10 leading IIoT companies transforming manufacturing

What is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connects machines and devices to the Internet so they can talk to each other. The result? Smoother operations, real-time data insights, and fewer breakdowns.

Companies like Siemens and Standard Bots are making it easier than ever for businesses to adopt this tech and get results fast.

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Major benefits of IIoT for manufacturing and small businesses

IIoT isn't just for the bigwigs anymore; small and medium-sized manufacturers are discovering that IIoT can be a major asset for staying competitive and having a positive impact on their bottom line.

Here’s why you should care about IIoT:

• No more downtime drama: IIoT lets you keep a close eye on your production line, spotting bottlenecks and inefficiencies before they turn into major stoppages. It allows you to make quick adjustments and keep things running like clockwork.
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• Reducing unexpected breakdowns: IIoT platforms can analyze data from your equipment to predict maintenance needs before something breaks down. This helps you avoid costly downtime and unexpected repairs.
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• Save money with data-driven decisions: IIoT gives you a treasure trove of data on your operations. Use those insights to optimize everything from energy consumption to inventory management, trimming those unnecessary expenses and watching your profits go up. 
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• Affordable solutions for small manufacturers: Think IIoT is only for big corporations with deep pockets? Think again! Standard Bots offers affordable solutions that make automation accessible to businesses of all sizes. Their RO1 cobot is a perfect example — it's packed with features, easy to use, and won't make you have to take out a loan to get it. 

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Top 10 IIoT companies: The 10 best in 2024

From IIoT small manufacturing companies to major global players, we’ve compiled a list of those leading the way in 2024.

Let’s get started:

1. Standard Bots

Standard Bots delivers scalable, cost-effective IIoT solutions tailored for small to mid-sized manufacturers. They make automation easy without the eye-glazing price tag. 

Why Standard Bots is perfect for SMEs:

• Bang for your buck: Standard Bots provides budget-friendly solutions that deliver results without overspending. Their RO1cobot typically sells for half of competing models. 
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• Plug-and-play: Their systems are easy to integrate, even for non-techy teams, with both no-code and pro-code options (for those who really need to get their Python on). 
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• SME-focused: Built specifically for smaller businesses, Standard Bots helps you scale up quickly, with fewer costs, and with AI-driven solutions. 

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2. Siemens

Siemens’ MindSphere platform is a heavyweight in the IIoT space, with top-notch analytics and predictive maintenance for industries around the globe.

Why Siemens rocks:

• Lots of data, lots of insights: Real-time data helps optimize production lines and reduce waste.
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• Industry behemoth: Siemens has been at the forefront of industrial automation for decades.
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• Future-proof maintenance: You can catch issues before they happen with their predictive maintenance tools.

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3. GE Digital

GE Digital’s Predix platform is pretty much synonymous with performance management, making sure your machines are always in tip-top shape.

Why GE Digital is a top player:

• Performance-focused: Predix helps businesses keep an eye on equipment performance and efficiency.
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• Proactive monitoring: Real-time data lets you prevent downtime before it becomes a major pain. 
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• Big in the game: GE Digital has been innovating in industrial automation for years.

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4. PTC

PTC’s ThingWorx platform is flexible, customizable, and designed to make IIoT accessible to more businesses — you know, not just for the fat cats. 

What makes PTC stand out:

• Very flexible: You can tailor ThingWorx to fit your business, whether you’re small or massive.
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• Strong analytics game: Get actionable insights from your data to improve operations. 
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• Cross-industry: Works across multiple sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare.

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5. Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi Vantara has a reputation for turning data into value with their Lumada platform, helping businesses run more efficiently with fewer “Ouch” moments.

Why they’re a top pick:

• Proactive maintenance pros: Lumada helps prevent machine breakdowns by catching issues early on. 
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• Resource optimization: Hitachi helps businesses get the most out of their resources.
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• Always at the forefront: They’re consistently pushing boundaries in the IIoT space.

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6. Cisco

With a big reputation for its networking tech, Cisco brings its expertise to IIoT, focusing on secure, optimized communication between industrial devices.

Why Cisco is awesome:

• Top-tier security: Cisco keeps your IIoT systems safe from cyber threats.
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• Smooth connectivity: Make sure your machines are always in sync with Cisco’s reliable network solutions.
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• Trusted brand: With decades of networking experience, Cisco knows how to get things connected — and people will pay for it.

