From MnM’s to Eminem to M2M

We all can resonate with and devour the irresistible MnMs, so can all relate to Eminem (all the hip hop fanatics). But what is M2M? This blog explores the world of M2M and mind it, this is not about chocolates or hip-hop music. Human to human connections and interactions evolved from facial expressions to gestures, speaking to writing and expressions via art, music, dance and literature. The sixth sense or even telepathy promoted themselves as a medium of expression and interaction. Likewise M2M adopts a communication mechanism between machines connected to a network (cellular data) in order disseminate information sans human intervention. Today machine to human interactions is possible due to the intervention of emotionally intelligent robots or even smart home devices like Alexa, Echo or Google Home. Hence M2M is the pivot around which technological advancements and developments manifest.

The glorious hegemony of technology is bound to proliferate revolutionizing a gamut of industries. From manufacturing to healthcare, agriculture to efficient smart cities, logistics to fostering IoT to the next level. Whilst M2M has been present since the last couple of years, it is expected to accelerate astronomically with the introduction of 5G and quantum computing. So how is M2M employed in various industries? Do M2M and IoT mean the same? How do they complement each other? How quantum computing can pose a threat to IoT? These are few questions that will be discussed and unearthed.  

M2M or IoT aren’t they the same?

M2M and IoT as terms are often assumed to be identical however stark difference exists.

Whilst both propel the interaction between machines the former operates using point to point communication in a closed network (cellular data). For instance in a particular factory, machines communicate with each other conducting their respective activities seamlessly, augmenting automation and efficiency. In the case of vending machines, M2M in synergy with inventory management ensures replenishment of stock. ATM’s deploy the concept of M2M to carry transactions impeccably.

The latter utilizes cloud networks in an open ecosystem and its scalability potential is ceaseless. For example, smart cities where sensors, machines and humans can communicate and share data simultaneously over the internet to maintain efficient traffic management system, waste management system and so forth. IoT is a notch up higher as it is endowed with the ability to store and analyze data, for instance in the case of self-driving cars as they interact with each other and analyze each other’s movement to ensure safety on road.

M2M is the foundation of IoT, whilst IoT functions at a massive scale running colossal cities. In simpler words M2M is level 1 and IoT is level 2. Moreover, M2M is the fulcrum of technological development as machines were programmed (utilizing AI/ML) to interact with each other to sculpt a convenient life for all.

M2M to the rescue!

M2M is a marvelous technology catapulting productivity, saving costs (reduced labour costs, failure/ defect costs), boosting revenues for businesses and ensuring provision of excellent post purchase journey for customers. So let’s explore an array of applications of M2M:

On the factory floor M2M can phenomenally maneuver complex tasks sans errors and defects, which are likely to occur when performed by manual labour.

With the application of sensors M2M possesses the capability to distinguish device failure and sprout out solutions without any human intervention. For instance Minto an Indian startup, caters to identification of faults prior to machine break downs.

Condition monitoring involves the tracking of certain factors such as temperature or vibrations during various processes such as energy application, utilitiy activities, process manufacturing and much more. Elemental machines a startup hailing from US brings on table similar services of monitoring the impact of different environmental stimuli in containers and manufacturing facilities. For instance in the case of transporting chemicals, vaccines, precious natural resources, oil and so on.

Elemental machines, provides services such as gathering of data from original equipment manufacturer devices and different machines to create insights for decision making about machine health, workflows and capacity utilization in varied industries, to name a few, energy, life sciences, material and so forth.

Digital factories can master efficiency by the offerings of a German startup RoboticsX, that aims to connect industrial devices to ERP systems for seamless sharing of data.

In agriculture, sensors observe and analyze the quality of soil, if it is suitable for planting a particular crop, the impact of weather (precisely precipitation on the health of the crop), appropriate use of pesticides, particular areas that require pasturing or irrigation and the list is endless.  

M2M’s application in logistics management and inventory management ensures efficient and hassle-free tracking of deliveries (nationally and internationally) and return of products. Thus enforcing a superior post customer service experience. Loticiti a Canadian offers fleet management services employing IIoT and M2M for boosting product deliveries in a spectrum of industries such as cold-chain management, waste management, construction and so forth.

Wearable devices can notify doctors when a patient requires a checkup or urgent assistance based on their vitals.

 In the case of smart homes, a refrigerator can be programmed to order and pay for daily essentials as soon as there is a shortage (every teenagers dream!). The air conditioner can be commanded to cool a particular room whilst you are on your way to home.

Smart cities will incorporate connected gas or power meters that share real time data on usage. Well-connected cars and traffic systems to maintain road safety, adept waste management, disaster management, tracking impacted areas and population during natural disasters or crisis, maintaining cleanliness in the city, payment of fines for breaking rules, identifying parking spaces and the list is unbelievably long.

 Quantum alert! Super hero, villain or both?

However, security and privacy implications exist with M2M and IoT as they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Whilst encryption seems one of the competent options, unfortunately it is challenged by the herculean power of quantum computing due to its ability of decryption. Thus, jeopardizing sensitive data of businesses, banks, consumers and so forth. Therefore, quantum resistant encryption and numerous safety systems and protocols are the need of the hour as witnessed with the number of budding smart cities around the world. Although quantum computing poses as a threat or obstacle, it retains the dominance to seek solutions to infinite problems.

What’s Next? Digital mania!

In foresight M2M and IoT are destined to develop, evolve and enhance with the introduction of quantum computing, 5G networks and a plethora of technologies in the kitty of the enigmatic technological world. Thus enforcing the digital economy and keeping alive the digital mania.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article are views of the author in general and the author does not hold any legal responsibility or liability for the same.)