One of the fast-growing technologies today is the Internet of Things (IoT). Essentially, IoT connects physical devices, like machines and gadgets, using sensors, software, and internet-enabled tools. These smart devices collect data, talk to each other, and share information with central systems over the internet. But when you combine IoT with Edge Computing—where data is processed close to where it’s created rather than in huge, far-off data centers—it becomes even more powerful, allowing for faster automation and smoother remote control of systems.
The public’s interest in IoT has been strong for years. Back in 2010, people searched "Internet of Things" or "IoT" about 73 times, on average. By 2023, those numbers went up to 83 and 86. During the same period, articles and reports about IoT multiplied almost fourfold, and academic studies doubled. According to Statista, by 2025, there could be over 75 billion IoT devices, which is a big jump from 30 billion in 2020. And, by 2024, IoT’s global market revenue is projected to reach nearly USD 950 billion, growing at 10.49% per year, and expected to hit USD 1.56 trillion by 2029.
These trends show that IoT will keep evolving, but what does it mean for workplaces? With IoT, we could soon see smart offices that adapt to workers' needs. Employers could use IoT to collect data about how people work and make improvements, like adjusting lighting, temperature, or even cutting down noise in the office. They could also track how resources are being used to manage them better. However, this level of tracking raises concerns. More surveillance might help boost productivity, but it also risks crossing into employees’ privacy, sparking debates about where to draw the line.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
While IoT helps make offices smarter, AR and VR open up new ways to experience work. AR layers digital content onto the real world—imagine walking through a job interview while taking a virtual tour of the office and meeting digital versions of your potential coworkers. In meetings, AR could show 3D data so that everyone can visualize complex information and collaborate in real-time, even if they’re miles apart. On the other hand, VR lets people dive into entirely virtual worlds, whether it’s exploring a far-off planet or working together in a digital office. Remote teams could meet in VR for team-building activities, work together on projects, or even join a virtual company retreat. VR can even mimic casual interactions, like chatting by the coffee machine.
The Metaverse is what we call these virtual worlds created by different companies. Businesses can rent or buy virtual spaces there, either for customers or as digital office spaces for employees. While the internet gives us a 2D experience, the Metaverse takes it further, offering a 3D environment where you can walk around and interact with objects and people more naturally.
Interest in AR and VR has been up and down. Back in 2010, Google searches for "Augmented Reality" averaged 86 points, and "Virtual Reality" averaged 80. By 2023, AR searches dropped to 63, while VR stayed at 79. But despite this, reports and articles about these technologies have doubled. Statista estimates that by 2024, the AR and VR market could bring in USD 40.4 billion in revenue, growing at a rate of 8.97% per year, and reaching about USD 62 billion by 2029.
The rise of AR and VR could greatly impact the job market, especially with remote work becoming more common since COVID-19. While it's unclear exactly when the Metaverse will become a normal part of work life, the potential is definitely there. The tech hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet, but it’s likely just a matter of time before it does. These tools will transform how remote teams work together, and that change is coming fast. As it happens, companies will need to invest in training workers to use these new technologies to stay competitive in the evolving workplace.