The evolving relationship between AI and IoT has yielded innovative solutions, such as smart exoskeleton systems for rehabilitation and intelligent home systems, demonstrating the diverse applications arising from this integration [
85]. This evolution has been facilitated by the convergence of advanced technologies, including cloud computing, big data, and blockchain, which have introduced new challenges and research opportunities [
7,
61]. Furthermore, the combined capabilities of blockchain, AI, and IoT have been highlighted to enhance security and transparency in various industries, including healthcare and e-health services [
85]. The integration of big data and AI for IoT has also been recognized as a propellant for improving data transmission and processing, underscoring the potential for enhanced data management and analysis in IoT systems [
89]. Moreover, the application of AI, IoT, and robotics in smart farming has opened new horizons for sustainable agriculture, paving the way for future advancements in the industry [
53]. Notably, the convergence of AI, IoT, and ICT in the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network has introduced innovative smart applications, offering solutions for advanced communication systems [
76].
5.1. Trends
The integration of artificial intelligence with the Internet of Things (IoT) has catalyzed notable advancements in intelligent data analysis. This evolution, marked by the burgeoning of IoT devices and the voluminous data they generate, is not only reshaping data processing methods but also enabling actionable insights for informed decision-making.
Key developments in this arena include real-time analytics of massive IoT data and the implementation of microservices-based fog computing-assisted IoT platforms. For instance, Verma et al. [
79] and Taneja et al. [
75] explore network methodologies and practical applications like "SmartHerd management" for data-driven dairy farming. These advancements underscore the trend towards personalized and predictive data analysis.
Moreover, the challenges in knowledge discovery, particularly in handling missing values, data scarcity, and dimensionality reduction, are crucial in processing IoT data volumes, as discussed by Al-Janabi [
3]. Concurrently, Nizam et al. [
50] propose advanced frameworks for deep anomaly detection in industrial IoT, demonstrating the need for sophisticated machine learning and AI techniques in IoT data processing.
The transformative role of AI in IoT extends to various domains, optimizing operations and decision-making in areas like supply chain management and healthcare. The synergy of intelligent processing with security intelligence further paves the way for secure and intelligent systems.
This literature review identifies that the integration of AI with IoT is not only enabling new technological capabilities but also necessitates a focus on privacy and ethical considerations. The resulting advancements present a dual challenge of ensuring data security and upholding ethical standards in technology application. Understanding these trends and their implications is paramount for researchers and practitioners navigating the complex landscape of IoT-driven data analysis.
The integration of AI with the IoT is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by several key technological trends and advancements, as Edge AI and On-Device Learning, Federated Learning, Natural Language Processes Integration and AI-Driven Data Analytics.
Gaining increased traction, Edge AI and on-device learning are revolutionizing real-time decision-making and reducing reliance on cloud-based systems. This trend is evidenced by the development of Edge-IIoTset, a comprehensive cybersecurity dataset for IoT and IIoT applications [
19,
72].
The Federated Learning is emerging as a solution to privacy concerns, it enhances data security in IoT networks. It enables AI models to be trained across decentralized devices while keeping data localized, as illustrated in studies by Gu et al. [
86].
On the other hand, Advancements in Deep Learning and Neural Networks are increasingly applied to process and analyze complex IoT data streams. They facilitate pattern recognition and predictive analytics, a trend highlighted by the research of Sipola et al. (Sipola et al., 2022). And Natural Language Processing (NLP) Integration is enabling more sophisticated user interactions through voice recognition and conversational AI. This development is transforming how users interact with IoT devices.
Collectively, these trends are contributing significantly to the evolution of AI in IoT, enabling the development of smarter, more efficient, and secure systems. The dynamic interplay of these technologies is not only redefining the capabilities of IoT devices but also paving the way for future innovations in this field.
There are a lot of Applications and Case Studies in bibliography, for example regarding to the integration of AI in IoT is significantly advancing smart home automation, optimizing energy management, and enhancing security systems. AI-powered devices like smart thermostats (e.g., Nest) are adapting to user preferences to optimize energy usage [
86]. AI-enhanced security systems, such as Ring, employ facial recognition and anomaly detection to enhance home security [
67]. Studies like that of Shikhli [
69] and Saha [
62] further underscore the sustainable impacts and holistic control afforded by smart home automation systems.
In healthcare, AI-driven IoT, particularly in wearable technologies, is revolutionizing remote patient monitoring and diagnostics. Wearable biosensors, integrated with AI, enable continuous health monitoring, as highlighted by Neumann et al. (Neumann, W.P. et al., 2023).
Furthermore
, in the industrial sector, AI is transforming manufacturing processes through predictive maintenance. IoT sensors and AI algorithms are utilized to predict equipment failures, thus optimizing operational efficiency [
73]. Hadi [
25] illustrate the use of deep reinforcement learning in developing predictive maintenance models for effective resource management in industrial IoT.
AI is pivotal in IoT applications for environmental monitoring, aiding in climate change research and pollution control. AI algorithms analyze data from IoT environmental sensors to monitor air and water quality, contributing to sustainable resource management. Mehbodniya and Kant further demonstrate the application of IoT in environmental monitoring and control [
32,
44].
