How Could 5G Help to Redefine and Transform Industrial IoT?
Author: Heidi Vella,Date published: September 29, 2025,Industrial IoT (IIoT) is the . It encompasses the use of prolific smart sensors, connectivity and data analytics to transform dumb machines into smart data-harvesting ones for improved efficiency, customer experience and much more. The potential of industrial IoT will be unleashed by the superfast speeds and, crucially, low latency and higher bandwidth that 5G can provide. Together, IIoT and 5G can bring about a new era of industrial automation and efficiency for real, quantifiable benefits in a number of sectors. Let's explore how. Due to decentralization, decarbonization and digitization, utilities are undergoing . Thankfully, industrial IoT and 5G can help offer new solutions to help with challenges they are facing. Omnipresent Internet-connected sensors can enable advanced monitoring, mapping and control of grid infrastructure—including creating —to provide granular data that utilities can then use to derive actionable insights. This could include critical maintenance and where weak spots can be impacted by extreme weather events. For example, in power plants and for pipe infrastructure, sensors can help identify issues before they fully manifest. with IoT devices deployed throughout the grid, can also help support the shift to a more decentralized energy system by enabling such detailed oversight that more granular shifts of energy flows (depending on real-time and anticipated energy supply and demand factors) are possible. This can help to shore up security of supply and maximize storage. Access to this high-quality data also supports greater automation for improved efficiency and productivity. Here are a few : The complexity and vastness of utility infrastructure that often spans across remote locations can benefit from a wireless, high-bandwidth solution, such as 5G, which can help support the management of a large number of devices and reach the areas that optical fiber can't—often called the last mile. Manufacturing perhaps holds some of the greatest promise for the . Connecting and automating the factory floor can increase productivity, efficiency and, in turn, annual turnover. In fact, according to analysis by Global Data, the manufacturing sector already accounts for around . As the analytics and consulting company notes, 5G and private cellular networks highly benefit mission-critical digital applications that require guaranteed bandwidth and low latency. This can include self-driving forklifts on the factory floor and and reassigning some people to safer, more efficient operations. Remote monitoring of machinery with 5G connected sensors can support machine analytics that drives predictive maintenance, avoiding costly shut-downs that are only worsening with long supply chain delays for critical parts. can also free machines from costly physical cable connections, making it easier to change assembly lines for new revenue opportunities, such as making car customization cheaper and easier. 5G and massive IoT could offer a variety of new functions to distribution and logistics companies, including granular tracking and traceability. Together, these technologies could enable of parcels and pallets for both distribution companies and customers. This is night and day compared with the current process of parcels only being logged at several few-and-far between locations. Not only should this provide an up-to-date picture of distribution and help to address the challenge of , but it could flag bottlenecks and other issues before they become major problems. High-value or precious goods could be used to authenticate their origin so that customers can be reassured they are getting the real deal. They could also be used to monitor a variety of critical factors, such as . Additionally, as one pallet of goods is in transit, 5G connected sensors could send back about journey times, traffic surge spots or changes in ambient temperature. Such information is particularly pertinent for just-in-time deliveries and can also be shared with partners within the supply chain. Increasing relies on massive IoT and the low latency and fast speeds of a reliable network. These technologies can facilitate the their surroundings and provide the necessary superfast speeds and latency. Data collected by sensors and software can be analyzed to improve car systems and the supporting infrastructure for safer, more autonomous travel. Learn more about how can advance your organization. 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