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In a Future of Manufacturing livestream hosted by Jan Pingel and Ira Sharp, they were joined by Ryan Treece, Global Business Development Manager – Data Platforms & AI Solutions at FreeWave Technologies. The conversation focused on edge computing, IIoT deployments, ROI, and the future of industrial automation.
That was 2022. Now, fast forward to 2025, and IIoT has made even more strides. Let’s explore how the industry has continued to evolve in just a few years.
Defining the Edge and Its Evolving Role
In 2022, the edge in IIoT was typically defined by on-premises systems, but today it encompasses any system connected to the cloud, enabling bidirectional data transfer.
In 2025, edge devices now range from compact units like Raspberry Pis to AI-powered systems such as NVIDIA Jetson, capable of real-time processing and decision-making. These advancements allow manufacturers to process data locally, improving speed and efficiency.
The Importance of Data Normalization
A key takeaway from the 2022 conversation was the importance of obtaining the right data—not just any data. Fast-forward to 2025, and AI and machine learning are automating data normalization at the edge, enabling faster, more accurate insights.
Edge devices now clean and normalize data before sending it to the cloud or other platforms like SCADA, ensuring only relevant, actionable data is used to drive decisions.
Balancing Open and Closed Systems
The debate over open vs. closed systems in IIoT remains relevant. In 2025, there’s a growing trend toward hybrid systems that combine the simplicity of closed systems with the flexibility of open ones. This hybrid approach allows manufacturers to scale and customize their systems based on specific needs, offering greater flexibility and future proofing.
MQTT’s Growing Role in Internal Communication
In 2022, MQTT was gaining traction foredge-to-cloud communication, and in 2025, it’s now widely used for internal data transfer as well. New extensions like Sparkplug have improved MQTT’s ability to handle contextual data, making it more suited for complex industrial environments where real-time, low-latency communication is critical.
Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking Value
Ryan Treece shared an example of collaborating with an industrial device provider to overcome IIoT challenges. By embedding platforms with pre-built industrial protocol, cloud, and database connectors, manufacturers avoided the need for custom driver development, enabling seamless integration and faster time-to-value. This trend continues to grow in 2025, with edge computing unlocking real-time analytics and improving efficiency across industries.
As IIoT continues to evolve, collaborative efforts remain essential. The Industry 4.0 Club fosters these efforts by bringing together thought leaders and practitioners to discuss challenges and innovations. By working together, companies can scale their IIoT solutions, overcoming barriers to adoption and unlocking new levels of agility and competitiveness.
Watch the full livestream on YouTube and follow the Industry4.0 Club on LinkedIn for the latest insights.
Carol Mitchell-Lin is an Industry 4.0 thought leadership producer. Formerly host of the Women in Manufacturing webinar series and a Founder of the Industry 4.0 Club, Carol served as Vice Chair and Secretary on the Club's Board of Directors. She has more than 20 years of experience in the industrial space and combines excellent people skills with solid technical expertise. Connect with Carol on LinkedIn.
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