What’s the next big thing in IoT? 14 experts share their predictions.

In recent years, the internet of things has evolved far beyond Bluetooth-synced personal devices and smart home platforms. Businesses and consumers alike eagerly anticipate the continued advancement of this technology.With wider IoT adoption than ever before, companies are constantly developing new devices for our increasingly connected environment. We asked Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) members to weigh in on this question:

What’s the next big thing you predict will join the IoT and why?

Their best answers are below:

1. Strength-training equipment

Equipment you see in the gym (free weights, machines) haven’t changed in decades. There still is a major disconnect between these resistance-training devices and biofeedback. Strength-training equipment will become connected and intelligent, and offer personalized training solutions. – Sam Miller, Boston Biomotion

2. Video doorbells

In the age of getting almost anything delivered to your door in only two days, it gives consumers additional peace of mind knowing who is at the door before opening — even allowing you to speak to someone at your door remotely. Video evidence also goes a long way in helping police prosecute package thieves. Plus, they are much easier to install than home security cameras. – Shawn Schulze, Names.org

3. Wearable health devices

Look for even more crossover between IoT and health. Wearable tech — think Fitbit and Samsung Gear — is already one of the most widely adopted uses of IoT technology. The healthcare industry will start integrating this data into how it serves its clients, in everything from monitoring their vital signs to reminding them when it’s time to fill prescriptions. – Thomas Smale, FE International

4. Data analytics for infrastructure

As our infrastructure becomes more intelligent, there will be a demand for artificial intelligence that can sift through and interpret all the data collected, so a human can take action on the data. You can compare this to an advanced version of how commuters currently use apps like Waze to route around congested traffic, using intelligence to interpret data to get from point A to point B. – George White, Pavia Systems

5. School

I think schools will work on ways to create a more connected network between students, teachers and parents. This would change the learning experience and how homework and research is conducted away from the classroom. It may even make school more interesting and engaging. – Angela Ruth, Calendar

6. Traffic lights

Traffic lights could be the next big thing in IoT. They can track traffic patterns and know when it makes sense to turn red or green. This could significantly reduce traffic problems in certain cities. – Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance

7. Retail stores

Instead of killing retail outlets like so many have predicted, I believe that smarter retailers will learn how to harness the raw potential of the IoT for their benefit. Smart devices can gather an incredible amount of data on customer habits, all the way down to tracking individual eye movements. In the right hands, this data can help retailers organize stores in a way that will boost sales. – Bryce Welker, CPA Exam Guy

8. Blockchain technology

Blockchain adds a layer of security to digital transactions. As our smart home devices become more integrated into our daily lives, privacy becomes a concern, specifically who owns our data. Blockchain will allow IoT device owners to be in charge of their data. They could monetize and sell it in exchange for digital currency, or choose to keep it private. – Jared Atchison, WPForms

9. Transportation 

We’ve already seen this technology being employed on a small scale to make transportation more efficient and reduce greenhouse gases. By understanding traffic patterns, traffic lights can be optimized to allow for less congestion. On the local and state level, I think we’ll see these sensors installed on critical infrasctructure to signal when repairs are necessary, saving on costly repairs. – Kristopher Jones, LSEO.com

10. The healthcare system

Our healthcare system is slow, inefficient, and sometimes prone to error — yet it relies on many things that could be effectively automated and improved with technology. Telemedicine will be big and so will additional technology to support operations such as record keeping, sharing reports across multiple locations, and dispensing medications. – Jessica Gonzalez, InCharged 

11. Cities

Major cities in the U.S., such as Boston, have already started planning for IoT implementation. Everything ranging from street lights and parking meters, to sewage grates and sprinkler systems, will be connected to the internet and interlinked. These will be huge breakthroughs in terms of saving energy and money. – Karl Kangur, MRR Media

12. Sophisticated ‘quantified self’ devices

Though not entirely new is the area of quantified self-tracking, I predict there’s going to be a lot of innovation here beyond the current wearables that track heart-rate variability. I imagine that these new devices will track and make sense of things like mood, energy levels, food and liquid intake, supplements’ effects, and more importantly monitoring the effects of each things. – James Schmachtenberger, Neurohacker Collective

13. Home appliances

I think the more people understand this, the more it will have an impact on their home life. From their heaters adapting to the external temperatures, to their lights reacting to them entering the room, to their alarm clocks synching to traffic, the IoT is going to completely change how everyone lives at home. – Colbey Pfund, LFNT Distribution

14. AI for marketing

As the growing use of intelligent agents continues, marketers will use them to find innovative ways to connect and interact with customers. To create a more personal brand experience, marketers will advance their intelligent agent strategies to reach this mostly uncharted customer base this year. – Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker