5 Billion Wireless Sensing Internet of Things Devices by 2019

ON World’s recently published report set provides in-depth analysis on the technology and adoption trends for wireless sensor networking (WSN) and the Internet of Things (IoT) markets including Smart Homes & Buildings, Smart Energy, Smart Lighting, Smart Industries and Smart Health & Fitness.

San Diego, CA, December 19, 2013— Wirelessly connected Internet of Things solutions are changing the way people live and interact with their environment, according to global technology research firm ON World.  Internet of Things solutions are the result of decades of development of low power wireless radios, energy-efficient power sources as well as MEMS and nanosensors.  These developments and the meteoric rise of smart devices and cloud based software and apps are transforming nearly every aspect of our lives.

“The Internet of Things is here,” said Mareca Hatler, ON World’s research director.  “There are thousands of applications today using millions of wireless sensing devices that create life enhancing changes in energy usage, security and safety, health and wellness, smart lighting, building management and optimized industrial processes.”

By 2019, ON World predicts that the majority of wireless sensing and control devices will be Internet connected and cumulative shipments between 2010 and 2019 will reach 5 billion worldwide.  A few of the key markets for wireless Internet of Things innovations include the following:

Smart Homes & Buildings

The availability of cloud-based platforms has slashed costs for home and building automation solutions over the past few years.  Today, millions of residential and commercial buildings are equipped with cloud-connected wireless sensing and control solutions for safety, security, lighting, energy management, comfort and convenience. 

As competition intensifies among Smart Home cloud platform providers and home service providers, new entrants and disruptive technologies are emerging.  Examples include Arrayent and Ayla Networks with low-cost, scalable Internet connectivity platforms as well as an increasing number of startups targeting the rapidly growing Do-It-Yourself market such as Smart Things, Revolv, ConnectSense and Netatmo.  Industry groups are forming to create open standards for Smart Home data exchange such as the UPnP+ Initiative and a consortium by ABB, Bosch, Cisco and LG.

Smart Energy

Over a billion Internet connected smart meters will be installed worldwide within the next decade.  These will increasingly support in-building energy management and demand response solutions as well as integration with distributed energy resources such as solar panels, wind turbines and plug-in electric vehicles. 

Meanwhile, hundreds of Home Area Network systems have emerged targeting consumers, energy companies and home service providers with advanced energy efficiency and awareness solutions.  Some of the latest developments include Comcast’s energy saving service by EcoFactor, Alarm.com’s acquisition of EnergyHub and rebate programs from dozens of utilities to purchase Nest’s popular Learning Thermostat.

Smart Energy milestones and achievements include the completion of ZigBee Smart Energy 2.0, formation of the Bluetooth SIG’s Smart Energy Study Group and the Wi-SUN Alliance’s successful interoperability testing of IEEE 802.15.4g.

Smart Lighting

Driven by the migration to LEDs and demand for energy savings, smart lighting is one of the fastest growing markets for Internet of Things solutions.  By 2020, there will be 100 million Internet connected wireless light bulbs and lamps for residential, commercial and municipal lighting.  With the most growth predicted for wireless enabled LED light bulbs, the residential market will increase by over 45% per annum until this time.  Supported by the world’s largest lighting manufacturers, ZigBee Light Link is poised to take the lion’s share of this rapidly growing market.

Health & Wellness

Mobile sensing solutions is and will be the largest consumer Internet of Things market with health and wellness making up the majority of the applications.  In just the past two years, hundreds of new wearable and carry-able Bluetooth Smart products have emerged that provide seamless integration with smartphones, tablets and mobile apps.  Consumers are responding and adoption has skyrocketed.  Between 2013 and 2017, ON World predicts that 250 million wearable health and fitness sensing devices will be shipped worldwide.  A recent update to the Bluetooth specification (version 4.1) has several enhancements for Bluetooth Smart including the ability for devices to act as both a sensor and a hub with a dedicated channel that can be set up to carry IP traffic.

About ON World:
ON World provides global business intelligence on smart technology markets. Our research reports and information services are sold to Fortune 1000 companies, startups and investors worldwide. http://www.onworld.com

Media contact:
Mary Purvis
e: purvis at onworld.com
ph: 858-259-2397

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