Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
About Bluetooth Technology and the
Ambient IoT

The emergence of Ambient IoT devices represents a significant leap in the evolution of IoT devices, offering a promising future for the IoT ecosystem. By relying on ambient energy sources, the Ambient IoT enables the development of lower-cost, smaller form factor, and maintenance-free devices, thus opening new possibilities for IoT applications across various industries.

The market potential is extensive with early adoption focused on short-range wireless connectivity, particularly Bluetooth^® Low Energy (LE) technology. Bluetooth LE will play a central role in the evolution of the Ambient IoT. From a technology perspective, it is a leading, very low-power protocol that supports a wide range of network topologies and is available on many low-cost ICs. From an ecosystem perspective, Bluetooth LE is an open, standard-backed technology that promises long-term support and feature evolution. Consequently, it has built a large developer base and a ubiquitous installed base of dedicated or multi-use infrastructure, facilitating further solutions built with the technology.

Recently, Direktor IT reached out to Kayla Myrhow, senior product marketing manager at the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) to learn more about the interaction between Bluetooth technology and the Ambient IoT and to get answers to commonly asked questions about the Ambient IoT.

Direktor IT Q&A With Kayla Myrhow From the Bluetooth SIG

Which role does Bluetooth^® LE play in the development of sustainable Ambient IoT?

Ambient IoT refers to a new class of IoT devices primarily powered by harvesting ambient energy from radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other viable ambient energy source. Bluetooth^® technology, particularly Bluetooth LE, is pivotal in shaping the emerging Ambient IoT landscape. This is attributed to Bluetooth LE’s robust feature set, making it a preferred choice for Ambient IoT applications. The Bluetooth SIG’s leadership within the ecosystem also fosters continuous advancement of Bluetooth technology and cultivates a developer community focused on low-power IoT solutions.

What does an implementation architecture for the Ambient IoT look like?

Bluetooth^® LE offers versatile implementation options, encompassing point-to-point, mesh, and broadcast topologies. Furthermore, Bluetooth technology facilitates various connectivity methods, including internet-based, gateway-mediated, or peer-to-peer setups. Ambient IoT use cases exhibit diverse implementation approaches tailored to specific user needs and deployment environments. Leveraging Bluetooth LE’s adaptable topologies, solution providers can customize Ambient IoT solutions to align seamlessly with each use case and environment’s requirements.

What are the benefits of the Bluetooth ecosystem for Ambient IoT?

The Bluetooth^® ecosystem offers crucial long-term support for the Ambient IoT market, ensuring sustained field functionality without frequent maintenance or equipment replacement. Additionally, Bluetooth technology facilitates feature development tailored to Ambient IoT needs, covering functions like sensing, location tracking, identification, and control. By promoting standards and interoperability, we are contributing to the seamless integration and maintenance of Ambient IoT devices, reducing reliance on proprietary solutions and single vendors.

What existing and new IoT use cases are there?

Applications for the Ambient IoT can be integrated into existing and emerging IoT scenarios across various vertical markets. However, the highest adoption rates are anticipated in applications characterized by low complexity and functionality, affordability, full autonomy, reliance on supporting devices, and controlled energy environments. Although the potential for use cases is extensive, we and ABI Research project that many implementations in the short term will focus on supply chain tracking and monitoring, spanning from manufacturing to post-sale stages.

New Market Research

This recently released research note – The Ambient IoT – The Emergence of a New Class of Bluetooth IoT Devices – establishes guidelines for comprehending the Ambient IoT, intending to align IoT ecosystem strategies to create Ambient IoT devices. It also evaluates the role of Bluetooth technology, notably Bluetooth^® LE, in addressing Ambient IoT use cases. Bluetooth LE, as a low-power protocol, already has a central position in enabling this device class. It is the de facto choice for many IoT solution providers building applications based on ambient energy harvesting devices.

Read the full report.