The Internet of Things (IoT) in transport is a rapidly expanding business, especially in the cellular space.AlliedMarketResearch reports that the global IoT transport market is valued at $83.25 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $495.57 billion by 2030.
Furthermore, BergInsights estimates that by 2022, 157 million cellular IoT-specific modules for OEM vehicles will be sold, while 96 million will be sold for transport and logistics alone.
The transport sector deploys cellular IoT devices through embedded sensors and actuators. These devices collect and transmit data about real-world activities, changing the way the transport sector operates.
Currently, the most common use cases for cellular IoT include traffic monitoring systems, fleet telematics, and micro-mobility schemes (e.g., bicycles and scooters).
In this article, we will explore how some of these use cases are utilising cellular IoT to revolutionise the industry.
Public Transport
Cellular IoT in public transport management has been widely used in major cities such as Seoul, Singapore, Copenhagen and London. These applications extend to real-time vehicle tracking, integrated ticketing and automated fare collection, passenger information systems and passenger information display systems. IoT applications in these cases help alleviate problems such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution and delays in public transport. It also keeps passengers awake.
Micro-mobility
Another recent but important use case for smart technologies in transport is the rise of micro-mobility transport options. These technologies extend to carpooling, bikes and electric scooters, streamlining transport through shorter routes, less idling and more fuel-efficient travel.
Together, these features reduce the carbon footprint generated by transport. After all, smart mobility vehicles typically use cleaner energy. Smart mobility also reduces congestion on city streets, creating safer and quieter cityscapes.
Supply Chain & Logistics
Companies in the supply chain and logistics industry often use vehicle tracking systems to effectively manage their inventory and fleet. They can help optimise routing and trip scheduling, vehicle loads and fuel consumption. In addition, IoT can monitor driver safety by transmitting information about behaviour, such as idling time and driving style (e.g. speeding, braking). Real-time data can be quickly adjusted for unpredictable events such as accidents, roadworks and emergencies to help re-route and make journeys more efficient.
Traffic Management
A fast-growing use case in mobility and transport is the adoption of IoT in road and traffic management. Within cities, sensors can be embedded in roads, car parks and traffic stops to transmit vehicle-related data to traffic management centres. This will greatly improve traffic flow and safety for all users.
Connected Cars
Most new cars today are equipped with some form of IoT to monitor various applications. From brake and engine health to controlling tyre pressure and exhaust gas composition. IoT-enabled cars can proactively respond to maintenance issues, prevent traffic delays and avoid road accidents.
After all, road accidents almost always occur due to human error or mechanical failure, and the NHTSA reports that traffic accidents cost the economy up to $299.5 billion annually. That’s a staggering number that could easily be reduced or eliminated.
To Summarise
The benefits of utilising cellular IoT technology are wide and varied. However, there are also potential downsides.
IoT devices are targets for malicious actors, increasing the vulnerability of networks. Therefore, security needs to be at the centre of any decision or IoT solution – from design to deployment and beyond.
That’s why it’s important to work with a provider who can offer a secure, end-to-end, seamless solution that can help you at every step of your IoT fleet development.