BluSpecs at the IoT Expo Europe

TechEx returned to Amsterdam this September with six technology-specific events under one roof: IoT, Cybersecurity & Cloud, Edge Computing, Blockchain, Digital Transformation and AI & Big Data. The #IoTTechExpo covered the essential topics in the world of technology and showcased Europe’s advancements and use-cases across various sectors, from healthcare to logistics and manufacturing. The IoT tracks gathered insights into applied and transformational IoT, security and edge technologies, focusing on current and future tech trends.?

Europe’s leading event on the topic of the Internet of Things, the IoT Expo Europe brought over 5 thousand visitors, 200 speakers and 150 exhibitors to showcase and discuss the newest developments across the tech spectrum. Visitors got to network with tech giants like Amazon and new startups that offer revolutionary solutions in Digital Twins, Smart Farming or Green Data and IoT solutions.

Our CEO, Tanya Suarez Ph.D. , chaired the Transformational IoT track, supported by, me, Analyst Zuzana Ku?íková . We shared insights into the #EdgeCloudIoT continuum to start the debate on what industry needs to accelerate the deployment of the Cloud-to-Edge-IoT (CEI) technologies by focusing on the demand-side drivers and value chain challenges.?

A recurring theme across the event was the importance of the convergence between OT and IT, offering solutions that close the gap between these two business units and challenges that come with the need for change. With the developments of 5G and IoT, especially IIoT, Laurent Bouchoucha 's presentation ?showed how essential Bridging the Gap for a Successful Digital Transformation is in the journey and the path towards developing new technologies.

One of the main concerns of new technological developments is security and privacy. We hear about data leaks, cyber-attacks, and security threats almost daily, and the current geopolitical situation has further increased both the attacks and concerns. The presentation by Natali Tshuva on?Outsmarting IoT defence: The Hacker’s Perspective?was not only one of the most popular talks of the event but also an interesting angle at how attacks happen and what we can do to mitigate the risks. The diversity of devices, 3rd party dependency and limited resources make IoT devices the most vulnerable entry points for a hacker, with firmware as a single point of failure. Therefore, we need to focus on the future of IoT device security- developing proactive solutions rather than lengthy patching, which is currently used.?

5G still needs to be fully developed and deployed; yet, we are already discussing 6G, which will build on top of 5G and provide even more security and privacy. We might not often realise?the Role of Space in 5G/6G Connectivity?and how space is an enabler of both 5G and 6G. As Xavi Lobao explained, space tech can extend reach and offer coverage to even the most secluded areas, supply the volume of information needed for 5G apps or improve the reliability and privacy of networks. More importantly, extending 5G network coverage can speed up the development of technology dependent on low latency, higher capacity, and speed, integrating Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 technologies into?smart cities, manufacturing, agriculture?and many more.??

As the IoT Expo demonstrated, we are still amid a technological revolution, and European researchers, innovators and businesses must be proactive and not reactive. The #UnlockCEI project which we are currently on is systematically assessing current and future challenges and preparing the ecosystem to adapt to the speed of technological change and the paradigm change that new technologies can bring. We aim to establish a proactive dialogue with the demand-side stakeholders and to foster the deployment of the Cloud-to-Edge-IoT continuum. Join the value chain adopter group and provide your expertise that will shape the future of the European the Cloud-Edge-IoT landscape.

The Europe edition of the IoT Expo brought together experts and industry leaders, connected different perspectives, and created heated debates on technology trends. The Global edition of the IoT Tech Expo will bring further advancements and present new, ever-changing tech trends this Thursday and Friday in London.

Written by: Zuzana Ku?íková, Analyst in Tech, Policy and Skills BluSpecs