The Next Decade's Focus: A Comprehensive Analysis of the IoT Industry

Introduction:Zhuangzi said: “Heaven and earth are born with me, and all things are one with me.”

Zhuangzi treats heaven, earth, and all things equally, breaking the shackles of “human-centered” thinking. If the Internet is built around “human needs,” then the Internet of Things (IoT) truly realizes the parallel connection between humans and all things, enabling communication between humans and things, and between things and things.The ultimate goal of the IoT is to connect the world and empower all things.

The Next Decade's Focus: A Comprehensive Analysis of the IoT Industry

What is the Internet of Things?

Some people say the Internet of Things is just sensors; others say it’s 5G, NB-IOT; some say it’s big data; and others refer to smart earth, smart cities, smart transportation, and smart homes as the Internet of Things; there are even those who equate IoT with artificial intelligence.

The concept of the Internet of Things was first proposed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1999, known in English as the Internet of Things. At its core, the IoT is about converting any measurable quantity from any object into a string of numbers, transmitting it over a network for analysis and processing, and then supporting the data transformation process for related applications.

Development Trends of IoT Perception Layer Technology

What is the essential difference between the Internet of Things and the Internet?

Yes, it lies in the perception layer. The foundation of the perception layer is sensors.

In fact, we use sensors every day, with many present in our phones and cars.

In the 1950s, sensor technology began to develop during military and aerospace research in Europe and the United States.

In the 1970s, solid elements like semiconductors, dielectrics, and magnetic materials were utilized to create thermocouple sensors, Hall sensors, and light-sensitive sensors using thermoelectric effects, Hall effects, and photoelectric effects. This marked the era of solid sensors. Structural sensors and solid sensors both belong to the analog sensor stage. By the late 1970s, with advancements in integrated technology, microelectronics, and computer technology, integrated sensors began to emerge. Integrated sensors have multiple functions, low costs, and good performance, marking a shift from analog to digital sensor technology.

In the 1980s, the combination of microcomputer technology and detection technology led to the development of intelligent sensors. Initially, the signal conversion circuit was integrated with microcomputers, memory, and interfaces on a single chip, combined with sensors, resulting in intelligent sensors with detection, data processing, and adaptive capabilities. After the 1990s, intelligent measurement technology prompted sensors to become intelligent, featuring self-diagnosis, memory functions, multi-parameter measurement capabilities, and networking communication abilities.

In the 1990s, wireless sensor network technology gradually matured. The development history of sensor technology is illustrated below.

Entering the 21st century, the rapid development of computer technology significantly enhanced information processing efficiency. The rapid development of wireless communication technologies such as LTE and 5G’s NB-IOT has improved information transmission efficiency. The continuous emergence of new materials, processes, and applications for sensors has advanced detection and control technologies, fundamentally enhancing information collection capabilities, measurement accuracy, and reliability; at the same time, sensors are becoming increasingly miniaturized and networked. These trends together promote the further maturity of IoT perception technology, as shown below.

Modern sensors are evolving from traditional single-function designs towards integration, wireless connectivity, networking, digitization, systematization, miniaturization, intelligence, multi-functionality, optomechanical integration, and maintenance-free operation. Meanwhile, sensor power consumption will continue to decrease, while accuracy and reliability will increase, and measurement ranges will expand.

Benefiting from the construction of 5G basic communication networks, the continuous growth of IoT terminal varieties, and the explosive demand for IoT applications across various scenarios, authoritative institutions predict that by 2025, the number of global IoT connections will reach 100 billion. In the next decade, the IoT market will reach trillions of yuan, with its industrial scale being several times larger than that of the Internet. The prospects are so promising!

