Ai-driven antenna design amplifies global IoT market rebound by 2030

Global IoT antenna shipments are set to soar to 13 billion units by 2030, driven by advancements in AI-based design tools and emerging wireless standards, with Europe poised to capitalise on the technological shift amidst post-pandemic recovery.

Global Internet of Things (IoT) antenna shipments are forecasted to rebound and reach an impressive 13 billion units by 2030, according to a recent report by ABI Research. This marks a significant recovery following a period of slowed growth attributed to post-pandemic economic challenges and inflationary pressures impacting both consumer and industrial sectors. The resurgence is bolstered by advancements in AI-driven antenna design tools and the adoption of next-generation wireless standards, which are reshaping the landscape of IoT hardware development worldwide, with particular implications for Europe’s connected device market.

The anticipated shift in antenna shipments is underpinned by broader technological and market dynamics. ABI Research projects that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled antennas will constitute over 60% of total shipments by the decade’s end. PCB-trace antennas remain predominant, followed by surface-mount technology (SMT) antennas. Despite ongoing tariff issues and inflationary challenges in North America, the region is expected to maintain a strong position, holding around 30% market share driven by robust demand in wearables and smart home segments. Nevertheless, innovation in antenna design, particularly through AI-driven platforms, is injecting new momentum into the industry.

AI-based design tools are transforming antenna development by streamlining complex design processes. Platforms such as Ignion’s Oxion, Taoglas’ Antenna Integrator, and Kyocera AVX’s IoT Solution Optimizer employ simulation-based optimisation and efficient component selection to reduce development friction. This technology enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expedite time-to-market, an essential advantage in the fiercely competitive IoT domain. Such tools address key challenges including antenna integration complexities and stringent product certification processes, which have been significant barriers in the rapid scaling of IoT devices.

While high interest rates, a dip in smartphone sales, and delays in 5G IoT adoption previously contributed to market stagnation, ABI Research’s analysis suggests these factors are gradually easing. The diversification of connectivity demands, including growth in Low-Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN), which are expected to reach 5.3 billion connections by 2030, also supports the anticipated market rebound. This diversification reflects an expansive range of IoT applications, adding complexity to antenna requirements but simultaneously driving demand for innovative embedded antenna solutions in billions of connected devices globally.

Europe stands to gain substantially from these developments, given its strategic push towards digital autonomy in sectors such as Industrial IoT (IIoT), automotive, and smart energy systems. Regional manufacturers and design houses can harness AI-assisted design tools to augment design precision, reduce prototyping costs, and strengthen competitiveness. This is particularly crucial as Europe seeks to develop locally produced IoT technologies capable of scaling effectively across diverse applications. ABI Research’s findings position antenna innovation as a foundational enabler of IoT growth and scalability, making it central to the continent’s connected device ambitions through the next decade.

The expansion of the embedded antenna systems market correlates directly with the exponential rise in connected IoT devices. Industry reports indicate that global IoT device installations reached approximately 15.1 billion units in 2024, with projections nearing 29.4 billion by 2030. Since each IoT device typically requires at least one wireless communication module with antenna connectivity, this upsurge translates into robust demand growth for embedded antennas. Consequently, antenna design and integration will remain a critical focus area for device manufacturers aiming to meet stringent performance, size, and cost requirements across a sprawling array of IoT applications.

However, the deployment of AI-driven antenna design is not without challenges. According to analyses of AI-driven design automation, data quality and availability remain vital hurdles. Effective use of AI in design depends heavily on comprehensive datasets and accurate modelling to ensure optimal outcomes, and the industry continues to evolve best practices to address these issues.

In summary, the global IoT antenna market is poised for notable recovery and growth by 2030, driven by AI-enabled design innovation and the expanding diversity of wireless technologies. This trend presents both opportunities and challenges for OEMs, particularly in managing increased design complexity and accelerating product development cycles. For Europe, advancements in antenna design will be a key factor in securing competitive advantage and sustaining IoT ecosystem growth, particularly as the continent aims to fortify its digital infrastructure across multiple strategic sectors.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] (eeNews Europe) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
• ^[2] (PR Newswire) – Paragraph 1
• ^[3] (ABI Research press release) – Paragraph 3
• ^[4] (ABI Research press release) – Paragraph 3, 4
• ^[5] (Emergen Research) – Paragraph 6
• ^[6] (Wikipedia AI-driven design automation) – Paragraph 7
• ^[7] (PR Newswire LPWAN report) – Paragraph 4

Source: Noah Wire Services