As we look ahead to 2026, the Applied IoT sector continues to evolve at pace, driven by advances in automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and data-led innovation. Drawing on insights from the Technology Gateway Managers across the Enterprise Ireland Applied IoT Cluster comprising IMaR, COMAND, Smarter Factory, WiSAR, Nimbus and ICS; five key trends have emerged that are set to shape the next phase of Applied IoT adoption for Irish industry.
Together, the cluster supports Irish businesses in translating emerging technologies into practical, commercially impactful solutions. The trends below highlight where Applied IoT is heading and where businesses are likely to see the greatest opportunity over the coming years.
1. Convergence of Automation, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Automation continues to advance beyond standalone systems, with increasing convergence between robotics and artificial intelligence. AI-enabled robotics is enabling more adaptive, flexible, and intelligent automated solutions across manufacturing, logistics and inspection environments. This integration allows systems to respond dynamically to changing conditions, improving productivity, quality, and operational resilience.
2. Expansion of Wearable IoT Technologies
The adoption of wearable IoT devices in healthcare, sports and occupational settings is expected to accelerate significantly. Advances in materials, wireless connectivity and power management are enabling new classes of wearables that operate for extended periods without frequent charging. Looking ahead, the application of self-charging power cells incorporating triboelectric nanogenerators and integrated energy storage is anticipated to unlock continuous sensing capabilities and expand the scope of wearable IoT solutions.
3. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency as Core Design Principles
Sustainability and energy efficiency remain central drivers of innovation within the Applied IoT sector. Rising energy costs and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions are pushing businesses to adopt smarter, more efficient systems. IoT-enabled monitoring, optimisation, and control technologies are helping organisations reduce energy consumption, improve resource efficiency, and support long-term sustainability goals.
4. Smarter Supply Chains and Renewed Use of RFID
The growing demand for just-in-time supply chain management is driving renewed interest in RFID technologies. When combined with IoT platforms and automation, RFID enables real-time identification, tracking and traceability of goods and assets. This resurgence is supporting more agile, automated, and resilient supply chains, while helping businesses reduce waste and improve operational visibility.
5. Scalable AI and Data-Driven Decision Making
The business application of artificial intelligence will continue to be a strong trend into 2026. However, the computational and energy requirements associated with AI present ongoing challenges. Innovation in more efficient AI architectures, including advanced large language models and adaptive learning frameworks, is helping to address these constraints. At the same time, extracting value from data from IoT sensors to machine learning and automated systems remains one of the most significant challenges for industry, as well as one of the greatest opportunities for improving decision-making, cost efficiency, and competitiveness.
Turning Insight into Impact
For Irish businesses looking to translate these Applied IoT trends into real-world solutions, the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network offers direct access to applied research expertise, facilities, and infrastructure.
A range of Enterprise Ireland funding and engagement options are available to support collaboration with Technology Gateways from Innovation Vouchers and feasibility projects to longer-term research partnerships. These supports enable companies to scope challenges, validate concepts, and accelerate the development of market-ready solutions.
Whether your organisation is exploring new ideas or seeking to scale existing innovation, the Applied IoT Cluster provides a clear pathway from concept to commercial impact.
Now is the time to engage, collaborate and innovate.