MjI4Mzc1MDc3NTYucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 3: Otii Arc can replay battery profiles to explore how long your application will operate.All configurations and settings are saved as projects, allowing measurement setup, battery profiles, and measurements to be recalled for repeat testing and analysis. Furthermore, a software API is also available to undertake long-term testing or test automation.<h2>What’s the Sensor Saying?</h2>When expected battery life falls significantly short, one of the usual issues is that something is waking the application more often than expected. But tracking down the cause can be tricky. For example, the application code responsible may only triggered under corner-case conditions. Luckily, plenty of PC-based tools can be used as data loggers to capture what is going on over long periods of operation.The Analog Discovery Pro ADP2230<a href="#_edn5" name="_ednref5" title="" target="_blank">[5]</a> is a mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO), but like many of Digilent’s measurement tools, its USB connection to your PC delivers heaps of extra flexibility. In fact, calling it an oscilloscope rather understates its functionality. The tool includes a waveform generator and programmable power supply, and the 16 digital inputs can also be configured as outputs for generating communication protocols (Figure 4).<img width="285" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyODM3NTA3ODExLTE3MjI4Mzc1MDc4MTEucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 4: The Digilent ADP2230 is an MSO that offers significantly more test and measurement capability.With a lot packed in, it’s best to check out the datasheet<a href="#_edn6" name="_ednref6" title="" target="_blank">[6]</a> for the full specifications. However, to provide a taste of its capabilities, the two oscilloscope inputs offer 14-bits of resolution at a sampling rate of up to 125 MS/s, 50 MHz bandwidth, and ±25 V input range; the waveform generator offers the same specifications with a bandwidth of 15 MHz and ±5 V output; and same applies to the digital section that supports 3.3 V CMOS levels while being 5 V tolerant for input. The power supply has two channels configurable to ±0.5 V to ±5.0 V at 3 W per channel.Digilent’s Waveforms<a href="#_edn7" name="_ednref7" title="" target="_blank">[7]</a>&nbsp;software is the starting point for configuring the tool and visualizing your measurements. And, like their other tools, their application programming interface Waveforms SDK<a href="#_edn8" name="_ednref8" title="" target="_blank">[8]</a> enables you to create your own programs to control the device and capture data. Languages supported include C, Python, and others.While such collection of raw data is very helpful, an ongoing challenge for many is the visualization of the data and sharing it with the broader team. Tackling this is ThingSpeak<a href="#_edn9" name="_ednref9" title="" target="_blank">[9]</a>, a MathWorks platform for collecting, viewing, and analyzing data in the cloud. Digilent provides some example projects<a href="#_edn10" name="_ednref10" title="" target="_blank">[10]</a>, but it will seem relatively straightforward if you’ve already used similar cloud services. Users simply create a ThingSpeak project, obtain an API key, and then add it to their code. After loading the Waveforms SDK library (Windows/Linux/macOS), the data to be logged is sent using an HTTP get method (Figure 5). ThingSpeak also offers MATLAB analysis and visualization tools, gauge and chart plugins, timed control tasks, and automated responses.<img width="564" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyODM3Mzg3MTY4LTE3MjI4MzczODcxNjgucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Figure 5: Overview of Python script using Waveforms SDK to acquire data and log it to ThingSpeak.