Top 5 Industrial IoT Trends Every Machine Builder Must Track in 2021

In 2020, the manufacturing sector witnessed the transformative power of Industrial IoT (IIoT). With travel restrictions and limited on‑site visits, IIoT became the linchpin that allowed machine builders to maintain operations and support customers remotely. These experiences have accelerated the adoption of connectivity solutions worldwide and set the stage for a new wave of innovations in 2021.

Below are the five key Industrial IoT trends that will shape the industry this year, along with real‑world examples and actionable insights.

1. Increased IIoT Adoption
2. Revolution in Wireless Connectivity
3. Virtual Reality for Remote Operations
4. Self‑Training Machine Learning

Trend 1: Increased IIoT Adoption

The push for automation accelerated dramatically during the pandemic, driving more companies to integrate IIoT into their production lines. Machine learning and robotics now drive processes with minimal human intervention, reducing the number of staff required on the factory floor. This not only boosts productivity and lowers error rates but also mitigates the risk of disease transmission, making it a compelling business case for IIoT deployment.

Trend 2: Revolution in Wireless Connectivity

Many IIoT devices operate in environments without reliable wired connections, necessitating robust wireless solutions. Advanced cellular technologies such as 4G and the upcoming 5G networks are becoming the backbone of industrial connectivity. 5G offers up to 100 times the speed of 4G, coupled with lower latency, enhanced security, and edge‑computing capabilities—features that are essential for real‑time monitoring and control.

For instance, DC Airco—a manufacturer of HVAC solutions for mobile platforms like trains and excavators—connects its PLCs to the IoT platform via 4G. The cellular link provides an isolated, secure network that is both reliable and easy to deploy in remote locations.

Read the full story of DC Airco here.

Trend 3: Virtual Reality for Remote Operations

Virtual Reality (VR) is set to become mainstream for training, commissioning, and maintenance in 2021. By integrating high‑resolution displays, cameras, and microphones, VR headsets such as Microsoft HoloLens enable machine builders to guide customers through complex procedures without being physically present. Customers can see real‑time instructions overlayed on their environment, while builders monitor their progress from a remote workstation.

This shift towards remote commissioning not only reduces travel costs but also enhances safety and expedites problem resolution.

Trend 4: Leveraging Machine Data to Strengthen Customer Relationships

Connected machines generate vast amounts of operational data. Whether you run a multinational OEM or a boutique supplier, this data can be harnessed to predict failures, schedule proactive maintenance, and deliver value‑added services to clients. By turning data into actionable insights, companies can reduce downtime, improve asset reliability, and deepen customer trust.

Trend 5: Self‑Training Machine Learning

Traditional machine learning requires extensive data labeling, but unsupervised learning is poised to change that. In 2021, systems can ingest raw sensor data, automatically detect normal operating patterns, and flag deviations without human intervention. This capability allows machine builders to receive real‑time alerts when a component starts to degrade, enabling preemptive repairs and minimizing unexpected outages.

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