IoT Predictions for 2019: Less Hype, More Pragmatism

can theoretically help many cities take advantage of underutilized bike lanes. Challenges remain. Rental scooters, for instance, break down at an alarming rate, inspiring research into more durable alternatives. But despite their flaws, deploying an orderly fleet of rental scooters seems like an easier feat for many cities than deploying a new — or overhauling existing — public transportation network. Their relative ease of deployment and convenience they offer riders are helping to fuel investment in the technology. In the middle of 2018, the industry suddenly was valued in the billions of dollars. Expect interest in the technology – along with more regulation of it — to continue into 2019.

The Concept of Personalized Deliveries Will Gradually Gain in Popularity  

The explosion in popularity in e-commerce has led many consumers to buy everything from groceries to electronics online. But the surge in popularity has also led to an uptick in so-called “porch piracy,” in which thieves make off with products sent to home addresses. When dealing with high-value goods, logistic companies seek to avoid such theft by requiring a customer to physically be present to sign for a package. In the event of three failed delivery attempts, however, the customer must find time to go to a local warehouse to pick up the package in question.

A potential IoT-enabled strategy to deal with the hassle is for delivery companies to offer personalized delivery. “With new capabilities, the package can be delivered when the homeowner is there (without the person having to specify when they will be there) or could be delivered to the person where they are,” said Charlene Marini, vice president of strategy, IoT Services Group at Arm. This functionality could save considerable hassle for busy professionals who have ordered valuable goods online.

A variety of companies, including Amazon, have already launched IoT-based solutions to the problem. The Amazon Key Smart Lock Kit offers consumers the ability to have packages delivered within their house. The service lets consumers remotely view the Amazon delivery worker unlock their front door and place the package inside.