<h2>Monitoring Your RF Connection</h2>When it comes to test equipment, a big box is always available to measure what you need. However, there isn’t always the space to accommodate it, especially if you want to make measurements in the field. And, for RF connectivity, field measurements help clarify how the environment impacts radio link quality and why your battery is not lasting as long as you calculated.This is what makes the Mini-Circuits Integrated Frequency Counter and Power Meter<a href="#_edn11" name="_ednref11" title="" target="_blank">[11]</a> (FPCM) so compelling because it delivers two RF tools in a compact 5.0” × 2.6” × 1.4” package (Figure 6). The tool can be used standalone thanks to the integrated LCD. Frequency resolution is 1 Hz, 10 Hz, or 100 Hz, depending on the frequency range, and measurements from 1 MHz to 6 GHz are possible. It also has an internal 10 MHz reference, although it is possible to supply your own using the BNC connector. An N-type male 50 Ω input is provided for connection to the system under test, and the unit also provides a dynamic range of -30 to +20 dBm.<img width="337" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyODM3Mzg3MTc5LTE3MjI4MzczODcxNzkucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Figure 6: The small form factor of the Mini-Circuits Frequency Counter and Power Meter allows it to be used in the field as well as in the lab.The included cable also allows the meter to be connected to a PC via either USB (which is also used as a power source) or Ethernet. It’s even possible to power and connect the unit via a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) splitter if you’re performing measurements remotely.Using the available FPCM software GUI<a href="#_edn12" name="_ednref12" title="" target="_blank">[12]</a>, the meter can be configured and measurements saved. Compensation at all frequencies can be defined in a simple text file if your test setup results in gains or losses. Alternatively, USB DLLs for Windows or an HTTP method over Ethernet for Windows and Linux are available<a href="#_edn13" name="_ednref13" title="" target="_blank">[13]</a>, allowing developers to create their own long-term test setups or test automation systems (Figure 7).<img width="602" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyODM3Mzg3MTg3LTE3MjI4MzczODcxODcucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Figure 7: Sample code that uses Python’s urllib2 library to configure the FPCM and perform measurements<h2>Compact, Portable, and Ready to Test!</h2>Whether you have an RF application targeting the IoT or a simple, battery-powered embedded system, field and long-term testing is often needed to understand hard-to-find functional issues or how environmental factors impact operation. Power consumption, especially over several orders of magnitude, is challenging to measure with conventional test equipment. The same applies to the frequency and power of RF systems, as test tools are often large, bulky, and require a mains supply. However, all the equipment listed here is small, portable, and programmable, thanks to software APIs and SDKs, leaving you ready to gather the data you need, whether for minutes, hours, or days.<hr><div id="edn1"><h2>Resources</h2>[1] https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/1474635[2] https://wehackthemoon.com/tech/inertial-measurement-unit-mechanical-engineering-wizardry[3] https://eu.mouser.com/new/qoitech/qoitech-otii-arc-pro/[4] https://www.qoitech.com/battery-toolbox/[5] https://eu.mouser.com/new/test-measurement/digilent-analog-discovery-pro-adp2230-mso/n-5gf3Z36ugzx[6] https://eu.mouser.com/pdfDocs/analog-discovery-pro-2230-datasheet.pdf[7 https://digilent.com/shop/software/digilent-waveforms/[8] https://digilent.com/reference/software/waveforms/waveforms-sdk/start[9] https://thingspeak.com/[10] https://digilent.com/reference/software/waveforms/waveforms-sdk/thingspeak[11] https://eu.mouser.com/new/test-measurement/frequency-counters/mini-circuits-fcpm-6000rc-meters/n-7uqigZ2mmftr[12] https://www.minicircuits.com/softwaredownload/fcpm.html[13] https://www.minicircuits.com/WebStore/pte_example_download.html?fam=Power%20Meter%20_%20Frequency%20Counter</div>