As we enter the IoT era, to match various application scenarios,sensor technology presents the following new development trends:

(1)Development and Applicationof New Sensor Materials

The important driving force behind the upgrade of sensor technology is the application of new materials. New types of photoelectric sensor sensitive materials have characteristics such as long detection distance, high resolution, fast response, and a wide range of detectable objects; biological sensitive materials, due to their good selectivity, high sensitivity, and low cost, have broad application prospects in food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, clinical testing, biomedicine, and environmental monitoring; new types of nanomaterials are promoting the miniaturization of sensors. As the application scenarios of IoT continue to expand, more high-quality new sensor materials will be developed, and the application level of these materials will continue to improve.

(2)Enhancing SensorIntegration

There are two directions for improving sensor integration: one is to integrate many types of sensors on the same chip; the other is the integration of sensors with subsequent functional circuits. Both directions aim at multi-functionality of sensors. A multi-sensor integrated chip can detect parameters from points to surfaces to volumes, achieving multi-dimensional parameter visualization. For example, a sensor used in clinical medicine has a chip size of only 2.5mm × 0.5mm and can quickly detect multiple ion concentrations like Na+, K+, and H+ in a drop of blood. A sensor that integrates detection functions with amplification, computation, interference compensation, and other functions exhibits excellent adaptability and has found extensive applications in the robotics industry.

(3)Wireless Networking

The combination of wireless network technology and sensor technology is known as wireless sensor network technology. In the network, sensors serve as nodes collecting various measurement quantities, such as temperature levels, humidity changes, pressure variations, and noise fluctuations. Multiple nodes form a network. Each sensor node can be viewed as a microcomputer capable of quick calculations, converting the information collected by sensors into digital signals. Nodes can communicate with each other and connect with a central processing unit. Wireless sensor networks are emerging as a highly interdisciplinary research area. As application demands increase in industries such as agriculture, military, environment, healthcare, smart homes, and smart cities, the wireless networking applications of sensors will continue to mature.

(4)Miniaturization

The use of new sensor materials and the enhancement of integration levels can promote the miniaturization of sensors. Miniaturized sensors occupy less space, are lightweight, respond quickly, have high sensitivity, low costs, and low energy consumption, making them easy to install and maintain. There is a type of “neural dust” sensor in medicine, only the size of a grain of sand (3mm long, 1mm high, and 0.8mm wide), which collects information from nerve and muscle tissues and transmits the relevant information back to an external receiver in the form of ultrasound, providing reference for doctors to confirm medical conditions. With the development of sensing technology, the range of physical, chemical, and biological quantities that miniaturized sensors can measure will continue to expand. Applications in fields such as aviation, long-distance detection, medicine, and industrial automation will also increase.

(5)Improving SensorIntelligenceLevels

Intelligent sensors combine microprocessors with sensors, enabling them to not only collect information but also process and store it, performing logical reasoning and decision-making. Intelligent sensors will have digital communication interfaces, allowing them to communicate and exchange information directly with their associated computers. As microprocessor technology continues to advance, intelligent sensors will further enhance their adaptability, self-maintenance, computational capabilities, and real-time performance.

Key Technologies of IoT Perception Layer

Describing 5G IoT begins with the technologies of the perception layer. Objects without the ability to sense surrounding information are like “deaf and mute” terminals connected to the internet. Sensors are the source of information for the IoT, and perception technology is the foundation of IoT connectivity.

The realization of the “perception intelligence” function of the IoT perception layer depends on a series of key technologies of the perception layer.

First, sensor technology is the foundation of measurement technology in the IoT and the source of IoT information generation. Sensors, as key components of the IoT industry, rely on new materials technology, intelligent technology, integration technology, and miniaturization technology during their development. To facilitate one-time deployment and permanent use, low power consumption is one of the important indicators for current sensor product development; to promote large-scale applications of the IoT, low cost is also a significant direction for sensor research and development.

Video technology can be seen as a non-contact sensing technology and is an important foundation for the visual capabilities of the IoT. Video capture technology can be used not only under normal conditions but also in nighttime, high-temperature, and low-visibility scenarios. Of course, in these special usage scenarios, corresponding video capture, storage, and analysis recognition technologies are required. Video analysis and recognition technology relies on a large amount of high-definition video data to identify trends, empirical data, uncertainties, randomness, and fuzziness in actual spatial environments, extracting key information and valuable data that can be applied in various industries such as intelligent transportation, business intelligence, disaster prevention and reduction, safety production, intelligent security, and safety monitoring, becoming a powerful tool for solving practical problems.

Identification technology refers to the technology of identifying objects through RFID tags, barcodes, QR codes, voice, and biometric features. By affixing identifiable labels to products, their external characteristics are enhanced, which can then be recognized through infrared, laser scanning, RFID, and other technologies to confirm and judge the essential characteristics of the objects. RFID is an automatic identification technology and can also be seen as an information collection technology for the IoT, essentially a type of sensor technology that integrates wireless radio frequency technology with embedded technology. RFID has broad application prospects in automatic identification and logistics management.

In the vast ecological system of the IoT, chips have a high technological content and form the foundation and core of the industrial chain. The hardware foundation of the perception layer consists of various chips, such as sensors, microcontrollers, memory, ultra-low power communication components, positioning modules, signal conversion elements, and power management components, all requiring corresponding chips. Mastering the core of chip technology equates to mastering the core voice of the IoT, which is also a means to control the IoT.

In the IoT, there are many sensors, reading devices, reading points, and diverse hardware devices, with inconsistent data formats. Sensorsmiddleware serves as a key component to shield the complexity of underlying devices, bridging sensor hardware and upper-level business applications. There are two main types of perception layer middleware: one type shields the complexity of sensor data collection, completing the acquisition, filtering, and merging of sensor measurement data; the other type provides data transition for upper-level businesses and applications, completing the storage, maintenance, access, and aggregation of sensor data. Sensor middleware can also provide standard interfaces for upper-level applications, allowing customers to easily utilize these interfaces for secondary development, enhancing the customization and scenario adaptability of the perception layer.

Numerous wireless sensor nodes can use the ZigBee protocol to form a sensor network for coordinated operation, creating a more valuable information network. Key technologies for sensor networks include short-distance communication technologies for the IoT, ZigBee networking principles, and embedded gateway technologies. Additionally, data generated by various sensors needs to connect with various application software on the platform layer via long-distance wireless communication. In other words, sensor nodes themselves function as terminal devices with wireless communication capabilities. In the IoT era, terminal devices acting as sensor nodes are numerous, and just as mobile phones require operating systems, IoT smart terminal devices in various sub-scenarios also need corresponding embedded operating systems to manage the complexity of perception layer hardware and support the functionality of short-distance communication in wireless sensor networks.

In applications like shared bicycles, shared cars, safe travel, and public transportation, positioning technology can be used to measure target location parameters, time parameters, motion parameters, and other spatiotemporal information, thus determining the specific location and trajectory of a user or object, enabling tracking of people or objects. Positioning technology is also one of the key technologies in the IoT perception layer.

In summary, the key technology family involved in IoT perception technology is illustrated below.

Layered Fusion Architecture of IT, CT, and IoT

We often hear that 5G aims to achieve the integration of IT, CT, and IoT.

By aggregating sensed data through 5G on the platform side and processing it through cloud computing centers or big data mining, along with artificial intelligence algorithms for decision-making, applications across various industries can be formed. In other words, 5G IoT is not merely an extension and expansion of the Internet but requires the integration of vertical industry technologies and information technologies.

IoT technology must utilize 5G technology to achieve connectivity between objects, and applications in various vertical industries require some common platform technologies: artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing.

Thus, the boundaries between IoT and other technologies become less clear, and many technologies seem to be interconnected.

In the 5G era—everything is perceptive, everything runs on 5G, everything is platformed, and everything has applications. These phrases characterize the essence of 5G IoT.

