Enterprise Wi-Fi networking teams are experiencing big gains with Artificial Intelligence (AI), but full automation is unlikely. AI tools are not immune to hallucinations and make the occasional mistake, which is too risky for high-stakes decision-making. However, ABI Research still sees AI transforming the industry in profound ways.

The Wi-Fi ecosystem is currently championing the potential of new, advanced forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Generative AI (Gen AI) and Agentic AI tools promoted as holding the keys to autonomous networking.

The technology landscape is evolving rapidly, with new innovations shaping industries and driving global digital transformation. In 2025, businesses and solution providers will need to adapt to new technology trends if they want to stay one step ahead.

To the average person, Wi-Fi is simply known as a technology used to play online video games, launch Netflix, connect their laptop to the Internet, or enable other common applications. While this mostly holds true today, the future of Wi-Fi is much more appealing with the advent of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). After significant progress in standardization, ISAC is inching closer to prime time.

The manufacturing industry is in the midst of a transformative period. Technological advancements are enabling unprecedented operational efficiencies and revealing previously hidden revenue opportunities. At the same time, manufacturers must contend with the baby boomer exodus, curb rising cyberthreats, and meet climate regulations.

The year 2024 provided numerous technology trends shaping the future of nearly every industry. ABI Research analysts have been covering these developments for some time, and now it’s time to reflect upon our studies in our annual trends whitepaper. Before we dive into the list, here’s a statement from Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer:

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 marked another milestone in innovation, with exhibitors showcasing advancements across robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data integration, cloud computing, and more. The usual big names were there to show the world what they’ve been up to, but they were accompanied by smaller startups hoping to make a big splash. The technological breakthroughs on display in Chicago this year embody the innovative spirit the manufacturing industry requires to address an aging workforce, increased demand, and supply chain complexities.

Working in a competitive industry demands that you become a data-driven organization. As a technology solution provider, effectively leveraging data can unlock significant advantages, such as driving market expansion and fostering innovation. Unfortunately, all too many companies lack an analytical approach to decision-making.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) solutions have historically struggled to gain traction in the industrial markets, with industrial organizations traditionally favoring tried and tested fixed cable over what they view as unreliable wireless. Yet recent technical advances in WLAN, including 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8), and Standard Power 6 Gigahertz (6 GHz), are enabling WLAN to handle more complex and more demanding industrial tasks for the first time. Alongside this, industrial organizations are increasingly in need of WLAN to service the new mission-critical applications (e.g., Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)) that depend upon wireless. These developments are helping to expand the addressable market for industrial WLAN, and ABI Research forecasts that annual ruggedized industrial WLAN Access Point (AP) shipments will increase from 3.2 million in 2024 to 4.9 million in 2030.

Acquiring reliable connectivity is a baseline requirement for the modern enterprise campus. However, campus networks are a little trickier to provide quality Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) services than traditional enterprise networks. This is because campus networks have divergent connectivity requirements and encompass a wide range of industries. Adding to the challenge is the fact that campus networks require scalable indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi solutions that support long-distance building-to-building connectivity. These connectivity challenges have borne a number of technological advancements from WLAN vendors.

Have you ever been in a rush to go somewhere, but heavy traffic slowed you down? If only a private lane was reserved for just you, you’d never have to worry about traffic again. While you’ll never get a lane to just yourself, the next best thing is using the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane when you can. In the world of campus Wireless Local-Area Network (WLAN) solutions, the 6 Gigahertz (GHz) spectrum is your HOV lane. Compared to the more popular 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrums, the 6 GHz spectrum is far less congested. The additional capacity of 6 GHz significantly benefits Campus Area Networks (CANs), notably those enterprise campuses, education, large public venues, and the hospitality sector.