In today’s hyperconnected world, the Internet of Things (IoT) is undeniably one of the biggest innovations in recent years. From the fitness trackers we wear to the fleet-management solutions that keep us informed about our delivery packages to the sensors that promote increased energy efficiency, the IoT is transforming not just the way people live but also how businesses and governments conduct their operations. And, its potential is evident, with McKinsey estimating IoT could unlock up to $12.6 trillion in global economic value by 2030.
However, to truly realise IoT’s potential, connectivity is the key. Given the need for trusted, reliable, and secure mobile connectivity across platforms, modern cellular technologies are increasingly being leveraged to connect IoT devices. This is where eSIM has emerged as a game-changer, cutting through complexity and promoting simplified global connectivity and advanced security. With the eSIM technology at the forefront of the IoT revolution, Statista predicts 82% of smartphones, 92% of connected cars, and all drones and smartwatches are expected to be embedded SIM (eSIM) capable by 2030.
The limitless potential of eSIM
eSIM has emerged as a technology that allows reprogramming of SIMs that can be embedded in devices. As a result, consumers can choose any service provider without the need for a physical SIM. According to the GSMA Intelligence report, eSIM-enabled solutions will grow across most industries during 2024–25. The report further suggests that eSIM will account for 37% of the total number of cellular IoT connections by 2030, followed by the integrated SIM (iSIM) at 34% and the traditional removable SIM at 29%.
In terms of M2M (machine-to-machine) devices, reliable connectivity has always been a crucial aspect. M2M eSIM is intended for IoT sensors, metres, trackers, and devices that frequently run with minimal onsite human intervention and are resource-constrained at times. By using a remote command from the subscription management platform, the profile is “pushed” to the device. This allows for mass profile management in IoT setups with many geographically distributed endpoints. These extensive abilities of eSIM yield several advantages.
eSIM and its key benefits
eSIM plays a critical role in moving from IoT to IDoT by providing unique identities (the identity of things), enhancing security, supporting interoperability, and simplifying the management of devices
- Unique Identity: The eSIM gives each device its unique identity, which is crucial in an IDoT environment. This allows for easier management and tracking of individual devices in a network.
- Enhanced Security: eSIMs enhance the security of IoT devices by providing secure credentials that can be updated remotely. This makes it harder for unauthorized users to gain access to the device or the network.
- Interoperability: eSIMs support interoperability, meaning they can work with different service providers. This is important for IDoT as devices from different manufacturers and service providers need to work together seamlessly.
- Scalability: eSIMs make it easier to add or remove devices from a network, making them ideal for large-scale IDoT environments.
- Efficient Management: eSIMs simplify the management of IoT devices, reducing the complexity associated with physical SIM cards, which is particularly beneficial in an IDoT context.
- Remote Provisioning: eSIMs can be remotely provisioned, meaning they can be programmed to connect to a network without the need for physical access. This is particularly important for IDoT where devices may be spread across different locations.
One of the major benefits of eSIM is that it allows for multiple connections per device. eSIM allows flexible connectivity, which is secure and independent of any service provider. It further enables a hassle-free switch between the networks while providing the provision of saving space, allowing for sleeker device designs.
Integration of eSIM and IoT connectivity
IoT connectivity makes it possible for machines to communicate with each other, which facilitates more collaboration between humans and machines too. But it produces an enormous amount of data, which makes it difficult to work on with merely IoT. At the heart of IoT, it is all about sensors that are implemented and provide data streams via connectivity, where eSIM will play a larger role in IoT cellular connectivity. The eSIM can authenticate the device when it is turned on; therefore, there is no need to provision initial credentials if an IoT project employs the eSIM as an authentication token. If the eSIM provider includes unique authentication in the service, then the device can be uniquely authenticated even without an authentication backend. In a bid to enhance the full potential of eSIM with IoT, its further amalgamation with artificial intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role.
Future of AI & IoT Connectivity
eSIM is the enabler of seamless, secure, and interoperable connectivity to IoT devices. Furthermore, AI & IoT hold significant potential for transforming various industries and our daily lives. Thus, the synergy between eSIM-enabled IoT and AI holds great significance for connectivity. Let’s take a look at some upcoming trends and developments in the AI and IoT space:
Greater Integration: IoT and AI often referred to as AIoT, will gradually be integrated more seamlessly. AI can process the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices and enable more informed decision-making with limited human intervention.
Edge AI: Edge computing, where AI algorithms run on IoT devices or at the network’s edge, will become more prevalent.
Improved Automation & Predictive Maintenance: AI will enable greater automation in IoT systems and predictive maintenance in Industrial segments. Sensors and AI can predict when machines or equipment are likely to fail, helping to prevent costly downtime.
Healthcare Wearables: IoT devices, including wearable health trackers, will be enhanced with AI to provide more accurate health monitoring and early disease detection.
To put things in perspective, it’s evident that the future of eSIM-enabled IoT and AI holds great promise, with better integration, automation, and improved decision-making across various domains. Amid evolving regulations, specifications, and integration of various industries altogether, the synergy between IoT and AI will continue to support consumers and businesses alike. We will further witness the true potential of IoT & AI together.
