IoT insights: A “digital twin” of our world

Every day, new and exciting IoT use cases are emerging that will streamline businesses and improve the lives of billions of people around the globe. Indeed, as of 2024, almost 5,000 new IoT devices are connected to the internet every single minute.¹ However, such rapid expansion comes at a cost. As the volume and variety of IoT applications continue to grow, so too does the complexity of managing and scaling their deployment. For organizations whose expertise often lies in other areas, this can frequently be an obstacle to realizing the true potential of the IoT.

We sat down with Philipp Schulte, CEO of Mobile Security at G+D, to discuss how businesses and organizations can overcome these challenges. With his many years of expertise in digital security and IoT, he offers valuable insights on, among other topics, the following: solving the interoperability issue, the vital role of the eSIM, the importance of a reliable connectivity partner, and the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.

Philipp, what makes the IoT such an exciting space to be involved in right now?

For me, the most exciting thing about IoT is how it enables us to create a digital representation of the real world. We often discuss the concept of a “digital twin,” which traditionally refers to a digital replica of a physical object. With IoT, however, this concept is expanded exponentially – it’s a digital twin of our entire world. This fascinates me and opens up incredible possibilities for the future.

Also, the pace of innovation in the industry makes it a really exciting time for us at G+D, because we are playing an active role in this space and going through our own transformation in terms of our product portfolio and market approach.

Another topic that has dominated across all industries in the last 18 months is artificial intelligence. What role can AI play in the IoT?

It’s a super interesting topic, indeed. On one hand, we need to consider how AI can enhance what we’re doing with IoT. On the other, we can look at how IoT can empower AI. The most crucial aspect for me is data reliability. AI relies heavily on accurate data for learning, making decisions, or offering recommendations. If the data fed into an AI model is incorrect, the outcomes can be ineffective, or worse, dangerous.

Especially in IoT, it’s essential that the data being fed into AI models is accurate and validated, and hasn’t been tampered with. Our secure network and connectivity solutions play a vital role in this, ensuring the integrity of the data used by AI. And this will become increasingly important as the number of IoT devices grows. On the flip side, we are still in the early stages of exploring what AI can do for IoT. I think AI could really help in terms of optimizing how IoT devices are deployed – determining the right number of devices needed at each location, for instance.

What are the main challenges facing the IoT industry in 2024?

It depends on the stakeholder and the use case, but in general, interoperability remains a significant hurdle across the board –especially as more and more devices are deployed into the field. While designing individual IoT devices may not be overly complex, the real challenge is ensuring that these devices can effectively communicate and operate with other devices and systems that they were not necessarily designed to interact with. It’s not just about enabling connectivity – it’s also about ensuring that data transmitted between devices is accurate, secure, and properly integrated. It’s about finding common ground on many different levels to facilitate seamless interaction across a diverse technological ecosystem.

How can the industry find that common ground?

At G+D, we are convinced that eSIM can play a crucial role in achieving that by simplifying the initial provisioning and the ongoing management of IoT devices. Remote SIM provisioning allows devices to connect to the network as soon as they are switched on, without needing physical activation. This capability not only boosts operational efficiency but also supports remote management, which is essential for maintaining the functionality and security of IoT devices throughout their life cycle.

Another benefit of the eSIM is that it enables global connectivity without pre-determining the device’s final destination, which streamlines manufacturing and reduces costs. For example, consider a factory that produces thousands of IoT devices daily. With eSIMs, there is no need to sort and pack each batch for specific countries like France, Japan, or Brazil. Instead, manufacturers can produce a single SKU (stock keeping unit) of a device, greatly simplifying the production process. Devices can then be remotely programmed to operate anywhere in the world, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in deployment.

And then there are the sustainability benefits. The eSIM is the greenest SIM option available because it eliminates the need for using physical SIM cards, thus reducing plastic usage and power consumption. When you consider the billions of eSIM cards that have already been deployed globally, it amounts to a significant impact on a large scale.

So, eSIM is an enabler for IoT?

The eSIM is just one component in what we call the “connectivity stack.” The stack is structured into multiple layers that work together to support IoT deployment and management. After eSIM comes the IoT connectivity layer, then the security and authentication, and finally the fourth layer is connectivity management. When all those puzzle pieces come together, devices can securely transmit data across various networks, from anywhere in the world, through a single interface.

Can you share an example of how can that translate to real-world benefits?

Imagine a logistics provider that, as a result of implementing the connectivity stack, has the capability to track all its moving goods with super high precision. They would be able to make more accurate predictions for when items will arrive, as well as identify and address – in real time – any disruptions along the route, such as a blocked highway or a stalled train, without relying on somebody manually reporting a problem.

Another, often overlooked, benefit is the potential reduction in capital investments. Many logistics providers maintain a surplus of moving goods or containers because they lack precise, real-time tracking information. At airports, for example, we’ve seen scenarios where there’s an excess capacity of perhaps 25%–30% in container storage simply because tracking inaccuracies make it difficult to pinpoint exactly where everything is. By enhancing tracking precision, they can not only improve efficiency and reduce cost, but also contribute to sustainability by reducing the material and energy used for producing and maintaining surplus equipment.

The logistics industry will no doubt also benefit from advances in satellite technology made in the last 12 months. How significant will this be for the IoT industry looking forward?

Satellite technology is incredibly important for the whole IoT industry, but especially for applications that need to operate in remote locations where traditional cellular networks can’t reach. While the existing network infrastructure covers most areas where people live, it’s not enough for places like the middle of the ocean or on top of mountains. Satellite connectivity will help fill these coverage gaps.

However, it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement but rather an addition, enhancing coverage where cellular networks fall short. The idea is to use both technologies seamlessly – satellite steps in when cellular connectivity is unavailable. This hybrid approach will ensure that IoT devices maintain connection without any user intervention or noticeable transition, truly globalizing the reach of IoT solutions.

Can you elaborate on G+D’s role in IoT?

G+D has consistently been at the forefront of IoT innovation. Through our extensive product portfolio and collaboration with our customers and industry stakeholders. We are also active in various standards bodies, helping to define the standards needed to ensure interoperability between different devices and systems, and we have invested heavily in R&D and subsequent deployment of solutions to see how they meet the real needs of the market.

Currently, we are in process of shifting toward more software-defined solutions, building on our work in the connectivity space over the last 30 years. Even in the last five years, our footprint has changed drastically. This is a new and exciting field, which is challenging, but also very invigorating!

Finally, what advice would you give to customers looking to scale their IoT deployments?

The first step is to stick to established standards. Understanding and implementing these standards can save you a lot of headaches down the line when you start to scale. Equally important is choosing reliable partners within the IoT ecosystem. It is a dynamic and somewhat fragmented space, with many new players emerging all the time. This isn’t a bad thing, but it could pose risks. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where the technology you’ve deployed is unsupported because the provider has exited the market. So, invest in partners with proven technologies that have stood the test of time. Finally, don’t forget to conduct thorough testing of all environmental aspects of your IoT solutions before deployment.