Over the past few years, the evolution and integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly transformed the manner in which consumers engage with electronic devices. From smartphones featuring facial recognition technology to smart speakers that respond to vocal commands, the interconnectedness of devices has become a prominent aspect of our daily routines.
The popularity of IoT is undeniable. According to Statista’s projections, the global IoT market nearly doubled its value between 2014 and 2017, increasing from $601 billion to $1.12 trillion. With no signs of slowing down, the segment is expected to continue its near-exponential growth, surpassing $1.7 trillion in 2019. In 2017, Statista approximated the global number of connected IoT devices at 20.35 billion, a number predicted to rise to 30.73 billion by 2020. With the connected home and automated vehicles driving IoT development, OEMs play a crucial role in bringing these products to market to keep up with industry growth.
In addition to smartphones, the demand for smart appliances has experienced significant growth. With an increasing number of tech-savvy consumers looking to streamline household chores, the estimated number of connected home appliances is projected to reach 420 million units by 2020. This growth is particularly striking when considering that only one million such appliances were available in 2014. North America and Asian Pacific nations are expected to lead in the manufacturing of these appliances, with projections of 888,000 and 1.9 million units, respectively, in the coming years.
As we move into the future, consumers are now accustomed to the concept of self-driving vehicles, a technology that was once considered revolutionary back in the early 1900s. By harnessing the power of IoT, automated vehicles offer a seamless connectivity experience for both the cars on the road and their passengers. Forbes has projected that by 2020, there will be an impressive 250 million smart cars navigating our streets, with 10 million of them being fully autonomous.
For OEMs and EMS companies, the increasing demand for IoT products presents numerous opportunities for enhancing their manufacturing and design capabilities. Given that almost every IoT device and appliance relies on a printed circuit board, startups may turn to external partners for PCB design services to integrate essential functionalities into their products.
As IoT products become more intricate, it is crucial for manufacturers to stay vigilant of regulatory changes that could impact the design process. With the rapid expansion of this sector and the increasing demands on OEMs, it is essential for manufacturers to have their employees and designers IPC certified. This certification demonstrates a commitment to upholding industry standards for both current and prospective customers. For those looking to enhance their skills and stay competitive in the growing field of IoT development and PCB design and manufacturing, consider enrolling in various IPC certification courses offered by the knowledgeable professionals at EPTAC.
EPTAC is an internationally recognized leader in solder training and IPC certification, providing professionals with the skills to accelerate their careers and businesses and the talent to succeed. For over 35 years, EPTAC has been helping corporations increase quality standards, improve productivity, and maximize profits.
With 24 locations in North America, EPTAC continues to expand its offerings and exceptional instructional staff to provide easy access to knowledge and skill-based programs when and where the industry demands it. Access our scheduled programs through our website or schedule your own corporate on-site training. For more information, call 800.643.7822 or contact us.
