By: IEEE Standards Association
With the continuous evolution of technology, the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) continues to empower the world’s innovators with new and revised standards. Here are three major trends that transcend across our work in Mobility, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Telecom and Connectivity.
1) Building Trust in Autonomous Vehicles
Future vehicles will be increasingly more connected, automated, and smart due to computerization and software embedded intelligence, enabling highly automated driving features such as sensors and sensor fusion, connectivity, high-definition maps, and various artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for different purposes. There are many advantages to autonomous vehicles, including lower fuel consumption, reduced accidents, and last-mile services.
In the United States, manufacturers of AV vehicles have been road testing for a while now, but not in critical mass. Safety rules are needed to be defined for the industry – rules that protect everyone, including manufacturers. The newly released IEEE 2846-2022 Standard for Assumptions for Models in Safety-Related Automated Vehicle Behavior will help provide guidance for evaluating the performance of an automated driving system which, in turn, will accelerate road testing on a larger scale. IEEE 2846-2022 defines the minimum set of reasonable assumptions used in foreseeable scenarios to be considered for road vehicles in the development of safety-related models that are part of an automated driving system.
2). Expanding Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
On the healthcare side, providers and patients are increasingly using connected health platforms or tools for real-time monitoring, better diagnoses, and therapeutic delivery. In 2020, about 23.4 million patients in the United States used an RPM device outside of a healthcare facility. Use is expected to grow to 30 million representing, from 9 to 11.2% of the population, by 2030 (InsiderIntelligence.com).
Clinical uses of RPM devices are highly utilized for patients with chronic diseases, such as persons with diabetes or high blood pressure, well as for elder patients or those with mental health concerns. A KLAS Research report found 38% of healthcare organizations administering RPM programs focused on chronic care management reported reduced admissions, while 17% cited cost reductions. (InsiderIntelligence.com)
The strongest secular trend driving patient monitoring equipment market’s growth in the U.S. is the rapidly growing demographic of elder adults. The Census Bureau estimates people aged 65 and older in the United States will outnumber those aged 18 and under by 2030. (MedDeviceOnline.com)
However, there are challenges or limitations. For example, many solutions designed for use with geriatric populations might not take feasibility into account as some elder people have limited experience using technology and low interest in learning how to do so. Others may not have sufficient motor skills or have hearing or sight limitations that prevent them from using the technology independently.
To address these challenges in remote patient care, IEEE SA provides a platform for technologists to collaborate and develop standards and solutions in areas including robotics and automation to support human-centric design. One of our Industry Connections activities, Transforming the Telehealth Paradigm: Sustainable Connectivity, Accessibility, Privacy, and Security for All, seeks to establish a foundation of security, connectivity, accessibility, and privacy for future innovations in telehealth delivery.
3). Enabling Open RAN (Radio Access Network) through Open Source
Open source has changed the landscape of technology development by speeding innovation and enabling advancements in the way we live, work, and communicate. It has also impacted the standards world, providing opportunities for dynamic new collaborations that can further advance and improve technology – and fuel innovation.
A stronger imperative for the rapid advancement and deployment of 5G networks, particularly in rural areas, will encourage efforts to advance open source initiatives. As an example, IEEE SA’s new, important initiative – the IEEE SA Open RAN Industry Connections Activity — is helping drive rapid, positive advances in wireless technologies. This activity focuses on 5G standardization, industry engagement, education, publications, testbed, and roadmap activities.
Despite its promise, work remains to understand and close the technical gaps staving off development and deployment of Open RAN technology. IEEE SA is working to help identify gaps and collaborate internally with our other working groups to solve issues and uncover more opportunities.
Engage with IEEE SA
Join a global network of industry and technology experts and thought leaders who are changing the way people live, work, and communicate. IEEE SA offers many opportunities to make a meaningful impact for the benefit of humanity. Learn more about IEEE SA’s work and join our efforts.
