Internet of Things: how Swiss companies are using IoT
From industry and logistics to energy – the Internet of Things is transforming processes and business models. A recent MSM Research study shows the extent of its adoption by Swiss companies. Felix Wunderer, Head of IoT at Swisscom, talks about practical examples, trends and the opportunities offered by the Internet of Things (IoT) in this interview.
01 October 2025, Text: Saskia Wyss, Image: Swisscom 4 min
What’s the state of the Internet of Things in Swiss companies?
A recent MSM Research study has shed light on how Swiss companies perceive the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT), how they are using the technology and the challenges they face.
The most important points are summarised here:
- Use of IoT: 18% of the companies surveyed are already deploying IoT solutions in practice. Unsurprisingly, the biggest percentage of those are deploying IoT in supply chain and logistics for optimising supply chains (76%), followed by Industry 4.0 and production automation (34%). In the same context, 24% also rely on predictive maintenance.
- Objectives of IoT projects: The three most frequently cited expectations of IoT projects are increased production and process automation (50%), improved customer satisfaction or retention (47%) and tapping into new business areas and innovations (45%). Targets such as reducing costs and increasing efficiency (37%) as well as cost-effectiveness (34%) remain important.
- IoT technologies: For the companies surveyed, the three most relevant technologies for IoT projects are wireless connectivity (47%), identity and access management as part of cybersecurity (39%) and artificial intelligence (32%).
- External expertise: Currently, the companies surveyed see the need for external expertise in security (76%), data analysis (68%) and strategic issues (63%).
What do these developments mean for Swiss companies and how can the findings be applied in practice? Felix Wunderer, Head of IoT & B2B Mobile at Swisscom, provides insights into current trends in this interview.
What IoT trends are Swiss companies currently facing?
I see four key trends for Swiss companies at the moment:
Firstly, holistic cybersecurity: companies need to think about and implement end-to-end security concepts, from devices to transmission paths to IoT platforms. Network-based solutions such as beem can help companies to detect threats at an early stage and defend against them in a targeted manner, including in the context of IoT.
Secondly, artificial intelligence: the combination of IoT and artificial intelligence – often referred to as AIoT – in particular opens up new opportunities for Swiss companies to intelligently process the data they collect. Machine learning has been used for a while, for example to implement predictive maintenance. The integration of different data sources using powerful AI models enables more precise data evaluations and conclusions to be drawn independently and turned into action.
Thirdly, further development of the 5G standard: the 5G standard is currently evolving towards 5G Standalone (5G SA) – in other words, a standalone 5G infrastructure in the core network without dependency on older network generations. New transmission technologies such as RedCap (Reduced Capability), as a further development of NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT), make data transmission particularly energy- and resource-efficient. Swisscom will also introduce 5G Standalone and use RedCap specifically for IoT scenarios.
Fourthly, network slicing: dynamic network slicing also comes with 5G SA and offers the opportunity to create different quality classes within a network. For example, companies can individually prioritise and secure applications with higher bandwidth and latency requirements – such as business-critical systems.
Why is IoT security also becoming increasingly important for Swiss companies?
IoT security is gaining in importance for Swiss companies as cyberattacks become more frequent and new directives such as NIS 2 impose stricter monitoring requirements and reporting obligations. This applies in particular to sectors such as energy and transport as well as critical infrastructure in general. In addition, many end customers are now demanding compliance with these regulations.
From a technical perspective, we have innovative ways to meet these requirements. Swisscom, for example, uses advanced solutions to enable companies to identify threats first and then avoid them. In addition, modern cybersecurity solutions are easier for companies to deploy as they are network-based and customers don’t need any additional security expertise.
Example: Monitoring of IP traffic in connected cars and heat pumps:
It’s widely recognised that cars are increasingly connected, and some must even support uninterrupted remote operation in the case of autonomous driving. Another example is connected heat pumps that are monitored and controlled remotely. In both cases, IP traffic can be monitored and analysed, and the cybersecurity solution detects in real time whether the data traffic is actually being routed to the right IoT platform and not to someone else. Potential hazards can be identified immediately and corresponding alerts triggered.
What role does artificial intelligence play in IoT for Swiss companies?
By combining IoT with artificial intelligence, AI serves as a trailblazer and enabler for the Internet of Things. Edge computing may become important in the context of AI and IoT. Here, computing power is increasingly provided decentrally on IoT devices themselves, rather than centrally in a data centre.
This enables faster and more resource-efficient data processing exactly where the data originates. Especially for image editing applications and the like, this means that decisions can be made almost in real time. AI, IoT and edge computing are therefore a promising trio.
Example: Image processing in track construction
At a track construction site, cameras can be used to monitor the proximity of employees to tracks and trains. AI-based systems can detect potentially hazardous situations in real time, automatically trigger alarms and, if properly networked, even initiate emergency braking for an approaching train. This significantly increases safety while minimising the risk of human error.
Example: Image processing in textile production
In modern textile production, optical sensors are used to monitor and adjust knitting patterns in real time. This enables maximum precision – a decisive advantage for high-performance applications such as the production of industrial fabrics for aircraft and space travel.
How can companies successfully integrate IoT into their digital transformation strategy?
The Internet of Things can be an important component of Swiss companies’ digital transformation strategies. To integrate it effectively into such strategies, companies must always ask themselves: what does the business case look like? IoT cannot be viewed in isolation when it comes to implementation either. Processes must always be considered and adapted, and employees must be trained. I would encourage decision-makers to keep abreast of new technologies and consider what opportunities they offer for their business and for their competitors.
‘18% of the companies surveyed are deploying IoT solutions’
MSM Research: Internet of Things in Switzerland. Study, September 2025