Posted on 22st March, 2018 by Leo Lambert
In recent years, the development and adaptation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way consumers interact with electronic devices. From smartphones equipped with facial recognition, to smart speakers that respond to your voice, the connectivity of devices has become increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives.
Just how popular is IoT? According to Statista’s projections, the global IoT market nearly doubled its value between 2014 and 2017 having increased in worth from $601 billion to $1.12 trillion. With no signs of slowing, the segment is estimated to continue its near-exponential growth to surpass $1.7 trillion in 2019. Statista also approximated the global number of connected, IoT devices in 2017 is 20.35 billion and predicts that number to increase to 30.73 billion by 2020. With two of the larger segments driving IoT development being the connected home and automated vehicles, OEMs will be essential in getting these products to market to keep pace with industry growth.
Smart Homes
Aside from smartphones, the demand and implementation of smart appliances has grown tremendously. With an increase in tech-savvy consumers and desire to reduce the labor time of household chores, the number of connected home appliances is estimated to be 420 million units by 2020: staggering growth when you consider that only one million were on the market in 2014. North America and Asian Pacific nations are projected to be the primary manufacturers of these appliances, producing 888,000 and 1.9 million units respectively, in the coming years.
Automated Vehicles
While the automobile was novel in the early 1900’s, consumers today are becoming increasingly familiar with vehicles that can drive and park themselves. The automated vehicle will utilize IoT to deliver seamless connectivity for other vehicles on the road and its occupants inside. Forbes predicts that, by 2020, there will be 250 million smart cars on the road, 10 million of which will be self-driving.
What This Means for OEMs
For OEMs and companies offering EMS, the growing demand for IoT based products translates into more opportunities to deliver in their manufacturing and design. Because nearly every device and appliance that utilizes IoT contains a printed circuit board, start-up companies will likely look to outsource their PCB design to companies capable of incorporating the necessary functionality into their product.
Because IoT based products are becoming increasingly complex, it will be important for manufacturers to watch for changes in regulation as they may affect the design process. Given the growth of this segment and demand placed on OEMs, manufacturers should ensure that their employees and designers are IPC certified to demonstrate their commitment to following industry standards to current and future customers. Contact the knowledgeable professionals at EPTAC to enroll in various IPC certification courses near you to capture a share of the growing IoT development and PCB design and manufacturing.
About EPTAC
For over 30 years, EPTAC has been a leading provider of solder training and IPC certification. We provide professionals with the tools and training they need to advance their careers and improve their businesses. With 14 locations across North America, our solutions and instructional staff provide an easy access to knowledge that will enhance your business model and help you meet and exceed industry demands. For more information call 800.643.7822 or contact us.
