A new research report published by Vodafone shows that global M2M adoption has increased by more than 80% since last year, with over a fifth of companies now actively using the technology.
This figure is expected to keep growing, with the number of machine-to-machine connected devices forecast to increase from 4.4 billion this year to 10.3 billion devices by 2018.
More than 600 executives involved in setting M2M strategy were contacted for the research, which showed automotive, consumer electronics and energy/utilities to be the three sectors with highest adoption.
Overall, 46% of respondents reported a ‘significant increase’ in their return on investment from M2M. That’s up from 36% in 2013.
Erik Brenneis, Vodafone’s Director of Machine-to-Machine, said “This year’s report leaves no doubt that momentum is accelerating as companies begin to realise the commercial potential of the Internet of Things. This technology is transforming whole industries as companies find new ways to operate and engage with their customers. M2M is moving from the back-office to centre stage.”
[Vodafone M2M Adoption Barometer report]