IoT
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A belt and braces approach to cyber security
A holistic strategy, combining best practices with testing and certification, is the best way to build cyber resilience.We use the expression “belt and braces” to mean that we are being extra careful about something. The idea is that if our belt breaks unexpectedly, our braces will ensure that our trousers stay up.
Smarter living
New technologies for consumers make home life simpler and saferNearly every aspect of our lives bears the imprint of smart technology. From home thermostats controlled via a smart phone to watches that monitor our health, the number of traditional devices that are becoming connected is increasing. This enables us to benefit from new service offerings.
AI empowers the workforce
Standardization is essential to the broad adoption of AI technologiesArtificial intelligence (AI) is one of the big buzz words in the tech industry. From robots to self-driving cars, digital twins and medical diagnosis, AI promises to deliver innovation on the scale of the discovery of fire and electricity, as one Silicon Valley chief executive officer (CEO) has put it. While it is not yet clear if this is truth or hyperbole, technical advances are coming rapidly.
Cyber security for supply chains: as strong as the weakest links
Supply chains vulnerabilities make them targets of choice for attacksAs up to 80% of cyber breaches may originate in supply chains, protecting these is an absolute priority for all organizations. Industrial and critical infrastructure assets are most at risk. The IEC has developed many Standards for these. It works also on conformity assessment (CA) and global certification schemes through Working Groups (WGs) set up by its Conformity Assessment Board (CAB) and by the Certification Management Committee (CMC) of IECEE, the IEC System for Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components. Both should help better protect supply chains.
Embracing the technology that is reshaping our world
Innovative information technologies are an inextricable part of modern lifeBillions of connected devices and systems make up the internet of things (IoT), and help to simplify how we communicate, work and go about daily tasks.
First International Standards committee for entire AI ecosystem
Industry recognizes standardization will be essential to broad adoption of AIInformation technology has become an integral part of our lives whether it be in the consumer, industrial or commercial aspects. It is hard to imagine life, work or entertainment without it. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents the next digital frontier of the IT evolution.
Upcoming global events
On the agenda: Off-grid power, energy, EVs, batteries, hydropower, IoT, smart cities, cables and wires, renewable energies, nano tech and moreThe IEC regularly supports key global and regional industry events.
From conflict to civvy street
For a very long time advances in military technology have spilled over into civilian applicationsIn conflicts, throughout history all sides have tried to make the best possible use of inventions and technology to gain a decisive advantage over adversaries. At the same time developing systems to minimize one’s own losses has also been a priority. Military needs have often accelerated many technologies, through improvements to existing systems or the development of new ones. More and more of these technologies have been adopted for civilian use, the reverse process from civilian to military applications is also observed, to a lesser extent.
Staying one step ahead
Cyber security and the role of International StandardsInnovation brings new challenges – or, put another way, every silver lining has a cloud. While the Internet has given us connected, smart and interactive technologies, it has also spawned the murky, underground world of cyber crime.
Building blocks for cyber security
Blockchain opens up new possibilities for data protectionAs we move towards more connected environments, cyber security threats are increasing. One technology that could help with data protection is blockchain, which is also starting to be used in some renewable energy projects.
Good things come in pairs in Industry 4.0
Digital twins are real-time digital images of physical objects, or processes, that are optimizing performance in smart factoriesImagine opening your email and finding a medical prescription to treat an illness you didn’t know you had, without any prior physical tests and perhaps before you even felt unwell. Your doctor could have decided on the treatment after examining a digital replica of you, including real time data about your diet, lifestyle and current environment.
Upcoming global events
On the agenda: Energy and utilities, IoT, energy storage, EV batteries and hydropowerThe IEC regularly supports key global and regional industry events, which can present the IEC endorsement on their website and materials.
From driver to driven – and how to get there
Autonomous driving will become the norm, but when, how and in what form?The internet of things (IoT) – consisting of millions of “sensorized” connected devices and systems – and artificial intelligence (AI) – combining analytics, machine learning and algorithms – are making the world smarter and more connected.
Evolving with digital transformation
Interview with Phil Wennblom, new Chair of ISO/IEC JTC 1Information technology has penetrated our homes, cities and workplaces, as billions of “sensorized” devices and systems that form part of the internet of things (IoT) help to simplify how we work, communicate and carry out daily tasks.
