The Future of IoT and Edge Computing: A Collaborative Journey at the IoT Tech Expo

The world of IoT (Internet of Things) and Edge Computing is rapidly evolving, and their integration has never been more crucial to modern industries. After six months of intense planning, the IoT Tech Expo World Series in Amsterdam brought together global industry leaders for two days of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Experts from various sectors discussed the transformative role of IoT in their respective industries, highlighting key innovations, challenges, and the future of these technologies.

Amsterdam: A Historic Choice for IoT Innovation

Amsterdam was the perfect host for this year’s Expo, being the first city to embrace IoT applications as early as 2009. The city’s legacy as a centre for technological advancement and its status as a major European event hub made it an ideal setting for this global gathering of IoT visionaries and pioneers.

Real-World Applications: Schoeller Allibert’s IoT Case Study

A standout presentation came from Frederik Dejans , Global IoT Director at Schoeller Allibert, a global manufacturer of returnable packaging. Dejans highlighted how the company uses IoT to optimise supply chain operations by fitting packaging crates with IoT sensors. These sensors allow real-time tracking of crate location, status (open or closed), and weight, enabling customers to receive alerts about anomalies such as incorrect stock levels or crate placement.

This data is provided in three tiers—operational, tactical, and strategic—which allows for immediate action, long-term trend identification, and the ability to spot weak links in the supply chain. Even in environments with poor connectivity (like ships or planes), these IoT trackers store data locally, syncing once reconnected, ensuring that no information is lost. This case study perfectly illustrated the practical applications of IoT in industrial settings.

Navigating the Future: IoT in Civil Engineering

During the panel session Navigating the Future, Moustafa Imam , Head of IoT at Mageba Group, explained how IoT is revolutionising civil engineering, particularly in earthquake-prone areas. By using IoT sensors to predict natural disasters, Mageba helps companies decide whether to evacuate buildings or continue operations for instance. This level of data-driven decision-making is crucial in civil engineering projects where safety and security are paramount.

Imam also stressed the importance of cybersecurity in IoT applications, pointing out that while industries like nuclear energy prioritise high levels of security, others, like civil buildings, are often slower to adopt robust protections due to cost concerns.

Innovation Through IoT: The Picks and Shovels Analogy

Ivan Turasov from Edge Impulse drew an insightful comparison to the gold rush of the 1800s, where fortunes were made by those who sold the tools—picks and shovels—rather than by those who found gold. He suggested that the same principle applies to IoT, where the real value may lie in the infrastructure — sensors, connectivity solutions, edge computing, and security systems — that enable IoT, rather than in the specific end-use cases themselves. This perspective resonated with many, highlighting the need to focus on key components to drive IoT adoption forward.

Digital Transformation: Lego and Henkel Adhesives' Journey with IoT

Lego is embracing IoT to improve manufacturing efficiency. Jesper Toub?l , VP of Operations – Moulding Production at Lego, shared how the company uses IoT sensors to monitor their machinery in real time. The integration of acoustic and thermal sensors enables condition-based maintenance, extending the lifespan of equipment and optimising resource use. This shift from scheduled maintenance to predictive maintenance is helping Lego increase the efficiency and sustainability of its production processes. Touboel also discussed the cultural transformation within Lego, as the company educates its staff about the significance of digital tools in a traditionally non-digital business.

Similarly, Philipp Mahr , Chief Technology Lead at Henkel Adhesives, highlighted the challenge of extracting useful data from IoT sensors embedded in factory machinery. By using smart materials and engineering expertise, Henkel has developed a way to monitor the quality of adhesive bonding in real time. Like Lego, Henkel is moving towards predictive maintenance, helping to improve production efficiency while reducing operational downtime.

Telecommunications: IoT’s Role in a Hybrid Future

Several leading telecom companies, including Altice Portugal, BT, Orange, and Jersey Telecom, took to the stage to explore IoT’s role in their sector. IoT has become a crucial part of telecoms’ strategic development, with applications ranging from fleet monitoring to smart motorways and e-health.

Telecom operators are building hybrid networks to keep pace with IoT demands, particularly with the rise of 5G, which requires secure and reliable infrastructure. Security and regulatory compliance were emphasised as key priorities, with the need to ensure that the explosion of connected devices is accompanied by equally robust data protection measures.

Volvo: The Importance of Data Quality

One of the key challenges highlighted during the Expo was data quality. Julien Bertolini from Volvo discussed the millions lost annually due to poor data quality and emphasised the importance of ensuring data accuracy throughout IoT deployments. Bertolini also introduced the concept of digital twins—virtual models of physical assets that allow real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These digital twins are becoming increasingly essential for streamlining production processes, anticipating delays, and improving workflow efficiency.

Volvo’s real-time data dashboard, which Bertolini described, allows for minute-by-minute monitoring of production lines, empowering users with the information needed to make immediate decisions. This data-centric approach ensures the standardisation of production data, helping to avoid costly errors and optimise assembly processes across suppliers.

Challenges and Opportunities for IoT

Despite IoT's potential, several challenges remain. Alessandro Malucelli from Whirlpool noted that although factories collect vast amounts of data, only a small percentage is currently being utilised effectively. A lack of systems capable of querying and analysing this data means much of its potential remains untapped.

Aymen Ismail , who spoke about Smart cars, emphasised that while IoT has made cars more sophisticated, there is still a significant gap in meeting user expectations. He pointed out that 90% of users lack trust in the privacy of IoT devices, making data security a critical issue for the future.

The Future of IoT and Edge Computing

As IoT continues to evolve, several key themes emerged from the IoT Tech Expo:

- Latency and Edge Computing: Real-time decision-making depends on reducing latency through edge computing, which enables faster data processing at the device level.

- Cybersecurity: With more devices entering the market, ensuring data security is paramount. Operators must offer secure, reliable networks to maintain trust.

- Big Data: Only a small fraction of data collected is used. Finding ways to make better use of the vast amount of information generated by IoT systems is essential.

- Human-Centric Design: As AI and automation become more prominent, ensuring that IoT systems are designed with human needs in mind is critical for their success.

As industries continue to adopt IoT and edge computing solutions, the technology will play an increasingly important role in driving innovation, improving efficiency, and shaping a more connected world. The IoT Tech Expo in Amsterdam demonstrated that collaboration, creativity, and a focus on data quality are key to unlocking the full potential of these technologies.