Top 6 IoT Trends Shaping 2016 and Beyond

The Internet of Things is rapidly moving from a futuristic concept to everyday reality. According to industry giants IDC, Gartner, and Juniper, the projected number of active IoT devices in 2020 remains substantial, reflecting the growing adoption of connected technology across sectors.

IoT’s most tangible impact has emerged in industry, where connected machinery, farms, and utilities deliver measurable savings in cost, energy, and time.

#1. Smart Climate Management

General Electric’s coal power initiative demonstrates IoT’s potential to improve both financial performance and environmental outcomes. In Italy, a coal plant that had closed two years earlier was successfully reopened after GE’s platform enabled significant reductions in greenhouse‑gas emissions and created new jobs, presenting a net positive for the region.

#2. Intelligent Traffic Control

During Bangkok’s Songkran holiday—a period of peak traffic—the city’s government deployed IoT sensors that fed real‑time data to a mobile app used by millions. This integration helped reduce congestion in the capital, showcasing how sensor networks can directly improve urban mobility.

#3. Global IoT Network Expansion

With the pace of new projects accelerating, the need for a dedicated IoT infrastructure has become critical. Sigfox has focused on building a worldwide network tailored for IoT devices, launching in hundreds of cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia in 2016.

#4. Connected Retail Experiences

Retailers are investing heavily in IoT to enhance in‑store engagement. According to inMarket, beacon technology drove $14.5 billion in consumer spending during the Black Friday weekend, proving that connected retail solutions can generate substantial revenue.

#5. Agricultural IoT Adoption

Although many farmers are still evaluating IoT solutions, early adopters report encouraging results. As device and software costs decline, the cost savings from precision agriculture are expected to outweigh the initial investment, potentially delivering a net positive return for farmers.

#6. Advancing Wearable Biometrics

Wearable devices experienced modest sales growth in 2016, yet their biometric capabilities are steadily improving. Enhanced sensor accuracy means users can access richer health data, though continued attention to data quality remains essential.