Whether you are in a lab or operating remotely, you need appropriate test resources, with the emphasis on accuracy, flexibility, portability and affordability.

Gathering Results During Testing in the Field

Optimizing Network Design and Performance through Strategic Hardware Selection


Navigating Network Infrastructure: Patch Panel vs Switch

Each day&nbsp;a&nbsp;myriad&nbsp;of&nbsp;items&nbsp;are transported across vast distances. And many of those items have a high value. For example, any one of the 250 million containers used to shift cargo across sea and land (according to the World Shipping Council)[1]&nbsp;could contain millions of dollars of manufactured goods, machine tools, medicines, vehicles, food, chemicals or various other assets.&nbsp;Although the intermodal freight transport system is mature and efficient, things can go wrong. According to&nbsp;The New Yorker[2], a single shipping container can hold five thousand individual boxes, a single ship offloads nine thousand containers within hours and the largest ports process as many as a hundred thousand containers every day. The numbers make it a major challenge to keep track of everything. Inevitably, items go missing or get damaged in transit. Poor handling, incorrect packing and exposure to adverse environmental conditions are among the primary causes of loss.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Nordic pioneers cellular IoT asset tracking</h2>Nordic supports cellular IoT asset tracking applications by supplying an end-to-end cellular IoT platform which brings simplicity, stability and cost efficiency to cellular IoT design, manufacture and deployment. For the first time, vendors can access chips, software and services that are designed, controlled and supplied by a single company.&nbsp;This comprehensive cellular IoT solution saves asset tracker developers considerable time, money, engineering resources and the frustration that result from dealing with fragmented supply chains.&nbsp;Development is made easier through Nordic’s unified and scalable nRF Connect SDK. The nRF Connect for Desktop software also offers unique cellular IoT tools for optimizing power consumption and evaluating, monitoring and debugging network connectivity.&nbsp;<h2>Cellular IoT powers energy&nbsp;efficient asset trackers&nbsp;</h2><a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Low-power-cellular-IoT" target="_blank">Cellular IoT</a>&nbsp;(LTE-M or NB-IoT) offers an ideal solution for intermodal logistics asset tracking. The tech leverages mature cellular infrastructure and offers kilometer-plus range with low power consumption enabling long battery life. While shipborne, a cellular IoT asset tracker based on a Nordic nRF91 Series SiP, for example, can store location data derived from GNSS and information from sensors about whether a container door has been opened, together with impact, vibration, temperature, humidity and other key data. When back in range of a cellular network the data can then be uploaded to the Cloud for access from anywhere.&nbsp;Nordic’s nRF91 Series SiPs feature a multimode modem allowing the asset tracker maker to select NB-IoT or LTE-M connectivity. NB-IoT is useful for fixed assets while LTE-M is better suited for mobile tracking such as a shipping container on a truck or train. Different regions or carriers might support one or the other protocol; by supporting both, Nordic can offer a much more global solution, which is often a key requirement for asset tracking in logistics.&nbsp;An example of the latest generation of asset trackers is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Nordic-news/2024/01/Tavago-Techs-Tuff-uses-Nordic-nRF9160-SiP-nRF7000-companion-IC-nRF52833-SoC-and-nPM1100-PMIC" target="_blank">Tavago Tech’s Tuff</a>. The product uses Nordic’ nRF9160 and features a combination of cellular IoT, GNSS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE tech for indoor and outdoor tracking of personnel, cargo and assets. Tuff features a vibration sensor, a three-axis accelerometer for movement detection, a device tamper sensor and a sensor to detect if the device is removed from the asset.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Nordic-news/2024/02/Controlant-Saga-Card-employs-low-power-nRF9160-SiP" target="_blank">Controlant Saga Card</a>&nbsp;also uses the nRF9160. In addition to cellular IoT connectivity, the Saga Card integrates an accelerometer, barometer and light sensor, to detect when and where a box has been opened and a product used, and when a box starts or stops moving.