The Device Chronicle interviews cranes and off-road machinery software and innovation expert Xavier Claeys, who shares perspectives on the impact of IoT and embedded software on connected machine innovation.
Xavier is a seasoned expert in the design, industrialization, and commercialization of cutting-edge solutions powered by embedded software, robotics, Industrial IoT (IIoT), data analytics, and advanced control algorithms.
Xavier's career spans multiple industries, including aerospace robotics, automotive intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and industrial cranes. Throughout Xavier’s journey, he has taken on leadership roles at the intersection of innovation incubation, new product development, and digital business expansion. His expertise is transforming emerging technologies into scalable, high-value solutions that drive operational efficiency and business growth.
The adoption of IoT and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates in connected machinery varies drastically across industries. For instance, automotive, industrial machinery, and cranes exist on different technological maturity curves.
IoT stands out because of its minimal intrusiveness in machinery, making it an attractive choice for experimentation. However, despite the widespread trials, ROI remains a challenge. The most common IoT use case is real-time monitoring—tracking consumption, operational cycles, and external conditions. This data alone is invaluable, as it provides insights into product usage, breaks down silos, and helps establish the right KPIs.
Fault detection is another key application but presents greater complexity. Unlike consumer tech, industrial machinery lacks standardized interfaces, and fault codes often lack sufficient context. For customers, a "fault" doesn't necessarily mean a failure, and drawing the wrong conclusions from incomplete data can be frustrating and counterproductive.
Despite being a game-changer, OTA updates remain an exception rather than the norm in many industrial sectors. The paradox is striking: modern software development thrives on continuous improvement, yet once a machine leaves the factory, it often remains unchanged for its 15-20-year lifespan. Quality is a moving target, and continuous updates are essential to ensure this quality.
Improving post-deployment is critical for companies producing small volumes—without OTA, progress stalls and motivation dwindles. In this context, the installed fleet becomes the most valuable asset. OTA updates are not just about software maintenance; they are the foundation for sustained quality, customer satisfaction, and new revenue-generating services.
Regarding industrial machinery and off-road vehicles, companies are making steady progress in leveraging IoT and OTA updates.
One of the most promising advancements is the rise of incremental or partial OTA updates. Despite architectural constraints, manufacturers can increasingly reprogram key devices within their machines. While the immediate benefits might not be evident to customers or service managers, this evolution is a game-changer for field technicians. Managing a complex ecosystem of software configurations, hardware variations, and global technical options is a daily challenge. OTA capabilities streamline their work, reducing on-site interventions and minimizing costly errors.
Beyond incremental updates, targeted OTA deployment on specific IoT components is emerging as a strategic opportunity. Focusing on non-critical elements like communication gateway devices allows manufacturers to deliver high-value enhancements without disrupting core machine operations.
This approach unlocks new business opportunities, such as:
By gradually introducing new features and learning from real-world deployments, organizations can enhance the value of their installed fleet without costly hardware replacements. Ultimately, OTA isn't just a maintenance tool—it's a key enabler of service innovation and long-term business differentiation.
Several key challenges are slowing down the widespread adoption of IoT and telematics in construction machinery:
Cybersecurity compliance is becoming a major strategic priority for OEMs. Regulatory frameworks like the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) push manufacturers to rethink their development processes and integrate security measures from the design phase onward.
Beyond mere compliance, cybersecurity is now a competitive differentiator. OEMs implementing robust, scalable, and future-proof security architectures will meet regulations and build stronger consumer trust, paving the way for new digital services and long-term business growth.