Hello readers!

This week we’re looking at the future of connectivity in smart factories, trends set to redefine global IoT strategy, how to choose an IoT router, and what IoT can teach us about the future of Vision AI.

As manufacturers push toward smarter and more autonomous production, industrial IoT networks are starting to feel the strain. Robots, sensors, and automated systems increasingly require split-second responses and predictable performance, yet traditional connectivity models—often centered on standalone 5G—aren’t always built for the scale, cost, or complexity of modern factory environments. In many cases, connectivity itself has become the limiting factor in how far smart manufacturing can go.

New research from the University of East London suggests a different approach. The study introduces a private hybrid wireless access network, or PHWAN, designed specifically for Industry 4.0 use cases. Instead of relying on a single network technology, the framework assumes that different machines have different communication needs—and that industrial networks should adapt dynamically rather than forcing all traffic through the same channel.

At a high level, PHWAN brings multiple wireless systems, such as 5G, Wi-Fi, and low-power industrial networks, under one intelligent control layer. Time-critical equipment like robots can be prioritized on ultra-low-latency connections, while sensors and monitoring devices use more energy-efficient links. By coordinating these technologies in real time, the network can respond to changing factory conditions instead of treating connectivity as a static utility.

The performance gains are notable. In modeled smart manufacturing environments, the hybrid approach reduced latency by roughly half compared with conventional 5G-only setups, while cutting energy consumption by more than 60%. For factories operating thousands of connected devices, those improvements translate into smoother operations, lower operating costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. Shifting more processing closer to the factory floor also reduces dependence on distant cloud systems, helping limit delays and potential disruptions.

Security plays a central role as well. As industrial networks grow more interconnected, the consequences of cyber incidents grow more severe. PHWAN adopts a zero-trust approach, continuously verifying devices and users rather than assuming anything inside the network is safe. Decentralized authentication and AI-driven monitoring are designed to limit how far breaches can spread.

More broadly, the research reflects a growing realization across industrial IoT: The future of smart manufacturing may hinge less on automation itself, and more on the intelligence of the network enabling it.

IoT is entering a new strategic era. Market conditions are shifting, AI is accelerating, and enterprises are re-evaluating what reliable, scalable connectivity really requires. Eseye’s 2026 IoT Predictions Report cuts through the noise with five expert perspectives that highlight where IoT leaders should focus next. These insights matter because the decisions made over the next two years will determine whether organizations build competitive advantage or face operational risk.

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In this episode of the IoT For All Podcast, Scott Alldridge, CEO of IP Services, joins Ryan Chacon to discuss the state of cybersecurity in IoT. The conversation covers the changing landscape of cybersecurity, the threat of ransomware and real-life horror stories, the pros and cons of AI in cybersecurity, adopting a Zero Trust security model, penetration testing, and the limitations of cyber insurance.

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