Embedded Internet of Things: Leveraging AI and Connectivity to Drive Digital Transformation

ShantonuBhadury, Senior Engineering Director, IC Design, Silicon Labs in an exclusive interview with Asia Business Outlook, has shared his views and thoughts pertaining to how companies can build secure embedded IoT systems that protect both their data and the privacy of their customers, as well as how different industries are leveraging these solutions to optimize operations and reduce costs. ShantonuBhadury is Senior Engineering Director at Silicon Labs, leading APAC IC Design teams in Singapore and India. Passionate about IoT, microcontrollers, and low-power design, he actively mentors and supports STEM talent development in the electronics sector.

AI-powered IoT devices are expected to enable smarter decision-making. How do you think this shift from traditional systems to AI-enhanced IoT systems will affect business operations and customer experiences?

AI-powered IoT devices represent a transformative shift from traditional systems, bringing intelligence and real-time decision-making to the edge. This shift is not merely a technological upgrade - it redefines how businesses operate and how customers interact with technology.

From a business operations perspective, AI-enhanced IoT systems allow organizations to process vast amounts of data at the source, enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automated responses. Silicon Labs' wireless SoCs and modules are designed to enable seamless IoT connectivity, essential for AI-enhanced IoT systems. These products support multiple wireless protocols, including Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, and Wi-Fi, ensuring flexibility and interoperability. The EFR32 Wireless Gecko Series is a standout, offering energy-efficient performance critical for battery-powered IoT devices.

For customers, these systems deliver hyper-personalized experiences. Smart home devices, for instance, can learn user preferences over time and optimize energy consumption or enhance comfort based on behavior patterns. Similarly, in healthcare, AI-driven IoT devices can provide real-time insights and alerts, improving patient outcomes and enabling proactive care. Silicon Labs’ sensor solutions, like the Si1133 ambient light sensors and Si70xx humidity and temperature sensors, provide real-time environmental data that feeds into AI algorithms. These sensors are pivotal in applications like smart agriculture, industrial automation, and wearable technology.

Cybersecurity remains a major concern in the age of IoT and AI. How can companies build secure Embedded IoT systems that protect both their data and the privacy of their customers?

As the number of connected devices continues to rise, so do the associated security challenges and vulnerabilities. Throughout the product lifecycle, device manufacturers face the critical task of protecting connected devices from IoT security threats. In today’s interconnected world, safeguarding devices is not optional - consumer data and modern online business models are increasingly susceptible to costly breaches and reputational damage.

Outsourcing IoT device manufacturing brings its own set of challenges, including cloning, overproduction, and counterfeiting. Unencrypted software exposes intellectual property (IP) to theft and supply chain disruptions. Other significant threats include cyberattacks, privacy violations, and inadequate authentication or standardization. Without robust security measures, IoT devices cannot be trusted to integrate into ecosystems like Matter, AWS, or Wi-SUN, eventually rendering them obsolete. As regulatory demands for data protection grow and consumers prioritize privacy, IoT manufacturers must adopt stringent security practices to protect user data and ensure compliance with evolving standards.

From smart cities to precision agriculture, embedded IoT solutions are being widely adopted. How are different industries leveraging these solutions to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences?

Embedded IoT solutions are driving innovation across industries, enabling smarter, more efficient, and customer-centric operations. In smart cities, IoT-enabled sensors and devices are transforming urban management. These technologies optimize traffic control, monitor energy consumption, and enhance public safety through real-time data analytics. For example, IoT-driven smart lighting systems reduce energy usage and costs by adjusting brightness based on environmental conditions.

In precision agriculture, IoT is revolutionizing traditional farming methods. Embedded solutions monitor soil health, weather conditions, and crop growth through sensor networks, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions. This not only maximizes yield but also reduces resource wastage, such as water and fertilizers, making agriculture more sustainable.

Industries like healthcare are leveraging IoT for remote patient monitoring and predictive maintenance of medical equipment, improving service reliability and patient outcomes. Similarly, in industrial automation, IoT solutions empower predictive maintenance of machinery, significantly reducing downtime and operational costs.

As IoT deployments scale, ensuring sustainable and efficient operation becomes more complex. What strategies or innovations are critical for scaling IoT systems without compromising on sustainability?

Scaling Internet of Things (IoT) systems sustainably requires strategies that minimize environmental impact while maintaining efficiency. Some of our unique approaches include:

Energy Harvesting: Utilizing ambient energy sources - such as light, heat, or radio frequency reduces reliance on traditional batteries, enhancing device longevity and decreasing environmental footprint. Silicon Labs offers solutions like the BG22E, MG22E, and FG22E chips, designed for ultra-low energy consumption and capable of harnessing ambient energy, promoting sustainable IoT deployments.

Edge Computing: Processing data locally on devices reduces the need for constant data transmission to central servers, conserving bandwidth and energy. Silicon Labs' IoT solutions support edge computing capabilities, enabling efficient data processing and decision-making at the device level.

Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing: Choosing eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes lessens environmental impact. Silicon Labs is committed to environmental sustainability, as outlined in the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report, which details goals and progress in reducing environmental impact through responsible practices.