Living in a smart world
Standardization helps achieve an effective, safe, reliable IoT, while enabling the creation of a global marketWhether we realize it or not, the internet of things (IoT) is part of many aspects of daily life. Thanks to billions of connected, “sensorized” devices and systems, it can facilitate everyday activities and tasks and improve the efficiency of work processes, which saves time and money. In the case of healthcare, it can save lives and improve quality of life.
Introducing the 2017 Young Professional Leaders
In line for top positions in standardization and conformity assessmentThe IEC Young Professionals (YP) Programme brings together upcoming expert engineers, technicians and managers from all over the world, who aspire to become more involved in the IEC and help shape the future of international standardization and conformity assessment in the field of electrotechnology. In this issue of e-tech, we introduce the three 2017 Leaders of the IEC Young Professionals Programme who were elected by their peers in Vladivostok, Russia, during the IEC General Meeting.
AI is listening to you
Recent advances in voice recognition bring AI technologies to the homeArtificial Intelligence (AI) was one of the big buzzwords at CES 2018. From home appliances to robots and self-driving cars, AI is able to help us with our everyday activities. While an interest in intelligent machines can be traced back to Greek mythology, recent advances in computing that enable us to collect large quantities of data and then process it using algorithms, have hastened the development of AI technologies.
The future's at our door
The IEC is gearing up to tackle technological advancesTraditionally, the last issue of the year provides feedback on the IEC General Meeting (GM), held in 2017 in Vladivostok, Russia.
Standards are vital in a connected world
IEC drives latest IoT technology trendsThe ubiquitous internet of things (IoT) comprises billions of "sensorized" and connected devices and systems, which are used in many industries, including agriculture, energy management, healthcare, industrial automation, smart buildings, smart cities and transport.
Railways smarten up in battle for customers
Smart systems will make railways fit to face 21st century challengesRailway operators are increasingly achieving greater safety and efficiency by using digital technologies and computer‑based management, control and communication systems. The technical advances in modern transportation that the industrial internet of things (IIoT) enables are driving the development of further international standards in the railway sector.
The influence of weather and geography
How topology, climate and country size influence standardizationThe Open Session of the 81st IEC General Meeting in Vladivostok focused on the geographical and climatic features that influence the requirements and reliability of electrical and electronic devices as well as on the technologies used in the transportation of people and goods within the Russian Federation.
30 years of Standards for cutting-edge technology
ISO/IEC JTC 1 to broaden its remitInformation technology doesn’t stand still and neither does the IEC and ISO joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1, established in 1987 to cover these technologies. This year, as ISO/IEC JTC 1 celebrates its 30-year anniversary, experts from 33 countries continue to contribute to the standardization activities of its 22 subcommittees (SCs), which have already produced more than 3 000 International Standards.
SMB Meeting in Vladivostok
SMB Chair shares key decisions and developmentsIEC e-tech talked with Ralph Sporer, new IEC Vice-President and Chair of the Standardization Management Board (SMB) during the General Meeting in Vladivostok, Russia. Sporer shared key decisions and expected impact as well as thoughts regarding his first year at the helm of the SMB.
Successful leaders adapt in fast changing world
IEC President James Shannon addresses CouncilOur world is changing rapidly and technologies are converging all around us. Enhancements in communications, renewable energy, medical devices and many other areas have improved health, economic safety and development, which can benefit everyone.
Digitization: direct impact on standardization
IEC must seize opportunities and address challengesIn his address to Council, Frans Vreeswijk, IEC General Secretary & CEO, reminded the audience that digitization is a key focus for both industry and standards organizations. Standards will play a key role in the digitization of industry, healthcare and every other part of our life. The new Masterplan, approved and published prior to the General Meeting in Vladivostok, Russia, sets the goals and expectations for the Commission, in this area among others, for the years to come.
Upcoming global events (October 2017-February 2018)
On the agenda: EMC, 5G networks, energy efficiency, IoT, HVDC, displays, hydrogen fuel cells and SCADA systemsThe IEC regularly endorses key global and regional industry events.
