Looking at the crystal ball
When I look back on how far IoT has come, I can’t help but feel both amazed and excited. In the early days, IoT was just a concept – a dream of connecting things to improve lives.
But here we are, entering the year 2025, and IoT is no longer just an idea; it’s becoming the backbone of how we live, work, and play.
Let me walk you through what IoT will look like in 2025.
These are not just random guesses but predictions rooted in years of working in this space and observing its evolution.
- Massive IoT Deployment Across Industries
“Isn’t IoT already everywhere?” someone might ask.
My answer would be: Not yet, but we’re getting there.
By 2025, IoT will become integral to manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, energy, and even retail industries.
Factories will use IoT sensors to monitor machinery in real-time, predicting maintenance needs before breakdowns occur.
Farmers will optimise irrigation and fertiliser use through IoT-connected systems, maximising yields while conserving resources.
It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making better decisions.
IoT will help businesses operate more efficiently, reduce waste, and, most importantly, stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.
2. AI-Driven IoT Solutions (AIoT)
When discussing IoT, people often ask, “What about artificial intelligence?”
The truth is that IoT and AI are like two sides of the same coin.
By 2025, the fusion of these technologies – what we call AIoT – will redefine what’s possible.
Imagine traffic lights that adapt to real-time traffic conditions or healthcare devices that predict potential health risks based on continuous monitoring.
This integration will make systems smarter and more autonomous.
Instead of just collecting data, IoT devices will analyse and act on it. It’s not just IoT anymore; it’s intelligent IoT.
3. Sustainability Through IoT
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword – it’s a necessity.
Companies and governments increasingly turn to IoT to tackle environmental challenges.
In 2025, I expect IoT to play a central role in achieving sustainability goals.
For example, IoT-enabled smart grids will help us manage energy consumption more efficiently.
Sensors will monitor air and water quality in real time, allowing us to respond to environmental issues faster.
The idea of a “smart city” is not just about convenience; it’s about creating sustainable and liveable cities. IoT will help us achieve that vision.
4. Proliferation of Edge Computing
Edge computing is something I often talk about when discussing the future of IoT.
It’s a game-changer. Instead of sending all the data to the cloud for processing, edge computing allows devices to process data locally.
This reduces latency and ensures faster responses.
In 2025, edge computing will become indispensable, especially for applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
Imagine a self-driving car needing to make a split-second decision – there’s no time to send data to a cloud server and wait for a response.
That’s where edge computing comes in.
5. IoT in Healthcare
The healthcare sector is where I see IoT making the most profound impact.
By 2025, wearable devices will go beyond tracking steps or heart rates. They’ll become essential tools for remote patient monitoring.
I envision a world where doctors can receive real-time data about their patients, enabling early intervention and better outcomes.
This is personal because I’ve always believed technology should serve humanity.
IoT in healthcare isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about saving lives and improving the quality of care.
6. Smart Cities Moving Beyond Pilots
If you’ve followed my work, you know I’m passionate about smart cities.
But here’s the thing – many smart city projects are still stuck in the pilot phase.
By 2025, that will change. We’ll see full-scale implementation of IoT solutions for traffic management, utilities, waste management, and public safety.
I often tell people that a smart city isn’t about fancy gadgets; it’s about using technology to make cities more efficient and liveable. IoT will be at the heart of this transformation.
7. IoT Security as a Priority
Let me share a concern that keeps me up at night: IoT security.
As IoT devices become more widespread, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In 2025, IoT security will take centre stage.
Companies will invest heavily in secure-by-design devices, and blockchain technology may play a role in enhancing protection.
We can’t afford to ignore this. If we want IoT to succeed, security must be a priority.
8. Democratisation of IoT
Here’s an exciting trend: IoT is becoming more accessible.
Low-code and no-code platforms make it easier for small businesses and startups to develop IoT solutions without extensive technical expertise. B
y 2025, I see this trend accelerating, democratising IoT and enabling innovation from unexpected places.
9. IoT for Disaster Management
Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and severe.
IoT can be a powerful tool for disaster management.
Imagine early warning systems that use IoT sensors to monitor weather conditions in real-time.
In 2025, IoT will play a critical role in disaster preparedness and response especially in cases of flood.
10. Growth of IoT Ecosystems in Emerging Markets
One of the things I’m most excited about is the growth of IoT in emerging markets like Southeast Asia.
By 2025, countries like Malaysia will see a surge in IoT adoption driven by government support and affordable devices.
This will create opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
11. Advanced IoT Analytics
IoT isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about making sense of it.
By 2025, advanced analytics will become a standard part of IoT solutions.
Businesses will use descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to extract actionable insights, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
12. National IoT Technology Roadmaps
In Malaysia, we’ve already launched several technology roadmaps focusing on IoT, AI, and blockchain.
By 2025, these roadmaps will guide the development of IoT ecosystems, creating opportunities for local talent and businesses.
13. IoT in Energy and Utilities
Energy efficiency will be a significant focus in 2025.
IoT-enabled smart meters and predictive maintenance systems will help optimise energy usage and reduce waste.
This is not just good for the environment but also for businesses and consumers.
14. Personalised Consumer Experiences
IoT is also transforming retail and marketing.
By 2025, IoT will enable hyper-personalised consumer experiences, using real-time data to predict and meet individual needs.
15. IoT in Education
Lastly, I see IoT transforming education.
Smart classrooms equipped with IoT devices will provide real-time feedback on student engagement and learning outcomes.
This will help educators tailor their approaches to meet the needs of individual students.
Conclusion
These are my predictions for IoT in 2025.
Some may seem ambitious, but I firmly believe we’re heading in this direction.
IoT has the potential to transform industries, improve lives, and create a more sustainable world.
The question is: Are we ready to embrace it?
As someone deeply passionate about IoT, I’m committed to helping make this vision a reality.
Let’s shape the future together.
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 