Internet of Things

The marketing, ecommerce and retail industries have seen major changes in the past few years. New consumer behavior and new market conditions have all forced these industries to adapt fast and look for new opportunities.

Now, it’s likely that some major tech advances are going to have a serious impact on these industries.

These are five of the most important upcoming tech advances for marketing and B2C businesses — and how these businesses can take advantage of a changing tech landscape.

As years pass, technology becomes more advanced and more industries can benefit from using these technologies. Some examples include artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which have caused significant shifts in the way companies operate. 

One technology becoming more prevalent in tech and manufacturing is the Internet of Things (IoT). It’s a popular topic of discussion, and as 2022 is just around the corner, it’s interesting to see what types of predictions are being made regarding the IoT’s impact.

Innovations in the automation industry, driven by new technology like AI, are transforming how businesses manage repetitive tasks.

Right now, automation can refer to a wide range of technologies — from complex machines like robot arms to relatively simple computer software that automates work like data entry and processing. 

These key trends show how the automation industry is evolving right now, and where the industry is likely to go in the near future.

We are currently in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which includes the data and technology used to link people and machines globally. 4IR includes everything from artificial intelligence (AI) to 5G to smart infrastructure.

In a study by the Center for Sustainable Development, Southern Santa Caterina, Brazil, scientists took an in-depth look at how COVID-19 ushered in the 4IR faster than expected. With more people forced to work from home, businesses had to embrace technologies they'd not yet considered. Advances in healthcare saw some of the biggest changes, including telemedicine. 

Almost no one would argue against the idea that Amazon has been the face of innovation in the supply chain and warehouse management field. From the ecommerce giant’s use of an automated robot army, like Kiva smart shelves and order-packing machines, to its intelligent and voice-enabled picking system, efficiency is the name of the game. Unfortunately, it gives the impression that many competitors, especially small-time operations, cannot hope to compete in the space.

Of all the major tech innovations to reshape the world over the past few decades, one of the biggest has been the rise of internet of things (IoT) devices. 

As the number of IoT devices has grown — and both consumers and businesses have adopted the tech — mobile technology has had to evolve fast to keep up.

These are the most significant changes that mobile technology designers have made to meet the needs of IoT technology in the consumer and business worlds — and how all mobile device users are likely to benefit.

Printed circuit boards (or PCBs) are among some of the most important types of electronic components. Circuit boards act as the foundation for most modern electronics, connecting and supporting all the different components of a device.

Internet of things (IoT) devices require PCBs to work. The unique features and designs of IoT devices, however, can sometimes require new PCBs that can meet the unusual needs of IoT tech.

As demand for consumer electronics grows, driven by new markets like the IoT market, these board innovations may become even more important.

Unique Design Requirements for IoT Devices

IoT devices have a few unique needs that may require unique PCBs as a result.

The fourth industrial revolution is all about automation and the internet of things (IoT). Industry 4.0 drives innovation and introduces new ways for people to be more productive. It changes the scope of everything from the types of jobs available to how humans perform those tasks. 

The World Economic Forum found connectivity has reached a global scale. There are approximately 8.5 billion devices connected to the IOT. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for automation and remote work, advancing the IOT faster than expected.