The key trends bolstering streamlined IoT application development – Embedded

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The internet of things (IoT) has opened huge opportunities for growth and innovation. From wearables monitoring chronic health conditions to sensor data optimizing crop yields and connected vehicles mitigating traffic and safety risks, embedded devices have helped connect more everyday objects to the Internet and revolutionized industries. However, the widespread adoption of IoT has also led to an increased need for various applications to ensure the security and reliability of these systems. As a result, developers have been striving to create software and hardware solutions that streamline development and ease industry-related challenges.
The landscape of IoT development has seen significant shifts, driven by advancements in low-power processors, edge computing, cloud-based infrastructure, and integrating AI/machine learning. To navigate these changes, IoT developers are increasingly relying on solution providers that simplify development and offer products with built-in security features, cloud-connected solutions for seamless data management, and other resources and support.
So, what else can we expect from IoT development in the future? What approaches should developers take to create next-generation IoT applications efficiently?
Understanding Hardware Trends
As software has become more sophisticated, computer hardware has had to adapt to these complexities. A smart thermostat, for example, can directly regulate temperature by a dial like a traditional thermostat, but it may include features like adjusting the temperature automatically based on data about your preferences and routine and even data from other smart home devices like air quality monitors. The hardware in these types of devices needs to be flexible enough to handle these software-driven tasks.
IoT developers are navigating how to include more modular hardware in designs, optimize battery life, choose the ideal connectivity options, and integrate edge computing capabilities. They are also navigating how to ensure robust security for end customers and corporations without compromising their privacy and assets.
Modular Hardware
Modular hardware encompasses a wide range of things, including sensors, wearable technology, microcontrollers, communication chips, and smartphones. There are a variety of different chips available to suit different applications, which has helped to reduce the design time and complexity for embedded systems. This development has increased efficiency when creating new products, especially when created in larger quantities.
For example, Silicon Labs and Arduino recently collaborated to make developing Matter-enabled devices easier and faster. Arduino’s Matter software libraries are now available on Silicon Labs’ xG24 Explorer Kit and SparkFun Thing Plus Matter development boards. Eventually, the Arduino Nano development board co-developed with Silicon Labs’ MGM240 Module will offer Matter, Thread, and Bluetooth connectivity, robust security features, and ample memory, catering to developers working with small form factor devices.
Battery Life
Battery life considerations have been at the forefront of hardware development for IoT devices. Developers have had to figure out how to balance power management along with performance for efficiency. Low-power processors have allowed IoT devices to consume less battery power, which has ultimately reduced their need for frequent charging and maintenance.
Connectivity Advancements
Connectivity options for devices have come a long way. There are now many ways to connect wirelessly depending on the needs of a product. Standard cellular options, such as 5G, offer a higher bandwidth and support for relatively low-power environments. For example, smart cities could rely on 5G to deliver secure, time-sensitive information. Wi-SUN is a low-power consumption option, like Bluetooth, that can efficiently manage smaller amounts of data for connected devices. Low-latency connectivity options also allow for wider coverage for embedded devices that rely on the IoT.
Edge Computing Capabilities
Edge computing has been another transformative development that has allowed data to be processed closer to the device instead of sending it to the cloud. As a result, it has enabled faster reactions, inherent security, and reduced reliance on internet connectivity.
Understanding Software Trends
Beyond the hardware, as connected devices become more intricate, IoT developers need robust software to tackle evolving application demands, like incorporating AI for automation or bolstering security features. The democratization of development is also making building IoT applications more accessible, empowering individuals and businesses without traditional programming expertise to flood new devices into the connected market. However, when AI is a growing megatrend in IoT, there is another aspect to consider—ensuring your IoT software is portable across different technologies and products that developers are creating. 
AI and Machine Learning Integration
Adding artificial intelligence and automation to applications has enabled devices to learn, adapt, and make decisions autonomously. This has helped to improve efficiency and the capability of connected devices. For instance, in the healthcare industry, wearable IoT devices have been able to monitor patients’ vital signs and alert medical staff of any abnormalities before they are critical. Continued adaptation in other fields could also hold life-changing possibilities.    
Low-Code/No-Code Platforms
No-code and low-code platforms have allowed a non-technical audience to build simple IoT applications via visual drag-and-drop interfaces. As a result, the barrier to entry has been lowered, allowing people to create applications to collect data from connected devices.
Cloud-Based Development Environments
Cloud services offer pre-built infrastructure, tools, and libraries, which help with streamlining development and deployment. It allows for centralized storage as well as remote access to information so businesses can easily monitor developments from a distance. With the recent trend of including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) on IoT devices, for example, the Matter Protocol, Wi-Sun, and Wi-Fi are opening new levels of simplification to unify the connection methods directly from IoT devices to the cloud without any protocol conversion in the gateways.  
Open-Source Frameworks and Libraries
Open-source libraries and frameworks that can handle common coding tasks have saved developers’ time. The source code for these libraries is available publicly and allows anyone to contribute. In turn, they have become a reliable resource for developers to reduce the amount of hours spent writing and testing new code. It has also reduced costs and time-to-market since open-source code is completely free.
Silicon Labs has pre-built jumpstart guides to help get a project started; there is no need to build it from scratch.  Silicon Lab’s Simplicity Studio is a free integrated development environment that simplifies the development process and provides access to pre-built software and examples. It also offers essential debugging and analysis tools and supports multiple wireless protocols, making it an ideal tool for developers of all skill levels. Silicon Lab’s Bluetooth Low Energy SDK includes an extensive library that provides example projects, the latest protocol versions, and enhanced security to help a developer through the lifecycle of a project.
Community Activity
Likewise, turning to developer communities when jumpstarting your new technology is too overwhelming or challenging is the perfect way to collaborate and learn from others who may be facing the same obstacles as you.
IoT developers are continuing to collaborate and democratize knowledge because one single individual cannot conquer the growing complexity of the IoT. Developers are learning that sharing expertise accelerates innovation, reduces development costs for companies, and leads to more innovative IoT solutions that benefit society.
Where is the IoT Headed?
Focusing on user privacy and security concerns will be crucial for the future of the IoT. Device makers like Silicon Labs are already developing technology that has an underlying security platform built into the hardware, software, and cloud network. Its Secure Vault technology helps device platforms connect seamlessly and defend against local and remote software attacks. With an ever-growing population that depends on the IoT, it is vital that developers have the solutions and support they need to adapt to technological challenges.
We are living in an exciting time for the development of the IoT, and it is crucial to continue developing hardware and software that will meet the needs of the future. Learn more about how Silicon Labs can support you on your IoT development journey here.
Tom Nordman is the senior Marketing director at Silicon Labs’ Home and Life Business Unit, overseeing the BU’s product and strategic marketing. During his nine years at Silicon Labs, he has previously led several product management and marketing functions. He joined Silicon Labs through the successful acquisition of Bluegiga Technologies, which he co-founded in 2001, and where he served as global VP of sales and marketing.
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