&nbsp;<h2>Where are my assets?</h2>When linked to Nordic’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Cloud-Services" target="_blank">Cloud Services</a>, logistics companies can use nRF91 Series-powered asset trackers to determine location to sub-10 meter accuracy with GNSS. The Cloud Services also offer Assisted GPS (A-GPS)—which downloads satellite position data via LTE, reducing time-to-first-fix (TTFF) and extending battery life—or Predictive GPS (P-GPS). The latter downloads up to two weeks of predicted satellite position data over LTE, not only saving power but also reducing LTE data costs compared with cell-based location services.&nbsp;&nbsp;If battery life is of overriding importance, location precision (with accuracy down to 200 meters) can be traded-off against energy consumption by taking advantage of Nordic’s Cloud Services’ single- and multi-cell (SCELL and MCELL) locationing technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;SCELL uses a single cell tower to provide location details while consuming little device power. It is useful for indoor locationing, or locationing without requiring GPS. MCELL uses up to 17 cell towers and trilateration to determine the device location. It offers greater accuracy than SCELL at the cost of a little more energy consumption.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Longer battery life and smaller size for tomorrow’s asset trackers&nbsp;</h2>High levels of integration, low power consumption and small size are key factors for developers building asset trackers. Nordic’s nRF91 Series incorporates an application processor, Flash and RAM, LTE-M/NB-IoT modem, RF Front End, GNSS and more into a single package. This high level of integration simplifies design, improves efficiency and saves space. And efficient operation extends battery life or allows for the use of more compact batteries for the same battery life. In some cases, low power consumption can even allow the asset tracker to run from harvested energy alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nordic has recently taken things a step further with the launch of a new addition to the nRF91 Series, the nRF9151&nbsp;SiP. The solution sets a new standard for highly integrated, low power consumption and compact SiP solutions specifically designed for cellular IoT applications. The high efficiency of the nRF9151 SiP allows asset tracker manufacturers to build lightweight, compact devices with long range and robust wireless connectivity, powerful processing capabilities and large memory capacity and which can run for years from a single battery charge.&nbsp;&nbsp;More compact than its predecessor, the nRF9161—with a significant footprint reduction of 20 percent—the nRF9151&nbsp;lends itself to asset trackers that are even smaller and lighter than previous designs.&nbsp;In addition, the nRF9151 SiP is designed from the ground up to minimize power consumption. It takes full advantage of the low-energy possibilities associated with cellular IoT technologies, such as Power Saving Mode (PSM) and eDRX.&nbsp;With the volume of goods shipped around the world set to reach 15 billion tonnes by 2025 (according to the International Chamber of Shipping[3]), keeping tabs on everything will be a major challenge. But with the increasing availability of cellular IoT-powered asset trackers it’s a challenge that’s becoming just a little easier.<hr><h3 id="isPasted">References</h3>1.&nbsp;World Shipping Council:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldshipping.org/news/world-shipping-council-releases-containers-lost-at-sea-report-2023-update" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.worldshipping.org/news/world-shipping-council-releases-containers-lost-at-sea-report-2023-update</a>.&nbsp; 2.&nbsp;The New Yorker:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/06/06/when-shipping-containers-sink-in-the-drink" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/06/06/when-shipping-containers-sink-in-the-drink</a>&nbsp; 3.&nbsp;International Chamber of Shipping:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-fact/shipping-and-world-trade-driving-prosperity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.ics-shipping.org/shipping-fact/shipping-and-world-trade-driving-prosperity/</a>&nbsp;