Driving the internet of things through standardization
IoT is all around us with millions of connected devicesThe internet of things (IoT) is now in sharp focus for the technology industry and for standards development organizations, such as IEC, which publishes consensus-based International Standards and manages conformity assessment systems for electric and electronic products, systems and services, collectively known as electrotechnology.
Standards that count and build trust
Message from Frans Vreeswijk, IEC General Secretary & CEOIEC work has to be relevant to companies and countries to help them address real market and societal needs.
Helping prevent a cyber nightmare
With daily cyber attacks on the increase and reaching all areas, IEC work is essential to prevent or, fails this, mitigate their impactStandardization work by the IEC technical committees (TCs) and subcommittees (SCs), and by the Joint Technical Committee (ISO/IEC JTC 1) set up by the IEC and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is meant to prevent and mitigate the catastrophic impact of cyber attacks on parts of the critical infrastructure everywhere. In addition, IECEE, the IEC System for Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components, is working on a generic conformity assessment (CA) model which can be applied to cyber security.
Thirty years of ICT standardization
IoT subcommittee is the new kid on the blockThe world has never been more connected and surrounded by ICT. Whether we realize it or not, many aspects of ISO/IEC JTC 1 work affect daily life. From a smart toothbrush, animal tracking collar and household appliances, to health monitoring wearables and smart systems in buildings and transport, the list is endless.
The importance of testing against International Standards
Everyone benefits from using efficient, safe products and servicesToday, many devices and services found in homes, hospitals, the workplace and industry run off electricity. Such machines and equipment can be dangerous if they malfunction, causing explosions, fires or electrocuting users or anyone who comes into contact with them, in addition to damaging property.
Omnipresent printed electronics
From niche to mass market in a few yearsA decade ago, printed electronics was still very much a budding technology destined to a niche market. The emergence and rapid growth of connected devices such as smartphones, tablets and wearables have boosted the internet of things (IoT) and offered new avenues of development to the printed electronics sector.
Green connections
How to manage hazardous substances in electronic componentsSmart and connectivity are two of the words that probably best describe our society in the 21st century. Everyone and everything is connected nowadays, or soon will be. Cities, buildings, homes, farms, industrial plants, transportation, appliances, wearables and mobile devices are intrinsically linked to our way of life.
Securing critical infrastructure all the way to the top
Protecting myriad connected devices will require a holistic approach to security risksAs more and more objects are connected, communicate and interact with each other, in what is labelled the internet of things (IoT), they become building blocks in larger systems. Known and unknown vulnerabilities in this wealth of objects are bound to attract cyber attacks that can bring down entire critical installations in many countries. Protection of IoT components against cyber threats, as well as of the systems that integrate them, is fast becoming a key priority.
Wear your health on your sleeve
Medical wearables push for innovationNew flexible and organic printing technologies are revolutionizing the medical wearable device market and the IEC is establishing the key relevant International Standards.
Tags, RFID and the Internet of Things
e-tech catches up with Dan Kimball, Chair of ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31Information technology is all around us and part of our daily lives. Shopping has never been easier, with the swipe of a barcode, voice recognition and fingerprints provide access to buildings, while millions of documents and photos are stored on the cloud.
Connecting the printed electronics and wearables communities
Wearable devices will benefit from advances in printed electronics technologiesPrinted electronics as a manufacturing method has become established in a number of areas across the electrotechnical world. The connections that are made are emerging as particularly significant in the new generation of wearable electronic devices. Although some wearable applications can be realized using wholly conventional rigid electronics, many will require some element of flexibility. Standardization work by a number of IEC Technical Committees (TCs) and subcommittees (SCs) is central to this development.
Self-powering the internet of things
Harnessing ambient energy sources is critical to the rollout of the internet of things in industryThe rapidly growing number of connected devices that form the backbone of the internet of things must become self-powered. The US research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. forecasts that 8,4 billion connected things will be in use worldwide in 2017, up 31% from 2016, and will reach 20,4 billion by 2020. Powering these with batteries or by connecting them to power networks would be totally impractical, even impossible.
