IoT and 5G: What It Holds for the Future?

5G has ignited enough curiosity and hopes for the supposed high speed and connectivity for mobile device users. Particularly with the growing Internet of Things IoT software development market, 5G boosts the possibilities of building a hyper-connected ecosystem with nearly billions of internet-connected devices.
As per research predictions, the new 5G networks are likely to deliver loading speed faster than the current conditions and guarantees an average download speed of nearly 1Gbps!
Many telcos, technology and mobile device companies including Ericsson, Qualcomm, Verizon, Apple, OnePlus are prepping for the grand launch of 5G in 2020. While some of the industry bigwigs are also making massive preparations with the existing 3G and 4G technology to bolster number of always-online users. Concurrently, the spending on IoT has also escalated and is expected to reach 1.2 trillion USD by 2022, suggests data from IDC.
So, based on the above facts, it is easy to take a quick guess on the probable disruptions that both, IoT and 5G technology are going to have across industries. Given below are some of the changes that can be expected with a fine amalgam of both upcoming technologies:

A New Wave of Change in Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry will undeniably have the largest impact with the collaboration of IoT solutions and 5G. Manufacturing industry is already reaping the maximum rewards of IoT technology and with the introduction of 5G to the equation will help businesses live their full potential. But the greatest effects will be on industrial IoT.

Growth of Smart Factories and Warehouses

The factory floors in most industries are replacing manual labor with IoT powered devices and with the 5G ‘blessing’ it becomes easier to implement cutting-edge tools such as wireless sensors, smart robots and equipment that provide higher quality, control, safety and maintenance.

Smart Cars with AR and VR Enhancements

Imagine connected cars powered with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology! This opens opportunities for better vehicle control, safety features and network-enabled communication to manage autonomous cars. By leveraging 5G network’s speed and low latency, autonomous or smart cars can be equipped to provide accurate and real-time data for convenient navigation, traffic updates and coordinated driving.

Use of Robots and Telemetry Technology in Healthcare

5G networks and smart device like surgical robots, wireless medical telemetry and wearable devices in the healthcare industry will become a norm. This also will aid healthcare professionals to deliver better care with facilities like high-definition surgery videos and live transmissions of actions that can be remotely monitored. IoT and 5G would allow professionals to take preventive measures through regular updates and tracking at risk patients.

HD Experience in Gaming and Entertainment

5G will drive telcos to bid an adieu to fiber networks and turn to wireless broadband and better the quality of experience in gaming and entertainment applications with faster loading speed and low network latency.

Smarter Homes and Smarter Cities

From connected cars to smart sensors, thermostats, talking refrigerators to weighing scales, IoT solutions and devices may no longer have the same novelty in the approaching years. IoT solutions and device manufacturers have so far been offering wide range of connecting options such as Bluetooth, Wi-fi, 3G or 4G. With the introduction of 5G, IoT devices are going to surpass standards for connectivity, speed and data rates. They will provide new models for management of public transit systems and sustainable approaches for city planning and development.

Apart from the beaming with positive hopes, there are a list of challenges that early adopters of IoT and 5G are most likely going to encounter. The downsides to this development include:

1. Initial Adoption Hiccups: Disparity between available infrastructure and the promising IoT and 5G developments will stall and complicate the adoption process. This would mean manufacturers of IoT devices and IoT software development companies need to revamp their existing infrastructure to accommodate 5G without compromising on security and other protocols. Consumers are also going experience reality shocks with the need to redo their homes and workplaces with devices and tools that are 5G compatible.
2. Power Consumption: Manufacturers of IoT devices need to look for energy-efficient alternatives to power tools across smart cities, homes and factories around the world. Wireless and sustainable sources of power will do the needful and keep check at energy consumption.
3. Need for Future-proofing Devices and Appliances: In the consumer IoT market, swiftly changing trends and communication network models tend to make devices and appliances obsolete within a short span. This may increase e-waste and pose threat to the environment. Companies and manufacturers need to consider this factor and produce tools and appliances that is compatible to possible changes in communication networks.

Observations on the IoT market and emerging 5G industry indicate the transition to the new, collaborative ecosystem powered by both these technologies will be slow and gradual. Even though major network carriers have run multiple trials and plan to launch the 5G network in 2019, there is enough work required with respect to hardware devices, availability of carriers and wireless technologies to accommodate 5G services.
This is a clear message that 5G would be heavily dependent on its predecessors, 3G and 4G and exist alongside legacy architecture.

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