7. ABB

ABB’s Ability platform also puts its focus on real-time data, helping businesses improve automation and efficiency.Why ABB is a leader:

• Real-time data insights: Ability helps businesses make faster, smarter decisions with up-to-the-minute data.
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• Automation experts: ABB has also been in the automation game for years, so you know you’re in good hands.
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• Reliable performance: Safety and efficiency are pretty much a given with ABB. 

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8. Bosch Rexroth

Bosch Rexroth specializes in precise IIoT solutions that improve efficiency while cutting down on energy use.Why Bosch Rexroth shines:

• Major efficiency gains: Bosch helps businesses reduce waste and optimize production.
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• Energy savings: Get super high performance while keeping energy use down — the best of both worlds. 
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• Sustainability: Their IIoT solutions help create greener operations without you having to sacrifice your output.

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9. Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric combines energy management with automation to offer IIoT solutions that also help massively cut total costs. What makes Schneider Electric special:

• Energy-efficient: Their solutions cut down on energy costs — while upping overall production capabilities. 
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• Scalable: Perfect for businesses that want to grow without massive infrastructure changes.
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• On the frontlines: They also push the boundaries of energy management and automation. You can reliably expect the latest and greatest from them. 

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10. Honeywell

Honeywell offers safety-first IIoT solutions that help manufacturers improve operations while maximizing that elusive compliance with industry standards.Why you’ll love Honeywell:

• Safety-minded: Honeywell’s solutions prioritize safety while keeping things efficient.
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• Trusted by the best: They’re a known quantity and offer very reliable solutions.
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• Optimize your ops: Their IIoT tools help you become even more productive, energy-efficient, safe, and, well, profitable. 

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Why IIoT is critical for small manufacturing companies

IIoT isn’t just for the big players anymore. Small businesses can use IIoT to stay competitive by improving efficiency and cutting costs.For example, Standard Bots makes it easy and affordable to adopt IIoT without the need for a massive budget or having a huge technical team at your disposal. In a way, they’re helping democratize access to this life-changing tech. 

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Challenges small manufacturers face when adopting IIoT

‍Here’s where things can get tricky for small manufacturers:

• Huge costs: The upfront cost of implementing an IIoT system can be a major hurdle for small businesses. Think hardware, software, installation, and training — like that Green Day song, it all keeps adding up. 
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• Data security jitters: Connecting your machines to the internet opens up a whole new world of possibilities, but it also exposes you to potential cyberattacks and data breaches.
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• Standard Bots to the rescue: Standard Bots gets it — smaller manufacturers need affordable solutions with security measures appropriate for their scale. Their RO1 cobot and IIoT platforms are designed to be budget-friendly and come with huge security measures, making automation accessible and safe whether you’re an industry titan or just getting started. 

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How to choose the right IIoT company for your businessWhen it’s time to pick the right IIoT company for your needs, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Take a good look at your business: What are your specific goals and challenges? What's your budget? How much room do you have to grow? Understanding your needs is the first step to finding industrial IoT companies that make sense. 
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• Evaluate the platform: Look for a platform that's easy to integrate with your existing systems and offers the flexibility to adapt as your business evolves. You don't want to be stuck with a rigid solution that can't keep up with your growth. And you also don’t want to suffer through compatibility issues that will have you screaming, “I want a refund!”
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• For SMEs, Standard Bots is #1: If you're a small or medium-sized manufacturer looking for a cost-effective and scalable IIoT solution, Standard Bots is the top pick. Their RO1 cobot and platform have simplicity and affordability in mind, making automation accessible without the huge costs. 

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Summing up: Why IIoT adoption is essential for future growth

‍IIoT is a must-have if you want to stay competitive and improve efficiency in today’s industrial milieu. So, whether you’re a large manufacturer or a small business, adopting IIoT can literally make all the difference.

‍Suppose you want the best bang-for-your-buck option among IIoT companies. In that case, Standard Bots gives you affordable, scalable solutions that make IIoT accessible to businesses of pretty much any size. 

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Next steps

Are you looking for a cost-effective IIoT solution? RO1 by Standard Bots is your go-to six-axis cobot arm, tailored to businesses of any size.

• Budget-friendly: RO1 is affordable, offering top-tier automation at half the cost of other comparable robots.
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• Strong & fast: With an 18kg payload capacity and impressive speed, RO1 delivers reliable automation for manufacturers.
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• AI-powered simplicity: Featuring AI technology on par with GPT-4 and a no-code interface, RO1 is easy for anyone to program — no advanced coding needed.
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• Safety-first design: Equipped with advanced sensors, machine vision, and collision detection, RO1 creates a safe working environment for your team.

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Ready to see what RO1 can do for your business? Get in touch with our solutions team today and try it risk-free for 30 days.