Understanding these perception layer technologies equips one with the technical foundation of 5G IoT, and combined with 5G communication technologies and platform technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, a knowledge system architecture for the 5G era’s end, pipe, and cloud is established.

To ensure the smooth flow of information generated by various objects within the IoT system, a series of processes must be implemented: data collection, data transformation, data transmission, data analysis, and data processing. Thus, the supporting technologies of the IoT need to encompass multiple levels: perception layer technologies (sensor technology, RFID technology, perception/recognition technology, WSN technology), network layer technologies (low-power high-bandwidth wireless communication technologies, mobile communication technologies), platform layer technologies (artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing), and application layer technologies. The foundation for IoT development is the collaborative advancement of all its components.

First, the essence of the IoT is comprehensive perception, making the perception layer the most fundamental level of the IoT. The IoT will promote the widespread application of various perception technologies. IoT systems utilize sensitive components to extract useful information that human sensory organs cannot collect, extending and enhancing human perceptual capabilities. For instance, infrared and ultraviolet sensitive components can expand human vision; ultrasonic and infrasonic sensors can enhance hearing. Additionally, various sensitive components like olfactory, gustatory, photonic, thermal, magnetic, and humidity-sensitive elements also contribute to enhancing human sensory abilities. Once a sensor is added to an object, it becomes an information source, emitting all sensed information like any digital device on the Internet. A complete industry application of the IoT often deploys a massive number of various types of sensors, measuring different information in real-time, allowing the IoT data processing center to periodically collect information generated by sensors to obtain the latest data.

Second, to achieve reliable transmission, the IoT must rely on communication networks and the Internet. The information collected by sensors on the IoT must be transmitted through wired, wireless networks, or the Internet. A massive number of sensors will generate an enormous amount of measurement information. To ensure the correctness and timeliness of data transmission, the process must accommodate various heterogeneous networks and protocols. This requires the network layer of the IoT to have characteristics of high capacity, reliability, low latency, and compatibility with heterogeneous networks.

Next, all objects connected to the IoT should be trackable, controllable, and capable of personalized presentation, remote upgrades, statistical analysis, and other functionalities. This necessitates the IoT to support intelligent processing and control. When combined with big data and artificial intelligence (AI), utilizing cloud computing, pattern recognition, and various computing technologies, the IoT can become predictive and support collaborative work. The platform layer of the IoT possesses massive data storage, computing, and analytical capabilities, tasked with making the IoT intelligent and wise.

Finally, the IoT must integrate with specific application scenarios to address a class of problems encountered in production and daily life. For example, urban security, smart campuses, intelligent healthcare, smart transportation, vehicle networking, smart agriculture, smart homes, smart grids, monitoring in petrochemical industries, and centralized management and control of various robots are common scenarios in the application layer of the IoT. With the development of the IoT, it will extend into more application scenarios, discovering newer application fields and modes, and processing immense information collected from sensors in various scenarios to meet the diverse needs of different industries and users.

In summary, the IoT consists of four layers: the perception layer, network layer, platform layer, and application layer. These four layers complete the functions of data collection, data transmission, and data analysis, as shown in Figure 1-6. If we compare the IoT to a human body, the perception layer functions like human sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin, hands, and feet), the network layer serves as the nervous system for transmitting information, while the platform layer acts as the brain, processing and analyzing the vast amount of information received. Sensor technology forms the foundation of the perception layer, wireless communication technology is key to the network layer, and computer technology is central to the platform layer, playing the roles of “senses,” “nerves,” and “brain” in the IoT system, respectively. The application layer is akin to the tasks humans must accomplish, having clear goals and directions that require collaboration among sensory organs, the nervous system, and the brain.

5G+ABC Application Prospects

Although the perception layer collects a massive amount of data, it only completes preliminary and localized data transmission, extraction, and processing. For this data to achieve “thousands of miles,” the IoT must become a “horseman of the fake” (through 5G), enabling long-distance transmission, bridging vast distances; massive data from the perception layer must converge on a central platform to support valuable, meaningful, and novel applications, necessitating the IoT to become a “boatman of the fake” (through ABC), utilizing artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing as super “giants” for comprehensive data analysis and processing to support application delivery.

