Introduction
The Internet of Military Things (IoMT) is a unique form of technology under the Internet-of-Things (IoT) framework applied in the execution of military operations. The IoMT has wide application in advanced combat operations and intelligence-oriented warfare processes (Suri et al., 2016). A majority of the highly advanced military units in the United States, Europe, and Asia have integrated IoMT into their battlefield operations to enhance their surveillance and response strategies. The above-mentioned technology triggers significant transformations in the military ecosystem. It facilitates the use of smart technology to sieve through sensory information and execute multiple operation tasks within a combat environment (Tortonesi et al., 2016). This paper provides an analysis of the IoMT functions and a description of its feasibility in the future and its associated costs.
Analysis of the Uses of IoMT
Timely Collection of Battlefield-Data
The IoMT enables military intelligence officers to collect crucial data and information concerning the battlefield through drone technology. According to Suri et al. (2016), these drones have high-resolution cameras attached to their structural component. This facilitates data gathering, which is essential for army commanders’ decision-making process before launching attacks to a particular enemy’s front (Suri et al., 2016). The sensors embedded in the drones are strategically used to convey information alerts concerning a probable attack to a military base (Fraga-Lamas et al., 2016). In this regard, IoMT facilitates data collection and monitoring activities using drone and computer technology.
Prompt Evaluation of Combat-Health
From a military perspective, assessing soldiers’ health status before and during a combat operation is key to their success on the battlefield. Therefore, the deployment of IoMT in the execution of activities concerning military health is crucial (Fraga-Lamas et al., 2016). The IoMT enables military-health personnel to perform health checks on the soldiers within the barracks or during battle by using special and highly advanced medical devices. In this case, health experts can monitor the health status and requirements for all the soldiers in the combat operation (Suri et al., 2016). This consequently leads to significant reductions in the degree of fatalities and substantial increases in military personnel’s productivity (Tortonesi et al., 2016). In the event of fatal injuries in a combat operation, the IoMT-enabled devices are used to measure the extent of the severity.
Remote-Training through Simulation
The ever-changing tactics of attacks by rivals characterize the military world. In this regard, the need for high-level training on the novel approaches in war emerges; hence, IoMT comes into the picture (Tortonesi et al., 2016). The use (application) of virtual-reality (VR) techniques in the training programs for the soldiers within military bases is on the rise. This technology allows soldiers to use simulation models for war and the battlefield to assess their readiness for combat operations (Suri et al., 2016). Despite its numerous advantages, this technology has been linked to various challenges, including the likelihood of military IoT systems cyberattacks, as well as intrusion within the network and sensing and application layer.
Conclusion and Summary
The application of IoT within the military service poses significant benefits in terms of operational efficiencies. IoMT enables military-intelligence officers to collect crucial data and information concerning the battlefield using drone technology. This innovation also facilitates the execution of health checks on the soldiers in combat. According to a 2020 report by Research and Markets, the international market for sensors and IoT in the military is approximated at about $29.74 billion (“Global military IoT,” 2020). By 2028, its market share is predicted to increase to about $48.1 billion (“Global military IoT,” 2020). Military combat’s futurity is rapidly progressing to high-tech operations following the continuous advancement in IoT for battle gears embedded or enhanced with biometric wearables. This technology will foster soldiers’ capacities to distinguish the enemy, access weapons and deice systems using fast-edge computing, and perform better on the battlefield.
References
Fraga-Lamas, P., Fernández-Caramés, T., Suárez-Albela, M., Castedo, L., & González-López, M. (2016). A review on Internet of Things for defense and public safety. Sensors, 16, 1–44. Web.
Global military IoT & sensors market to 2028: Drivers, restraints, and challenges (2020,). Web.
Suri, N., Tortonesi, M., Michaelis, J., Budulas, P., Benincasa, G., Russell, S., & Winkler, R. (2016). Proceedings of the 2016 international conference on military communications and information systems. IEEE.
Tortonesi, M., Morelli, A., Govoni, M., Michaelis, J., Suri, N., Stefanelli, C., & Russell, S. (2016). Proceedings of the 3rd world forum on Internet of Things (WF-IoT). IEEE.