The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 has just wrapped up in Las Vegas, and while Artificial Intelligence certainly captured a lot of attention, it was the Internet of Things (IoT) that stole the spotlight. In our increasingly interconnected world, IoT devices are driving innovation and creativity in unlikely places, and interest in the technology is growing.
Ahead of the conference, more than 17,000 attendees identified IoT as a key area of interest. As a result, the event featured a prominent array of booths showcasing IoT connectivity, smart home appliances, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices.
A Nabto representative attended CES to glimpse at the future trajectory of the IoT landscape. And one of our key takeaways was how fast IoT is evolving. We’ve moved beyond IoT devices that just sense and share data – we are now seeing IoT that can act, perform tasks, and make real-world decisions. It’s no longer just about capturing information; it’s about turning that information into action.
Smart Homes: IoT-Enabled Living
Smart home technology has been growing rapidly, but CES 2025 demonstrated how IoT is taking home automation to the next level. Today’s smart homes are no longer just about controlling lights and temperature remotely; they are about creating adaptive environments that learn from our behaviors and respond in real-time to our needs. This adaptability not only enhances convenience but also sets the stage for smarter, more sustainable living.
For instance, SIMCom unveiled a suite of IoT products designed to improve connectivity while reducing environmental impact. One standout example is a smart water meter that detects leaks or unusual consumption early. By flagging issues and sending real-time data to utility providers, the technology helps conserve water and prevent waste.
Building on the concept of adaptability, IoT is also evolving to interact with the physical world in more dynamic ways. A prime example is Roborock’s Saros Z70 robot vacuum. This device goes beyond basic cleaning by using IoT-enabled sensors to detect obstacles, which it can either avoid or move to optimize its cleaning route. Equipped with a physical arm to pick up and relocate objects, the Saros Z70 showcases how IoT technology is seamlessly bridging the gap between sensing and action in practical, everyday scenarios.
IoT is also making its mark in family-friendly innovations, such as the Brisk It Zelos Smart Grill. This BBQ grill combines connectivity and convenience to deliver an automated cooking experience. The Zelos grill allows users to monitor and control temperature, smoke levels, and cooking settings remotely by syncing their smartphones through the Brisk It app. Whether users are entertaining guests or simply multitasking, this IoT-enabled device allows users to cook meals without the need to hover over the grill.
Also of note was Samsung’s Home AI system, which uses IoT to create intelligent living spaces. The system learns from your daily routines, adjusting everything from lighting to climate control to fit your needs. For example, when it detects that you’re going to sleep, it will automatically dim the lights, helping you relax and unwind. This type of integration between IoT-enabled devices is just the beginning of what’s possible in the world of smart homes.
Beyond the Home
IoT isn’t just transforming personal convenience – it’s also reshaping public spaces through business-driven innovations. A standout example from CES 2025 is MOKOSmart’s Bluetooth L03 Navigation Anchor, designed for businesses and institutions managing large venues like airports, shopping malls, and hospitals. By providing real-time location data, this technology enables organizations to help visitors navigate complex spaces more easily, reducing confusion and improving the overall experience.
Another innovation that stood out at CES 2025 is the Digi X-ON edge-to-cloud platform, which integrates hardware, software, and cloud connectivity into a single, secure, and reliable system. This technology is designed for businesses across industries, including smart cities, industrial IoT, and agriculture.
For example, in a smart city context, Digi X-ON can improve communication between traffic sensors and control systems to optimize traffic flow. In agriculture, it might enable real-time monitoring of soil conditions, weather patterns, and equipment performance, helping farmers make data-driven decisions. By simplifying the connection between devices and the cloud, Digi X-ON allows businesses to enhance efficiency and improve operations.
Future of IoT at CES
As we look to the future, it’s clear that IoT is poised to become even more integrated into our daily lives. As more devices become connected, IoT will continue to transform the way we live, work, and interact with technology. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of IoT’s future is the integration of AI and machine learning. As these technologies evolve, IoT devices won’t just collect data – they’ll analyze and act on it in real-time, making decisions locally without relying on cloud services.
For instance, cameras are becoming even more vital to IoT as they enable devices to “see” and interpret their environments with unprecedented sophistication. For instance, in robotics, cameras paired with AI allow machines to visually differentiate between objects, improving precision in industries like manufacturing or healthcare. In smart cities, cameras could enhance traffic management by identifying real-time congestion patterns and adjusting signals accordingly. Even home security systems could become more proactive, using visual data to distinguish between routine activities and potential threats.
Ultimately, CES 2025 demonstrated that IoT is just getting started. From smart homes that learn and adapt to connected devices that help solve real-world challenges, the possibilities are endless. With advancements in AI and edge computing, the IoT ecosystem is only going to get smarter, faster, and more efficient.
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