5G, as a major development direction for mobile communication technology, provides users with fiber-like access speeds, zero latency in operational perception, and the ability to connect billions of devices, bringing the distances between everything closer and providing users with an immersive information feast. “Artificial intelligence + big data + cloud computing” helps users break through the temporal and spatial limitations of massive data, offering multi-scenario, multi-application, intelligent, and wise interactive experiences, ultimately achieving the overarching vision of “information at your fingertips, everything within reach.”

“5G+ABC” will undoubtedly usher in a new journey for the IoT, permeating various sectors of future society, constructing a comprehensive information ecosystem centered around users.

New perceptions, new applications. In the context of the “5G+ABC” era, many new IoT applications will emerge, such as vehicle networking, autonomous driving, cloud AR/VR, smart pastures, connected drones, remote healthcare, personal AI assistance, wearable devices, holographic projection, remote tourism, and more. Of course, as the technologies of various IoT layers evolve, many new applications will emerge across various industries.

Driven by the dual operation of network layer technology and platform layer technology (5G+ABC), the IoT will undoubtedly achieve cross-border integration of perception layer technology with multiple vertical industry applications. Future applications will only be limited by imagination, not capability.

Outlook

In the next decade, the number of IoT connections will exceed one trillion, and the industrial output value of the IoT will also surpass one trillion. For those aspiring to engage in the IoT field, how can they quickly get started?

This Thursday (June 11) at 20:00

Industry expertWang Zhenshi

Will bring a free live course for everyone

Talking about Perception of All Things—IoT Perception Technology in the 5G Era

◆ ◆ ◆

IoT Perception Technology in the 5G Era

Course Introduction

Opening Time: June 11, 2020, 20:00

Instructor: Wang Zhenshi

Course Type: Video Live

Viewing Platforms: Jiuzhou Cloud Broadcasting Platform

JD Live Platform

Dangdang Live Platform

Mechanical Industry Press Tmall Flagship Store Live Room

Mechanical Industry Press Tencent Live Room

Mechanical Industry Press Baidu Baijiahao Live Room

Instructor Introduction

Instructor: Wang Zhenshi

Previously worked at Huawei for 12 years, holding positions such as Chief Engineer of Wireless Solutions, Project Director of Wireless Network Optimization, Director of 3G Engineering Delivery, and Director of LTE/5G Solutions, and has received numerous honors including the Gold Medal Employee Award. He has published several works, including “Easy Progression in LTE”.

Currently employed at Beijing Xinshiwei Technology Co., Ltd., serving as the Director of Corporate Training and Consulting. His main research areas include 5G network architecture reform, IoT technology and applications, engineering delivery specifications and management, network information security technology, and Python/Scratch programming teaching.

Publications:

Content Overview

★ Overview of “Talking about Perception of All Things: From Sensors to IoT”

★ Perception layer technology, IoT engineering, and 5G+ABC solutions

★ Writing characteristics of “Talking about Perception of All Things: From Sensors to IoT”

★ Development patterns of IoT applications under 5G networks

Viewing Methods

Follow the “IT Chat” public account, and we will release QR codes for various platforms’ live rooms before the broadcast.

Disclaimer: If there are copyright issues regarding the videos, images, or texts used in this article, please notify us immediately, and we will confirm the copyright based on the proof materials you provide and pay remuneration according to national standards or delete the content immediately!

“Addictive Behavior is Destroying Adults”

“Exclusive Reveal of Dong Mingzhu’s Live Broadcast: Only Dong Mingzhu Found the Essence of Live Commerce”

The Next Decade’s Focus: A Comprehensive Analysis of the IoT Industry

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Related posts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply