WE LIVE in an age defined by the fourth industrial revolution, where technological progress is advancing at a pace previously unimaginable. Expanded data storage, massive information flows and lightning-fast processing already reveal how far innovation has carried us. Yet the real transformation lies in the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This fusion, known as the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), marks a fundamental shift: machines no longer simply follow instructions but can now learn, decide and act in ways that resemble human cognition.
AIoT is not merely a technical milestone but a lens into the future. The question for nations is no longer whether this transformation will occur, but how swiftly and wisely it can be embraced. Used well, AIoT can drive economic growth, reshape industries, and make daily life smarter, safer and more efficient. The challenge lies in turning this potential into reality.
IoT has already begun to revolutionise technology by creating interconnected networks of devices that enable seamless communication, automation, and data exchange. From monitoring temperature, humidity, or energy use to enabling remote control of household appliances, IoT simplifies and streamlines processes. Farmers now automate irrigation through moisture sensors; factories gather vibration data to improve machine maintenance; vehicles and health vitals are tracked in real time. But IoT alone has limitations, it generates vast amounts of raw data yet lacks the ability to interpret it independently. Human analysis remains essential.
AI changes this equation by adding intelligence on top of connectivity and sensing. Systems can not only collect data but also analyse, predict and respond autonomously. This is why AIoT is rapidly gaining ground in industry. In advanced economies such as Germany, South Korea, China, Singapore, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, AIoT is transforming manufacturing through predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and streamlined production. In this symbiotic relationship, IoT serves as the 鈥榚yes and ears鈥� while AI acts as the 鈥榖rain,鈥� guiding decisions and anticipating problems before they arise.
For Bangladesh, the opportunities are vast. In agriculture, smart sensors combined with AI-driven analytics can raise yields and cut waste. In the ready-made garments sector 鈥� the backbone of the economy 鈥� AIoT could optimise supply chains, guarantee quality, and meet international demands for transparency and sustainability. In healthcare, wearable IoT devices powered by AI offer affordable preventive care, reducing the pressure on overstretched hospitals. In cities, smart traffic and energy systems could ease congestion, reduce pollution and improve urban livability. These are not distant ambitions but achievable targets if vision, investment and policy align.
However, the road ahead is difficult. Bangladesh faces persistent barriers: inadequate digital infrastructure, unreliable energy supply, and a shortage of skilled professionals. The education system is ill-equipped to provide the interdisciplinary skills required for this emerging landscape, while industries often hesitate to invest in high-end technologies due to cost and uncertainty. Weak governance and the absence of robust data protection frameworks add risks of misuse, deepening inequality and social exclusion. The real task is to create an ecosystem where innovation, regulation and human capital evolve in step, rather than adopting technology for its own sake.
Bangladesh cannot afford inertia while the world moves toward intelligent automation. The integration of AI and IoT is no longer optional; it is essential for future competitiveness. Policymakers must enact forward-looking regulations, industries must adopt long-term strategies for innovation rather than short-term profit and universities must equip students with adaptive, cross-disciplinary skills. Above all, there must be a coherent national vision that recognises technology not as a threat to livelihoods or traditions but as a tool for empowerment, efficiency and inclusion. If policies, institutions and mindsets can be aligned, AIoT could become the cornerstone of Bangladesh鈥檚 journey into a smarter, more resilient future.
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MM Shahidul Hassan is a distinguished professor of Eastern University and former vice chancellor of East West University.
