Over the last decade, thanks to its proven reliability, security, and range, Bluetooth® technology has expanded to become a cornerstone for wireless connectivity in commercial and industrial spaces, powering a span of applications, from smart lighting to electronic shelf labels to factory workflows and more. According to new data from ABI Research, 600 million Bluetooth® enabled industrial devices will ship annually by 2028, underscoring the important role Bluetooth connectivity plays in enterprise and manufacturing environments.

Creating a more productive world

To combat rising costs, manufacturing industries strive to optimize efficiency and reduce downtime while improving operational visibility to increasingly complex supply chains. According to McKinsey, IoT manufacturing innovations have the potential to create an economic impact of up to $3.7 trillion per year by 2025.

Bluetooth® technology plays a pivotal role in industrial productivity, enabling industrial IoT solutions such as predictive maintenance and manufacturing automation. Industrial automation powered by Bluetooth connectivity enhances work quality, improves energy efficiency, reduces waste, and minimizes production disruptions.

“In industries like pharmaceuticals and food, where waste can be extremely costly, Bluetooth® technology enables real-time visibility and condition monitoring for global customers, enhancing supply-chain efficiency and minimizing waste,” said Mikko Savolainen, senior product line director, Silicon Labs. “As supply chains digitalize and the need for decarbonization becomes more urgent, Bluetooth connectivity can also support scalable, secure solutions that optimize production workflows and reduce CO2 emissions.”

Smarter, more efficient operations

Bluetooth advancements that support industrial IoT solutions not only transform industries, but they also contribute to cost savings and environmental benefits, enabling smarter, more efficient operations.

• Condition monitoring: Bluetooth® sensors and diagnostic solutions continuously monitor machine health, detecting early signs of wear, overheating, and system failures before they lead to costly breakdowns. This enables predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtimes. Reflecting growing industry adoption, Bluetooth® condition monitoring and maintenance devices are projected to experience a 3x growth in the next five years.
• Asset and material tracking: The growing demand for enterprises to prevent asset loss, comply with traceability regulations, improve staff/visitor safety, and enhance productivity is driving the increased adoption of Bluetooth® tags. Whether it’s tracking equipment around a warehouse or locating assets on the manufacturing floor, Bluetooth® trackers eliminate inefficiencies, minimize operational losses, and optimize production workflows.
• Worker safety: Bluetooth® connectivity is the leading technology solution for wireless human-machine interface (HMI). It helps workers wirelessly engage with machines, allowing them to control and manage equipment from a safe distance. Bluetooth technology also plays a key role in supporting real-time worker location tracking across high-risk environments. Bluetooth tags can track personnel in hazardous locations like factory floors or mines, and monitoring/geo fencing workers reduces the need for physical contact in dangerous environments, helping to protect staff while they carry out their duties.

“Bluetooth® Channel Sounding and Bluetooth® Direction Finding solutions enable precise, long-range asset tracking and ensure robust connectivity,” said Ross Sabolcik, senior VP and general manager, industrial and commercial BU, Silicon Labs. “This is particularly beneficial in high-risk environments like construction sites, oil rigs, and chemical plants, where reducing physical contact with hazardous equipment is critical. The widespread adoption of Bluetooth® tags is a testament to their versatility and effectiveness across industries, from healthcare to logistics, where accurate tracking and safety are paramount.”