Nordic supports cellular IoT asset tracking applications by supplying an end-to-end cellular IoT platform which brings simplicity, stability and cost efficiency to cellular IoT design, manufacture and deployment.

New cellular IoT SiPs power smaller, more efficient asset trackers

Connectivity, though often underestimated, plays a pivotal role in the success of IoT projects. In our recent webinar, <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/steering-iot-innovation-in-global-asset-expeditions-and-fleet-journeys" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Unlocking Continuous Connectivity with Particle's M-Series Products,</a>&nbsp; Colleen Lavin, the Developer Success Lead at Particle, gave a comprehensive introduction to the M-Series and how to increase your IoT project connectivity.Watch the full webinar in the video above, or read on to get an overview of the highlights.&nbsp;<h1 dir="ltr">Challenges of Wireless Connectivity</h1><ol><li dir="ltr">Environment-Specific Technologies:<ul><li dir="ltr">There is no single wireless technology that guarantees connectivity everywhere. Colleen explains, "Connectivity is actually really complex. There's not a single wireless technology that works everywhere."</li><li dir="ltr">Home or single-location Wi-Fi is straightforward, but mobility introduces complexity. As Colleen notes, "Wi-Fi connectivity is the easiest. However, as soon as you add any level of mobility into that, it becomes a little bit more complex."</li></ul></li><li dir="ltr">Hospital and Academic Settings:<ul><li dir="ltr">Hospitals and academic buildings are prime examples where connectivity can be challenging. Colleen highlights, "I don't know if you've been to a lot of hospitals lately, or academic buildings. But there's always at least one corner of the hospital or the building where cell phones go to die."</li><li dir="ltr">Despite efforts, there are often areas within these buildings where cellular signals are weak or nonexistent. This phenomenon creates significant issues, especially in critical environments like hospitals where seamless communication is vital.</li></ul></li><li dir="ltr">The Myth of Universal Cellular Connectivity:<ul><li dir="ltr">Relying solely on cellular connections is not always viable. Colleen remarks, "You can use the hospital example and just say, 'Oh, well, if they want a hundred percent connectivity, you should make sure that they have cellular connection.' However, that's not always practical."</li><li dir="ltr">Many buildings have dead zones where cellular devices lose signal, reminiscent of a pre-cellular era. This can be frustrating and disruptive, especially in professional and academic settings where reliable connectivity is essential.</li></ul></li></ol><h1 dir="ltr">The M-Series and Particle</h1>During the webinar, Colleen provided an in-depth look at the <a href="https://www.particle.io/blog/connect-anywhere-introducing-the-m-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">M-Series and Particle</a>.<ul><li dir="ltr">M-Series: The M-Series represents a new generation of modular connectivity solutions. These devices are designed to be flexible, supporting multiple wireless standards and adapting to various environments. Colleen emphasized the importance of modularity, saying, "The M-Series allows us to tailor connectivity solutions to specific needs, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the environment."</li><li dir="ltr">Particle:&nbsp;Particle is a comprehensive IoT platform that integrates hardware and software to provide seamless connectivity for devices. Colleen described Particle as "a game-changer for IoT deployments," noting that it simplifies the process of connecting devices to the cloud and managing them remotely. The platform supports a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, cellular, and mesh networks, making it versatile for different applications.</li></ul><h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>Ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity is a complex but critical task. It requires understanding the unique challenges of each environment and implementing tailored solutions to mitigate connectivity issues. Colleen's insights, combined with the capabilities of the M Series and Particle, underscore the importance of proactively addressing these challenges to ensure the success of IoT projects and operations. As technology continues to evolve, focusing on overcoming connectivity hurdles will be essential for progress and efficiency in all sectors.We invite you to watch the complete webinar to gain a more in-depth understanding and hear Colleen's full insights.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/749NVka7ksQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;</iframe>Check out the latest articles from Particle here:<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/connecting-the-future-bridging-the-digital-divide-in-intelligent-cities-and-underserved-regions" target="_blank">Connecting the Future: Bridging the Digital Divide in Intelligent Cities and Underserved Regions</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/bridges-to-the-future-revolutionizing-remote-infrastructure-management-with-iot" target="_blank">Bridges to the Future: Revolutionizing Remote Infrastructure Management with IoT</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/tech-for-the-planet-iot-innovations-in-environmental-monitoring-and-disaster-management" target="_blank">Tech for the Planet: IoT Innovations in Environmental Monitoring and Disaster Management</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/unearthing-the-potential-of-precision-agriculture" target="_blank">Unearthing the Potential of Precision Agriculture</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/steering-iot-innovation-in-global-asset-expeditions-and-fleet-journeys" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steering IoT Innovation in Global Asset Expeditions and Fleet Journeys</a>

Ensuring Connectivity in Complex Environments


Unlocking Continuous Connectivity with Particle's M-Series Products: Webinar Wrap-Up

