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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (DCCP), chaired a hearing today on the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the manufacturing sector. The discussion focused on the benefits that this innovation provides, and the barriers that still exist to implementing the technology. Rodney Masney, Vice President, Technology Service Delivery at Perrysburg-based Owens-Illinois (O-I) testified at the hearing. Latta had previously held a roundtable at O-I on how IoT is changing manufacturing.
 
“The Internet of Things is revolutionizing a number of different sectors and manufacturing is no different,” said Latta. “In fact, manufacturers may see even greater benefits as they find more efficient, safer ways of making their products. That being said, there are still obstacles to implementing full use of this technology, and we heard a number of those barriers today. They include issues with the durability of sensors, the difficulty analyzing massive amounts of data and information, and cybersecurity concerns. Today’s discussion will help inform the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee as we take a look at what the futures of different industries may look like with this cutting- edge technology.”
 
The hearing was a part of the subcommittee’s disrupter series. Latta’s opening remarks can be viewed here, and his questions to Mr. Masney are available here.
 
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