10 Best Real-World IoT Applications in 2024

The IoT is no longer science fiction. It’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, silently transforming how we live, work, and interact with the world around us. From our homes to our cities, IoT applications are making things smarter, more efficient, and even a little bit magical. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the top 10 real-world IoT applications that are shaping 2024. We’ll explore how these applications are solving problems, creating new opportunities, and redefining what’s possible. So, are you ready? Let’s get started!

What is IoT (Internet of Things)?

Let’s start with the basics: What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? You might find many explanations out there, but it often comes down to who’s writing about it. In simple terms, the IoT connects devices like smartphones, cars, and kitchen appliances to the internet so they can share data automatically, without us having to do anything.

These IoT devices collect information and send it to a main location where it’s analyzed and used to simplify various tasks. This technology is beneficial not just for businesses, but also for governments, organizations, and everyday people like you and me.

Some examples of IoT devices are your smartphone, your laptop, Google Home, Apple watches, and Fitbits, among others. Essentially, if a device has sensors and can connect to the internet, it can be part of the IoT. IoT is often talked about alongside Big Data because it produces huge amounts of data that are characteristic of big data. However, it’s important to note that not all big data comes from IoT devices.

What are IoT Applications?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is versatile and plays a significant role in various areas of our daily lives and both private and public industries. It makes it easy to keep tabs on things like missing pets, home security, or when our appliances need servicing.

For every day, IoT can simplify tasks such as booking a table at a restaurant, keeping an eye on fitness and health, and even snagging discounts just by passing by a store. Companies can harness IoT to keep an eye on their supply chains, understand what and how much their customers are buying, get their opinions, manage stock levels efficiently, and carry out timely maintenance on machinery and gadgets.

In the realm of IT service management, known as ITIL, IoT is becoming increasingly crucial. This is vital as IT teams are tasked with more responsibilities in our digital and wireless world. Blockchain technology, known for its secure and efficient way of handling transactions and data, pairs well with IoT. We can look forward to seeing more collaborations between IoT and Blockchain.

So, how do various industries leverage IoT to boost efficiency?

> Related: IoT: Bridging Gaps Between Digital and Physical Worlds

10 IoT Applications in Real Life for 2024

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is everywhere because many different types of businesses, groups, and government agencies use it. It’s popular because it can do so many things, making it hard for anyone to overlook. Let’s explore how IoT is used in various industries below:

#1 IoT Applications: Smart Farming

In agriculture, IoT applications like smart farming are revolutionizing traditional practices. Systems like John Deere’s FarmSight integrate sensors, GPS, and data analytics to optimize various aspects of farming, from sowing to harvesting. This technology enables precision agriculture, where resources like water and fertilizers are used more efficiently, improving yield and sustainability.

#2 IoT Applications: Smart Homes

IoT applications have revolutionized living spaces, turning conventional homes into interconnected, intelligent environments. For instance, the Nest Learning Thermostat, an IoT device, adapts to your schedule and temperature preferences, optimizing home heating and cooling for comfort and energy efficiency. Similarly, smart locks like August Smart Lock allow keyless entry and remote access, enhancing home security and convenience.

#3 IoT Applications in Healthcare

The healthcare sector has seen a surge in IoT applications with wearable devices. The Apple Watch Series 6 exemplifies this, featuring sensors that monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even conduct ECGs. These devices not only empower individuals with real-time health insights but also enable remote patient monitoring, allowing healthcare providers to offer timely interventions.

#4 IoT Applications: Industrial Automation

IoT applications in industry have led to the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0. Siemens, a leading industrial manufacturing company, leverages IoT in its digital factories to automate production processes, predict maintenance needs through machine learning, and drastically reduce downtime, thereby enhancing productivity and safety.

#5 IoT Applications: Connected Car Technology

IoT applications have also penetrated the automotive industry, leading to the advent of connected cars. Tesla’s Autopilot system is a prime example, using IoT and AI to provide advanced driver-assistance features such as lane centering and traffic-aware cruise control, paving the way for fully autonomous driving in the future.

#6 IoT Applications: Retail Experience

IoT technology brings a wealth of benefits to the retail sector. It enables the use of real-time sales data from both online and physical stores to manage warehouse operations and robotics, thanks to insights from IoT sensors. This often involves the use of RFIDs, which are widely utilized across the globe.

The success of mall stores can be unpredictable, with fluctuations in foot traffic and the rise of online shopping reducing the need for physical stores. However, IoT offers a solution by providing detailed analyses of mall foot traffic, allowing mall-based retailers to adapt in ways that improve the shopping experience and cut costs.

When it comes to engaging customers, IoT technology offers retailers a way to personalize promotions based on a customer’s previous purchases. With IoT data, retailers can create targeted offers for their loyal customers, avoiding the expenses associated with broad marketing campaigns that may not be as effective. These tailored promotions can often be sent directly to customers’ smartphones, particularly through a store’s dedicated app.

> Related: Don’t Let Your Data Drown: How an IoT Platform Can Save the Day

#7 IoT Applications: Smart Cities

The concept of smart cities is becoming a reality through IoT applications. Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative utilizes IoT sensors and data analytics across various domains, from traffic management to waste management, to enhance urban living, reduce environmental impact, and improve government services.

#8 IoT Applications: Supply Chain Management

In logistics, IoT applications are streamlining supply chain operations. DHL’s use of IoT in its Smart Warehouses employs sensors and RFID tags to track goods in real-time, optimize routes, and predict inventory needs, significantly improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

#9 IoT Applications in Insurance

The insurance industry also stands to gain from the IoT wave. Insurers could provide discounts to customers who use IoT health devices like Fitbit. Through fitness monitoring, these companies can tailor policies more closely to individual needs and promote healthier lifestyles, creating a win-win situation for both the insurer and the policyholder.

#10 IoT Applications in Transportation

Nowadays, many people are familiar with the advancements in autonomous vehicles. However, this is just a glimpse of the broader potential within the transportation industry. Consider GPS technology, which is essentially a form of IoT, being leveraged by logistics companies to optimize routes for freight trucks, resulting in faster deliveries.

Significant strides have also been made in navigation technology, primarily through the GPS systems in our phones and vehicles. Urban planners are tapping into this wealth of data to analyze traffic flows, assess the need for parking, and plan road infrastructure projects.

Moreover, there’s an emerging possibility of developing applications that could prevent a vehicle from starting if it detects that the driver is under the influence, enhancing road safety.

> Related: What is An IoT Device? Top 5 Best IoT Devices for 2024

Conclusion

As you can see, IoT applications are rapidly transforming our world. From optimizing resource usage to improving our health and safety, these connected devices are creating a future that’s both smarter and more sustainable. Whether you’re looking to streamline your business operations or simply live a more informed life, IoT applications can help. The possibilities are truly endless.  

If you’re looking to harness the power of IoT applications for yourself, look no further than AMELA Technology. We offer a wide range of IoT solutions designed to meet your specific needs. With AMELA’s cutting-edge technology and expert support, you can unlock the full potential of IoT and create a brighter, more connected future.

Contact us through the following information:

• Hotline: (+84)904026070 
• Email: hello@amela.tech 
• Address: 5th Floor, Tower A, Keangnam Building, Urban Area new E6 Cau Giay, Pham Hung, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi

Editor: AMELA Technology