Over the past few years, the Industrial Internet and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have become hot topics. The two technologies seem similar — but what truly sets them apart?

1. Definition of the Industrial Internet

The Industrial Internet uses the Internet, sensors, machine learning, and other technologies to improve production processes, raise productivity, and optimize products. It is an interconnected industrial control system of smart sensors, devices, robots, and automated control systems that collects data from the physical world and sends it to the cloud for processing, and is usually operated by large enterprises.

2. Definition of Industrial IoT

Industrial IoT uses various sensors, wireless technologies, and cloud computing to connect devices, systems, and processes to enable smart manufacturing and production. It not only improves the autonomy and uptime of equipment and production systems but also increases sustainability through efficient energy and resource use. Industrial IoT is generally a solution aimed at small and medium-sized manufacturers.

3. Scope of the Industrial Internet

The Industrial Internet is mainly applied in large manufacturing enterprises such as auto plants and industrial processing factories to optimize production processes and improve quality and efficiency. It spans every stage of production — from equipment monitoring to production planning, quality management, and supply chain management — effectively improving the entire industrial production process.

2. Scope of Industrial IoT

Industrial IoT is mainly applied in small and medium-sized manufacturers such as furniture, food processing, and footwear production to simplify and automate production and improve efficiency and flexibility. It is promising for smart manufacturing and can raise productivity and product quality through data analytics and machine learning.

Although the Industrial Internet and Industrial IoT share many similarities, their application scenarios and operating scales differ. The Industrial Internet is mainly suited to large manufacturers, while Industrial IoT is better suited to small and medium-sized manufacturers. Both can improve manufacturing, raise productivity, and optimize products, but each needs a tailored technology solution for its scenarios.