on January 28th, 2025

The internet of things (IoT) is transforming industries worldwide, creating new opportunities while presenting unique challenges for engineers. From smart cities to connected healthcare systems, it is revolutionizing how data is collected, analyzed, and acted upon. As related devices become increasingly prevalent, engineers across various sectors are tasked with adapting to this new technology, developing the skills necessary to thrive in this evolving field.

A Transformative Force in Industries

The internet of things refers to the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies, enabling them to collect and exchange data over the internet. While the concept of this may seem modern, it has roots in the early days of networked computing.

However, it wasn’t until recent advancements in wireless technology, cloud computing, and big data analytics that it became truly transformative.

Today, it is reshaping industries from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and agriculture. According to McKinsey & Company, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market, which connects industrial machines and devices to the internet for data exchange and analysis, is rapidly growing, with expected annual growth rates surpassing 20% in the coming years.

This explosion of interconnected devices opens new possibilities for increasing productivity, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the customer experience. For example, in manufacturing, connected devices enable the real-time monitoring of equipment, allowing those in engineering to predict failures before they happen.

This predictive maintenance reduces downtime and minimizes operational disruptions. Similarly, in healthcare, smart devices such as wearable health monitors and remote patient monitoring systems are improving the accuracy of diagnoses and enhancing patient care.

The influence of interconnected devices extends to almost every industry, and as more devices become connected, the demand for engineers with specialized knowledge of connected systems continues to grow. But with these opportunities come challenges. Engineers must understand the complexities of building and managing large-scale, secure connected systems.

Skills Engineers Need in This Era

As it continues to grow and become integrated into more industries, engineering workers are required to develop a diverse skill set to manage the technology effectively. Below are some essential skills for workers to succeed in this space.

Data Analytics and Machine Learning

One of the most powerful aspects of connected devices is their ability to generate vast amounts of data.

This data, when properly analyzed, can provide valuable insights for improving processes, predicting trends, and optimizing systems. People in engineering must have a solid understanding of data analytics and machine learning to extract actionable insights from this data.

Machine learning algorithms can be used to predict equipment failures, optimize energy usage, and detect anomalies in connected systems.

Those who understand how to apply machine learning techniques to connected device data will be better equipped to design smart systems that can make decisions autonomously.

Embedded Systems and Hardware Development

Connected devices are powered by embedded systems—miniature computers that process data from sensors and communicate with other devices. Workers in the connected systems space must be familiar with hardware development, including the design of sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication modules.

In addition to understanding the hardware, engineers must also be skilled in software development, as connected devices need software that can interface with the hardware and transmit data to the cloud or other devices. Those with expertise in both hardware and software development will be crucial for creating seamless connected systems.

Cybersecurity

As these systems collect vast amounts of sensitive data, the security of these systems is a top priority. Workers must have a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles to protect connected devices and networks from cyber threats. Implementing encryption protocols, securing communication channels, and ensuring that devices are protected from hacking attempts are all critical skills.

As more industries adopt connected systems, ensuring that data is protected from unauthorized access becomes increasingly important. Those in this field must also design systems that can detect and respond to security breaches in real time.

Cloud Computing and Networking

Cloud computing is a key enabler of connected systems, as it provides the infrastructure necessary to store and process the massive amounts of data generated by connected devices. People in engineering must understand cloud technologies and be able to design connected systems that can seamlessly integrate with cloud platforms.

Moreover, networking plays a critical role in connecting connected devices to the cloud and other devices. Workers must be proficient in wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LoRaWAN to ensure that data can be transferred quickly and securely.

EIT and Connected Systems

Recognizing the growing demand for skilled workers in the field of connected systems, the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) offers specialized courses designed to equip talents with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the connected era. These courses provide practical, hands-on training in various aspects of connected system development, including data analytics, embedded systems, and cloud computing.

EIT’s programs offer a deep dive into the practical applications of connected systems across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Students learn how to design, develop, and deploy connected systems while addressing challenges such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and system integration.

The EIT’s courses emphasize industry-relevant skills and real-world case studies, providing students with the knowledge they need to succeed in connected system roles. Whether you’re an already in this field and looking to upskill or someone new to the field, EIT’s connected system-focused programs can help you gain the expertise necessary to meet the challenges of this rapidly growing sector.

Opportunities

Those with expertise in connected systems have a wide range of career opportunities ahead. As industries continue to adopt and expand connected systems, engineers can work in a variety of areas, including:

Smart Cities: Those in urban planning and infrastructure development are creating connected city systems that improve transportation, energy efficiency, and public safety.

Healthcare: Engineering experts are designing wearable devices and remote monitoring systems that provide real-time health data and improve patient care.

Agriculture: Precision agriculture relies on connected devices to monitor soil conditions, track livestock, and optimize crop yields.

Manufacturing: Those in manufacturing are deploying connected systems for predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and supply chain management.

With the continued growth of the connected systems market, the demand for workers with expertise in these systems is expected to soar. A report from IDC notes that the number of connected devices will reach more than 41 billion globally by 2025, creating an increasing need for professionals who can design, build, and maintain these systems.

Challenges

While the opportunities in connected systems are vast, engineers face several challenges in this rapidly evolving field. Some of the key challenges include:

Interoperability: Connected systems often consist of devices from different manufacturers, each using different protocols and standards. Ensuring these devices work seamlessly together can be complex.

Data Management: The vast amount of data generated by connected devices can overwhelm traditional data management systems. Those in this field need to develop efficient methods for storing, processing, and analyzing this data.

Scalability: As the number of connected devices continues to grow, engineers must design systems that can scale efficiently without compromising performance or security.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities for engineers in the connected systems field are immense. By acquiring the right skills and knowledge, engineers can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected technologies.

Future Opportunities in Engineering

To stay ahead in this dynamic field, engineers must develop a broad set of skills, such as data analytics, embedded systems design, and cloud computing.

Educational institutions like EIT are increasingly offering specialized courses that equip engineers with the expertise required to succeed in roles related to connected systems.

With the growing demand for professionals in connected technologies, engineers who invest in these skills will be well-positioned to drive the next wave of technological progress, bringing about smarter, more efficient systems that will define the industries of tomorrow.

References

A manufacturer’s guide to scaling Industrial IoT – McKinsey & Company

Industrial IoT Market Size, Share & Industry Report 2032

2 New EIT Graduate Certificates to Help Elevate Your Career

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