Shedding light on IEC standardization
IEC presents at international lighting and facility management event in AustraliaThe sparc-FMA International Lighting and Facilities event, organized by the Facility Management Association (FMA) took place from 30 May to 1 June, in Sydney. During the event, more than 60 exhibitors, including lighting manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, showcased the latest innovations in the two industries.
Upcoming global events (April-June 2017)
On the agenda: Live maintenance, cybersecurity, fuel cells and batteries, energy storage, emerging technologies, digital utilities, LVDC, IoT and moreThe IEC regularly supports key global and regional industry events, which can present the IEC endorsement on their website and materials.
Upcoming global events
On the agenda: LVDC, energy management, lighting, IoT, hydropower, solar PV asset management and rotating machineryThe IEC regularly supports key global and regional industry events, which can present the IEC endorsement on their website and materials.
Protecting road vehicles from cyber attacks
The automotive industry wakes up to cyber threats, and considers measures to thwart themCritical infrastructure systems are being increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber attacks. A session of the annual Future Networked Car symposium, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) on the fringe of the Geneva Motor Show, looked at measures aimed at Mitigating cyber security threats to automotive systems. A wide range of speakers took part, including government representatives, car and accessory manufacturers, automotive cyber security solutions developers and providers.
Texting cows and talking fields
The Internet of agriculture is flourishingImagine getting a text from a cow which is about to calve or from a field to say it needs watering, while drones, smart machinery and mini ‘agribots’ tend to your crops. This scenario may not be too far away. Discover more about robotics in agriculture in the e-tech article, Farming (r)evolution.
Are we driving or ride sharing?
Reshaping personal transport and the automotive industryIn the next decade, cars will be well on the way to, or have reached the goal of becoming fully self-driving. As the industry continues to develop new levels of autonomous vehicles, the whole notion of personal transport is being turned on its head.
Smarter than the average lamppost
Connected lampposts offer more than cost savingsWant a weather update, real-time air pollution status, or are you just trying to find that elusive parking space? It’s simple…ask the lamppost!
Upcoming global events (March-June 2017)
On the agenda: Smart Grids, metering, IECEx, cyber security, energy storage, emerging technologies, digital utilities, LVDC, IoT and solar PVThe IEC regularly supports key global and regional industry events, which can present the IEC endorsement on their website and materials.
IEC calls on disruptive technology for universal energy access
Announcing the LVDC Conference on Sustainable Electricity Access, 22-23 May 2017, in NairobiEnergy, and especially electricity, is the golden thread that impacts the majority of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and furthermore, the development of every nation and economy. The UN recognizes electricity access as a key pillar for economic development because it helps to reduce poverty and hunger, improves educational opportunities and enables higher quality healthcare.
IEC work on cyber security for energy infrastructure
International conference presents IEC activities in cyber securityProtecting energy security and critical energy infrastructure against cyber attacks is fast emerging as an absolute priority. In mid-February, the EnergyPact Foundation organized an international conference in Vienna on cyber security aimed at protecting such infrastructure. Eyal Adar, an expert on cyber security, outlined the extent of IEC standardization and Conformity Assessment (CA) activities in the domain, giving details of the areas to which they apply.
Expanded scope for SyC AAL
IEC work to help people remain active longerTo deal with Active Assisted Living (AAL) issues, the IEC has established a Systems Committee, IEC SyC AAL. This SyC has the role of promoting safety, security, privacy and cross-vendor interoperability in the use of AAL systems and services, and of fostering standardization which boosts their usability and accessibility. Its role and scope are constantly being expanded.
Aiming for 100% interoperability
Standards are part of the solution to make smart everything fully connectedThe past year may not have seen significant breakthroughs in the tech world but 2017 is promising some interesting technological developments.
Why the IoT needs standardization
Interview with Sangkeun Yoo, Convener for ISO/IEC JTC 1/WG 10: Internet of thingsThe internet of things (IoT) is already part of our lives. It’s penetrated our smart cities and homes, agriculture, automotive/transportation, energy management, entertainment, healthcare, industrial automation and retail environments. It comprises billions of connected, sensorized devices and systems which help to simplify work and personal tasks. As it grows, the different systems and platforms will need to be interoperable, which can be achieved through standardization.
Hearing lots of voices?