The advantages of open standards in industrial networksUsing open standards in industrial networks offers significant benefits, impacting efficiency, scalability, and operational security. The primary advantages include interoperability, cost reduction, and innovation stimulation.Interoperability: Open standards facilitate communication and cooperation between devices and systems from different manufacturers. Arduino has always championed interoperability through open and inspectable systems, ensuring users have a clear understanding of system functionality.Cost Reduction: Open standards and open-source solutions lower hardware and software acquisition costs and prevent vendor lock-in. Maintenance costs are often reduced as well. Finally, organizations can leverage diverse skills already present in their teams or easily find talent in the current job market: there are tens of thousands of professionals who have Arduino as one of their skills on LinkedIn!&nbsp;Innovation Stimulation: Open standards promote innovation by allowing developers to focus on creating original solutions rather than solving compatibility issues. Enabling access to technology and fostering creativity is the first step towards genuine innovation. The relevance of proprietary solutionsDespite the benefits of open standards, proprietary network solutions remain necessary in certain scenarios.Legacy Systems: Many sectors have existing infrastructures based on proprietary technologies implemented years ago. In some cases, any kind of transition – including one to open standards – can require significant investment and be economically unfeasible.&nbsp; However, even in a closed context, open-source products – like the system on modules (SOMs) in the <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/pro/hardware-product-family-portenta-family/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arduino Portenta family</a> or ready-to-use solutions like <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/pro/portenta-machine-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Portenta Machine Control</a> – can help innovate without disruption and drive the digital transition while maintaining legacy systems.Performance and Speed: In high-speed automation, proprietary solutions can be optimized for maximum efficiency and minimal latency, which is crucial for performance-critical applications.Controlled Environments: In organizations where production components are managed by a single entity, proprietary solutions can offer tighter control and better integration of processes and systems, enhancing operational optimization. The future of industrial networkingThe evolution of industrial networking includes the extension to wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi®&nbsp;6 and 5G, which offer higher speeds, lower latency, and reliable connectivity in complex environments. Here are some topics to consider for any future-forward investment strategy.AI/ML: The future of industrial networking will see the extensive integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance network performance, security, and efficiency. AI-driven network predictive maintenance will become the norm, with networks self-diagnosing and addressing potential issues before they escalate, therefore minimizing downtime.Focus on Cybersecurity and Privacy: As industrial networks become more interconnected and complex, the focus on cybersecurity and data privacy will increase. We see it today in the EU Cybersecurity Act, and soon industrial networking solutions will need to incorporate advanced encryption techniques, decentralized security protocols, and other technologies to safeguard sensitive information and ensure data integrity.&nbsp;Integration Challenges: Companies must address integration complexities related to security, reliability, and adoption timelines, rather than focusing solely on the technological aspects.Wired Connections: Technologies like T1S can mitigate electromagnetic interference issues and reduce adoption costs over time.IIoT and Edge Computing: The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will continue to drive innovation with smarter sensors and connected devices. Edge computing will become essential for processing data near the source, reducing latency, and optimizing data transfer by exchanging information only when necessary.Open solutions like the <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/pro/hardware-arduino-opta/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arduino Opta micro PLC</a> are ready for this future: security on the edge and capable computational power help drive innovation, from simple tasks to complex scenarios, always granting full control over equipment. All in all, while proprietary solutions still have their place in specific contexts, open standards and open-source solutions offer numerous benefits. No matter what the best strategy is for your business, now is the time to prepare for the integration of advanced wireless technologies and the growing importance of edge computing, driving continuous innovation and efficiency improvements.

Now is the time to prepare for the integration of advanced wireless technologies and the growing importance of edge computing.

Industrial communication networks are crucial to optimize processes and production in interconnected factories – but the convergence of IT and OT brings interoperability and security challenges. In addressing these issues, do open standards and protocols drive or hinder innovation? 

Open or Proprietary? Pros and Cons to Consider for Industrial Networking

The Things Network-Fri Jun 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

The Things Network-Mon Jul 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Things Network-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Things Network-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

The Things Network-Sat Sep 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

SPE - Industrial Partner Network-Fri Jun 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

SPE - Industrial Partner Network-Mon Jul 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

SPE - Industrial Partner Network-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

SPE - Industrial Partner Network-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

SPE - Industrial Partner Network-Sat Sep 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

University of Michigan-Fri Jun 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

University of Michigan-Mon Jul 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

University of Michigan-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

University of Michigan-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

University of Michigan-Sat Sep 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Georgia Institute of Technology-Fri Jun 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

Georgia Institute of Technology-Mon Jul 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Georgia Institute of Technology-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Georgia Institute of Technology-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

Georgia Institute of Technology-Sat Sep 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-Fri Jun 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-Mon Jul 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology-Sat Sep 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Technical University of Denmark-Fri Jun 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

Technical University of Denmark-Mon Jul 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Technical University of Denmark-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Technical University of Denmark-Thu Aug 31 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)

Technical University of Denmark-Sat Sep 30 2023 23:59:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

industrial internet of things (iiot)

IIoT

Profiles