Cellular IoT in Transportation

The Internet of Things (IoT) in transportation is a rapidly expanding business, particularly in the cellular division. Allied Market Research reported that the global IoT in transport market had a value of USD$83.25 billion in 2020 and projects it to reach USD$495.57 billion by 2030.

Additionally, Berg Insight estimates cellular IoT specific modules for OEM automotive account for 157 million units sold, while transport and logistics alone represent 96 million units sold in 2022.

The transportation sector deploys cellular IoT devices through embedded sensors and actuators. These devices gather and transmit data about real-world activities, transforming the way the transportation sector operates.

Currently, the most common use cases of cellular IoT include traffic monitoring systems, fleet telematics, and micromobility initiatives (e.g. bicycles and scooters).

In this article, we look at how some of these use cases utilize cellular IoT to revolutionize the industry.

Public Transport

Cellular IoT in public transportation management is already in wide use in major cities including Seoul, Singapore, Copenhagen, and London. These applications extend to real-time vehicle tracking, integrated ticketing and automated fare collection, passenger information systems, and passenger information display systems. IoT applications in these cases help to alleviate issues such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and delays in public transport. It also serves to keep passengers up.

Micro-mobility

Another recent yet significant use case of smart technology in transportation is the rise of micro-mobility transportation options. These extend to ridesharing, bicycles, and e-scooters to streamline transportation via shorter routes, less idling, and more fuel-efficient traveling.

These features work together to decrease the carbon footprint that transportation generates. After all, smart mobility vehicles often run on cleaner energy sources. Smart mobility also reduces the crowding on city streets, creating a safer and quieter cityscape.

Supply Chain and Logistics

Companies within the supply chain and logistics sectors typically utilize vehicle tracking systems to effectively manage their inventory and fleets. They can help optimize route and trip schedules, vehicle loads, and fuel consumption. Furthermore, IoT can monitor driver safety by transmitting information about behavior, such as idling time and driving style (e.g., speeding, braking). Real-time data allows rapid adjustments for unpredicted incidents such as accidents, roadworks, and emergencies to help re-route and make journeys more efficient.

Traffic Management

A fast-growing use case within mobility and transport is the adoption of IoT in roading and traffic management. Within cities, sensors can be embedded into roads, parking garages, and traffic stops to transmit vehicle-related data to traffic management centers. This will vastly improve the flow of traffic and the safety of all users.

Connected Cars

Today, new cars are largely equipped with some form of IoT to monitor a variety of applications. From brakes and engine health to controlling tire pressure and exhaust gas composition. IoT-enabled cars can proactively react to maintenance concerns, preempt traffic delays, and avoid traffic accidents.

After all, road accidents nearly always occur due to human error or mechanical failure with the NHTSA reporting that traffic accidents account for USD$299.5 billion in economic losses annually. A staggering figure that can easily be reduced or eliminated.

Summary

The benefits of utilizing cellular IoT technology are wide and varied. Yet, there are also potential drawbacks.

IoT devices are targets for malicious actors, increasing the vulnerability of a network. Thus, security needs to be at the heart of any decision or IoT solution – from design to deployment and beyond.

That’s why it’s important to partner with a provider who can deliver a secure, end-to-end, seamless solution who can help you at every step of your IoT fleet development.