A Guide to IoT Applications
As advanced manufacturing continues to evolve, the uses for IoT and advanced manufacturing grow with it. In this guide, we’ll explain the main applications of IoT providing you with valuable insights on its benefits.
What are iot applications?
Put simply, IoT applications are programs that run on IoT devices. These applications can be engineered for the needs of practically every industry and vertical. IoT applications often benefit from other areas of advanced manufacturing like artificial intelligence and machine learning to increase the performance of devices and equipment
What are some examples of iot applications?
Most of the general public’s experience with IoT applications will be through exposure to smart technology such as devices that control lighting, heating and other home appliances. However, IoT can be used in almost every advanced manufacturing scenario including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive and much more.
IoT for the Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry benefits from improved patient outcomes, reduced costs and an enhanced overall quality of care when harnessing IoT applications. They are mainly used for medical devices like wearables or other sensors to collect and analyze patient data.
Additive manufacturing plays a crucial role in tissue engineering, allowing real-time quality control in the production and development of bio-tubes and hydrogels. IoT-enabled healthcare wearables have also transformed how healthcare is delivered and enabled patients to manage their health outside of traditional healthcare settings. But it doesn’t stop there, additive manufacturing combined with IoT also allows the ability to potentially produce and monitor programmable human organs.
Read more about how additive manufacturing is used in the healthcare industry.
IoT for the Automotive Industry
Automated 3D printing technology enhanced by the Internet of Things enables on-demand manufacturing of medium to large-sized vehicle parts, reducing supply chain complexities and meeting consumer requirements efficiently.
Prototyping and design iterations are critical stages in automotive development. Traditional manufacturing processes often result in time-consuming and costly iterations. However, with the integration of IoT and additive manufacturing, these challenges can be easily overcome. IoT devices can collect data from vehicles in real-world conditions, enabling engineers to identify design flaws and areas for improvement. Another benefit that additive manufacturing allows for is the rapid production of prototype parts, facilitating faster prototyping and reducing time-to-market.
Read more about how additive manufacturing is used in the automotive industry.
IoT for the Construction Industry
Advanced AM processes can revolutionize traditional construction methods, offering faster production, reduced waste, and improved worker safety. The possibilities extend to personalized building construction and mass 3D printing of materials like concrete.
The combination of IoT and additive manufacturing enables on-demand construction, transforming the industry’s traditional “make-to-stock” approach into a “make-to-order” model. By utilizing IoT sensors to monitor construction site conditions and progress, builders can optimize material usage and minimize waste. Additive manufacturing enables the production of building components on-site or near-site, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions associated with conventional supply chains. This closed loop approach promotes sustainable practices, including the use of recycled materials and the adoption of energy-efficient building designs.
Read more about how additive manufacturing is used in the construction industry.
IoT for Industrial Automation
The advent of smart factories has had an enormous impact on the efficiency of industrial production. This is being adopted in the additive manufacturing industry to create a smarter and more connected industry.
Some of the main benefits of IoT in industrial automation is the ability to collect and analyze large amounts of data from various different sources including:
- Connected devices
- Sensors
- Industrial machines
Access to this data can help to inform overall processes and predict when maintenance is due. For example, IoT sensors can be placed strategically to monitor and measure various aspects of the production process like temperature, size and vibration allowing manufacturers to resolve issues before they become critical.
What are the benefits of using IoT applications in your industry?
Industries taking advantage of IoT and additive manufacturing are driving sustainable manufacturing practices. This is because the technology allows businesses to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and promote on-demand manufacturing. IoT-enabled additive manufacturing can help businesses achieve a more sustainable future.
Improved Creativity in Prototyping
Human-machine interfaces are a core element of Industry 4.0 and through this, IoT can be used to digitally model prototypes in a way that enhances the creative capabilities of designers. Through intelligent integration, IoT empowers manufacturing operations with internet-based technology, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.
Enhanced Data Gathering Through the Internet of Behavior
There’s no denying that IoT has transformed the way data is collected and utilized in various industries, including manufacturing. The emergence of the Internet of Behavior (IoB) has further expanded these possibilities. Organizations can leverage smart technologies to analyze behavioral data, providing valuable insights that drive informed decision-making and optimize operations.
Future-Proofing Your Business Through the Internet of Things (IoT)
Organizations that adopt IoT will become more resilient to social and economic changes as utilizing IoT will help them to remain flexible and implement changes quickly, picking up any changes in consumer behavior intuitively. Businesses that are not able to adapt will be left behind.
Sustainable Manufacturing Made Possible
By adopting IoT in additive manufacturing businesses are able to reduce their material consumption and ultimately increase efficiency. This technology enables large scale production of sustainable structures using biodegradable materials that naturally decay over time. By automating AM processes, business will find it easier to gain a competitive edge in the market.
Lessons From the Pandemic
The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital technologies in various industries, especially healthcare. IoT-enabled medical devices have played a critical role in pandemic management, leading to increased investments in this sector. Companies worldwide have recognized the need to implement automation technologies to better prepare for future uncertainties.
How Businesses Can Save Time & Money Through IoT Adoption
The integration of IoT combined with additive manufacturing opens up exciting possibilities across a range of industries.
Internet-based manufacturing businesses are proving to be highly efficient in terms of time and cost. By leveraging disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drone technology, radio frequency identification, and predictive maintenance, manufacturing enterprises can effectively manage risks and streamline operations. Supply chain management, warehouse systems, 3D printing, production, and distribution systems all benefit from these advancements.
As the demand for IoT and additive manufacturing professionals continues to rise, it is essential to recognize the transformative potential of these technologies. By leveraging IoT-enabled AM, businesses can unlock sustainable and efficient manufacturing.
How can Alexander Daniels Global help?
Here at Alexander Daniels Global, we conduct direct sourcing through targeted headhunting to access inactive candidates, alongside our database and extensive network of active candidates. To put it simply, your additive and advanced recruitment needs can be seamlessly handled by our specialist team – putting the right candidates in front of you when you need them most.
Alternatively, if you’re working in the additive or advanced manufacturing industry, browse our career portal to apply for our varied open job vacancies.
For more information about how we can help, contact our team of expert recruiters today. We also have a wealth of HR resources, such as our annual salary survey, to help you stay on top of hiring trends.
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