The massive benefits seen in Australia from the development of digital technology include increased living standards, shrinking distances through telecommunications, improved efficiency for businesses and government, as well as a larger workforce. The digital era is here to stay and the Internet of Things (IoT) will play a major role in driving future economic growth.
In this article, you will learn about three industries in which IoT disruptions are likely to have a major impact.
1. Agriculture and Farming
IoT is integrating into farming and agriculture in a big way by connecting crop-harvesting machines. This allows farmers to better understand the condition of their crops and yields. Internet of Business reportsthat farmers in the state of Victoria have been promised $15 million to help them deploy robotics, wireless networks, sensors, and analytic solutions to take advantage of the enormous potential of connected technologies. This will help increase crop yields as well as better protect the fruits of their labour.
Cattle farmers can also now use sensors inside a cow’s stomachto transmit data about its health. Farmers get real-time data on the movements, temperature, and pH levels of the animal, as well as the ability to predict a cow’s pregnancy with high accuracy. With farmers investing large amounts of time and money to keep their herds as healthy as possible, IoT technology is making it feasible for farmers to have a much more accurate record of what is happening with their livestock.
2. Transport and Logistics
The efficient transport of both goods and people is a key aspect of the smooth running of any economy. IoT is already changing the industry through the development of intelligent transport systems as well as in-vehicle monitoring systems that can record a wealth of telemetry data, as well as respond to changes in real-time. These systems can broaden operational efficiencies and improve public and road safety. The Centre of Road Safety at Transport for New South Wales has started a new initiative called the Collaborative Intelligent Transport Initiative(CITI), which uses IoT and in-vehicle monitoring to improve road safety for personal and commercial vehicles.
Fatalities caused by truck drivers working overly long hours in Australia is a big problem. Australian laws currently allow truckers to drive 72 hours a week with only 7 hours rest per day. This has led to the number of crashes involving trucks increasing by 86% in NSW during 2017. While CITI is designed to improve road safety by sending drivers messages such as speed limit information, it doesn’t tackle the issue of driving while fatigued.
In the U.S., the government has integrated IoT technology into the trucking industry to prevent truck divers working overly long hours. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate brought in last December requires all commercial trucks to install the automated logging device. Verizon Connect clarifies that an ELD sends out alerts to ensure the drivers don’t exceed their legal hours on the road. Through replacing paper logs with an automatic logging device, drivers can no longer easily circumvent their Hours of Service. If Australia were to implement similar laws, the large percentage of truck and heavy vehicle related accidents could be drastically reduced through the use of IoT technology.
3. Communications
Australia’s size and the high costs associated with business travel have long been a thorn in the side of many businesses. As discussed in an earlier article, internet-based communications services have massively improved in quality over the last few years and are priced lower than ever. Improvements in both video and sound have enabled the use of virtual meetings spaces that eliminate the need for physical meetings and travel. Moreover, with IoT devices everywhere, virtual conferences can be held in the palm of your hand through a cell-phone or laptop.
According to the Australian Communications Alliance, IoT in telecommunications is enabling smarter, more efficient, more sophisticated, and more innovative integrated sectors to prosper across the entire economy. With this is mind, the IoT Alliance of Australiawas set up to provide public education on the IoT revolution. In the next five to ten years, we are likely to see a transformation in the telecommunications industry.
Andy Garson is an online blogger with over fifteen years experience in the automobile industry. His primary focus is exploring how smart cities will transform the industry, as well as keeping up with the latest trends.
Image: Pixabay
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