Why IOT Sensor Standards Should Be Developed

The idea of IoT sensor standards seems like a no-brainer.  Not only are self-powered sensors being increasingly deployed within the context of utility operations, but they are also prominently utilized in the transportation, healthcare and defense industries, to name just a few.  But for some reason, when it comes to industry standards, it’s like the Wild Wild West out there, so what gives?

The Business Case for Adopting IOT Sensor Standards

As mentioned above, the utilization of sensors is growing in a multitude of industries, and they are being used in a variety of ways – for example, monitoring equipment performance, humidity, temperature, motion, speed, proximity, etc.

And, thanks to miniaturization, better functionality, the ability to facilitate automation, and of course sensors’ role in IoT devices and applications, the use of sensors is bound to continue to expand going forward.  In fact, one study estimates that sensor sales will reach nearly $350 billion in 2028, more than double the amount sold in 2019.

Unfortunately, like many things in this day and age of connectivity, safety and cybersecurity is of paramount concern.  For this reason, there is an obvious need to develop independent conformity and certification protocols.  But this is easier said than done because sensors are often manufactured by different companies, have differing levels of compatibility with hardware systems, and often rely on different types of software.

The good news is that the need for IoT sensor standards is not a secret, and there are many initiatives underway by a handful of entities to develop conformity in this regard.  The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) is one such entity.  The IEEE SA standards encompass multiple topics, including but not limited to:

• Development of a common framework around performance terminology, units, conditions, and limits.
• Development of an approach to share data and authorize who has the right to control or access a particular sensor.
• Development of a standardized way to test and monitor safety assumptions and protocols.

These and similar efforts represent a great start, but the standards still require widespread adoption.  I think it’s getting there, but it will likely take years before all players in each industry are working from the same playbook.