AI significantly influences urban environments and transportation systems. Smart traffic management systems, powered by AI, optimize traffic flow, and reduce congestion. The role of AI in autonomous vehicles is also crucial for enhancing safety and efficiency in transportation.
In conclusion, these applications and case studies collectively demonstrate AI's diverse and impactful role across various sectors in IoT. From transforming home environments and healthcare delivery to revolutionizing industrial operations and urban development, AI's integration with IoT is paving the way for innovative solutions and enhanced efficiencies.
5.2. Future prospect and challenges
The application of AI in IOT leads to some Technical Challenges. For example, Real-time data processing, a cornerstone of AI in IoT, is particularly challenging within edge computing environments due to limited processing capabilities, which could stymie efficient data analysis. To tackle this, Zhao Wang et al. propose an AI-based cloud-edge-device collaboration framework optimized through task offloading algorithms [
87,
88]. Moreover, managing communication between diverse IoT devices demands advanced interoperability solutions capable of handling the complexity of data flows within these networks [
34].
On the Privacy and Security point of view, As AI and IoT technologies burgeon, they simultaneously raise significant privacy and security concerns. The proliferation of IoT devices, particularly in sensitive domains, heightens the risk of data exposure, necessitating robust encryption methods and secure data transmission protocols [
71]. Federated learning models introduce unique challenges, such as susceptibility to data poisoning and evasion attacks, necessitating stringent security measures [
59]. Compliance with stringent data protection regulations like GDPR is of paramount importance, as is transparency in data usage and user consent for data collection and processing [
88].
To address these challenges, the literature suggests the need for innovative solutions that not only mitigate current concerns but are also adaptable to future technological advancements and threats. For instance, Bai Liu et al. propose a quantum privacy-preserving set intersection protocol for IoT, exemplifying the kind of forward-thinking required to secure IoT networks against evolving cyber threats [
36].
Integrating the scholarly insights from the provided references synthesizes a narrative that underlines the urgent need for advanced solutions to the complex challenges AI and IoT face. It is evident that only through dedicated research and innovation in areas such as real-time data processing, interoperability, privacy, and security can the full potential of AI in IoT be realized in a manner that is both efficient and secure.
The IoT era, marked by an explosion in data generated by ubiquitous devices, has brought significant privacy concerns to the forefront. This is particularly challenging due to IoT's inherent nature of collecting sensitive, personal data in environments integral to our daily lives. Addressing these concerns requires practical and scalable solutions.
Innovative approaches such as federated learning and homomorphic encryption are leading these efforts. For example, Zhang et al. demonstrate a dropout-tolerable federated learning scheme in healthcare, balancing privacy with effective [
90]. Similarly, Loukil et al. combine blockchain with homomorphic encryption for secure IoT data aggregation in their PrivDA system. These approaches ensure data privacy while maintaining the functionality of IoT systems. [
39]
However, the challenge is not solely technological but also involves finding a balance between data utility and user privacy. Javed et al. and Lee et al. explore this trade-off, emphasizing the importance of social acceptance of IoT technologies. Their work highlights the complex relationship between sensor accuracy, individual comfort, and privacy considerations [
28,
35].
Moreover, in an increasingly privacy-conscious era, complying with regulations like GDPR is imperative. While no single solution can address every aspect of privacy protection, the combination of AI, blockchain, and encryption technologies offers a viable path forward. For instance, blockchain-based strategies for data evidence storage could enhance compliance assurance, addressing both technological and regulatory facets of privacy in IoT [
21].
In summary, tackling privacy protection in IoT requires a multifaceted approach that includes practical, scalable AI techniques such as federated learning and blockchain technologies. While significant progress has been made, finding the optimal balance between utility and privacy is crucial. The role of AI in ensuring regulatory compliance in IoT is a promising area for further research and development.
Furthermore, starting from the infrastructure level, the advancement in wireless communication technologies, such as 5G and the upcoming 6G, have greatly enhanced the IoT systems' performance [
33,
55]. Vu Khanh et al. describe a visionary perception of IoT as the primary force driving digital revolution and mentions the challenges of existing common communication technologies in IoT systems [
33]. Pattnaik et al. take this exploration a step further by discussing the application-based analysis of the 6G IoT's future, particularly for real-time location monitoring inside underground mines, an operational domain that is currently less explored (Pattnaik, S.K et al., 2022). Simultaneously, attention to environmental sustainability has grown considerably in technological evolution. This is evidenced by the emergence of 'Green IoT,' where IoT technology is harnessed to promote environmentally sustainable outcomes. The short survey on 'Green IoT' offers an insight into the technical evolution and future techniques to prolong the use of resources such as battery life [
57]. Furthermore, the momentous shift towards 'smart cities' indicates a convergence between AI, IoT, and Big Data, explicitly aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda [
11]. Bibri et al. explain that advanced ICT has significantly influenced the manifestation of environmentally sustainable smart cities, thereby shaping the landscape and dynamics. Finally, it is imperative to mention that while these developments lead to solutions and applications that were hitherto unattainable, they also present new challenges and areas for further research. Exploring new operational domains and aligning technology with sustainability will continue to be the primary areas in the AI and IoT intersection. It's a journey that has evolved from initial experimentation to sophisticated applications and continues to transform with each step.