AI takes connected devices to the next levelIn our smart world, a huge number of devices are part of the internet of things (IoT), or becoming so, many of them integrated with our homes, cities, manufacturing or transport systems and infrastructures. Added to this, a growing number of connected consumer devices, appliances and systems are able to carry out many human daily tasks in the home or workplace, whether for healthcare or entertainment. Research by Gartner forecasts the number of connected things will reach 20,8 billion by 2020, of which 13,5 billion will be from the consumer sector.
Tech trends 2017
Insights and predictions by Shawn DuBravac, chief economist, CTAFor the first time in history, voice recognition has reached a level close to human understanding. This opens up new opportunities, notably in replacing the smartphone as a ubiquitous interface. The sensorization and digitization trends of previous years are now leading to adaptive automation and highly-specialized applications that fundamentally transform the user experience. Last but not least augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are entering the real world of business.
Moving from the core to the edge
Scaling to support the Internet of Things’ trillions of sensors and billions of systemsThe IEC has initiated a White Paper dedicated to Vertical Edge Intelligence in cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute’s FOKUS NGNI
Standardization can help millions access electricity
IEC approves Systems Committee for LVDCIt has been a busy year for Systems Evaluation Group (SEG) 4: Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) Applications, Distribution and Safety for use in Developed and Developing Economies. During the IEC 2016 General Meeting (GM) in Frankfurt, SEG 4 Convenor, Vimal Mahendru, presented a final report to the Standardization Management Board (SMB). The SMB voted in favour of the proposal to set up a Systems Committee (SyC) for LVDC and LVDC for electricity access.
The technology that runs smart homes
Electronic controls are increasingly used to operate home appliancesWe are all familiar with remote controls. We use them to change TV channels, select our favourite music and protect ourselves with sophisticated security systems. Still, more appliances and systems in our homes work by using automated electronic controls.
Smart cities to boost energy efficiency
A wide range of technologies will help cities optimize energy useIn hundreds of smart city projects around the world, governments, municipalities and private stakeholders are investing in smart grids, open data platforms and networked transport systems to meet the challenges of environmental sustainability, population growth and urbanization.
Smart assistance
IEC takes systems approach for standardization in Active Assisted LivingOne of the emerging trends of the 21st century is the ageing of the world population.
Sensor networks, wearable printed electronics and AAL
Wearable printed electronics will play a central role in Active Assisted LivingSensors provide information about objects, or people and their environment. Networks of sensors in the shape of wearable electronics and integrated into the living environment will support Active Assisted Living (AAL) into the future. Sensors and printed electronics will be increasingly integrated into smart wearable devices to facilitate the implementation of AAL.
Smart Cities for the golden years
Smart City technologies have the potential to enable the disabled and elderly to remain independent for longer, and live healthy, mobile livesThe proportion of people aged over 60 will almost double from 12 to 22% between 2015 and 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In line with this, the WHO World Report on Disability states that currently more than one billion people live with some form of disability worldwide. The figure is expected to rise in the coming years as populations age.
IEC work supports cross-sector AAL
IEC plays a growing role helping those seeking to remain active to access a variety of servicesTo deal with Active Assisted Living (AAL) issues, the IEC has established a Systems Committee, IEC SyC AAL. This SyC has the role of promoting safety, security, privacy and cross-vendor interoperability in the use of AAL systems and services, and of fostering standardization which boosts their usability and accessibility.
2016 Council Open Session
What future for standardization?One aim of the Council Open Session, held on the Friday afternoon during the IEC General Meeting in Frankfurt, was to summarize and conclude the week-long activities and presentations in the Reinvention Laboratory.
A year of brand building and increasing visibility
IEC General Secretary addresses CouncilDuring his address to Council, IEC General Secretary and CEO Frans Vreeswijk highlighted the main achievements since Minsk and talked about important ongoing projects.
The revolutionizing Internet of Things
MSB workshop discusses updates of IoT-related workFrom home heating systems, smart medical devices and fridges that automatically replenish food items, to connected cars that guide drivers to free parking spots, increasingly IoT is a part of our daily lives. However, this technology is not new. Industrial applications, power generation, digitization, connectivity and automation have been around for many years and IEC has been working in these areas for some time.
The IEC of the future
Looking back on the past year to better pave the way for the challenges aheadTraditionally, the last issue of the year provides feedback on the IEC General Meeting (GM), held in 2016 in Frankfurt, Germany,
A giant network
Smart technologies rely on IECQ for safe and reliable electronic componentsSmart and connectivity are two of the words that probably best describe our society in the 21st century. Everyone and everything is connected nowadays. Cities, buildings, transportation means, mobile devices are becoming smarter. Even the most mundane objects – the smart frying pan is a good example – have their connected version.
Innovative technology cleans up transport on land and at sea
Driverless vehicles – soon a reality or just a dream?Authorities worldwide face the challenge of ensuring improved road safety and providing efficient transport systems to address congested roads and pollution in growing cities. They are also tasked with providing large aging populations and people with disabilities greater mobility.
Weaving technology into smart textiles
From sportswear, space suits, military attire to life jackets, cutting-edge technology combined with textiles offers wearers more than just clothingImagine swiping your car seat to change the radio station or heating temperature? How about a uniform which can detect chemical contamination, a tent which generates electricity or a lamp shade which reacts to light and temperature?
IoT on the IEC map
First global workshop for Internet of Things Standards held in Berlin
Sensors everywhere
Sensors are rapidly being integrated in healthcare and hazardous environment applicationsThe decreasing cost of electronic devices and growing access to mobile technology and wireless networks are driving the expansion of the digital economy. Integrating biosensors into this mix could bring great benefits for medical care and for increasing safety in hazardous environments. IEC standardization work will have an important role to play in these developments.
Tech trends 2016
Insights and predictions by Shawn DuBravac, chief economist. CEAThe 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA, was again a show of records, reflecting the growing importance of consumer electronics and connected devices.
Focus on smart, innovative technologies
IEC President Dr Junji Nomura addresses CouncilElectricity and electronics are increasingly in everything, even in devices that were purely mechanical before. Not only individual products, but whole companies need to be able to work with each other to come up with technology solutions for increasingly large systems. In his address to Council Nomura sent a strong message: IEC National Committees (NCs) have a key role to play in promoting IEC work. They are the IEC! More than ever, NCs need to represent all national stakeholders and send the right experts to participate in IEC work at the global level.
Keeping smart homes safe and secure
Security is one of the key drivers for connected homes, after smart energyConnected safety and security systems and devices with remote monitoring capabilities are expanding their share of the global smart home market. A survey in the UK in July 2015 identified security as the second most important of five key drivers for the connected home, after smart energy. The BI Intelligence research company estimates that by 2019 home security systems will account for 38% of the connected home market.
IoT to make buildings and cities "smarter"
The Internet of Things is emerging as a main driver in the development of smart buildingsAs smart commercial buildings become incorporated into the wider energy control networks of smart cities and linked to other aspects such as transport, water and air quality, the increasing intelligence and automation of buildings will play a key role in the smart cities of the future.
Non-stop energy harvesting
Energy harvesting is developing fast, supporting innumerable applications and devicesThere is a rapidly increasing range of applications using energy harvesting (EH), the process of collecting low-grade energy from sources such as ambient or waste heat, solar, thermal and kinetic energy and converting it into electrical energy. The increase is driven by the need to enable an ever expanding range of sensors to run and communicate independent of an external power source and by the need to meet the power requirements of a wide variety of mobile and wearable devices. It is seen as one of the main techniques that will allow the Internet of Things (IoT) to develop.
Billions of connections
How manufacturing can benefit from Big Data and IoTThe May issue of e-tech focuses on manufacturing and Big Data.
Sensored all the way
How to make sure devices and systems are smart and safeSensors: they are invisible, most people don’t even know what they look like, but they are omnipresent today. They have a major impact on our home and work environments and are making our lives much safer and easier in many ways.
Future directions
IEC publishes three new White PapersThe IEC MSB (Market Strategy Board) helps identify what areas the IEC should focus on in the future through the identification of key technological trends and market needs. It publishes recommendations in the form of White Papers. Three new IEC White Papers focus on Smart Cities, the Internet of Things and Microgrids for disaster preparedness and recovery.