The industry group for the automatic identification (AutoID) sector, Pittsburgh-based Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM), today announced plans to expand its footprint by partnering with another group, the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC).

AIM and IIC will align their efforts to maximize interoperability, portability, security, and privacy for the industrial internet of things (IIoT), the organizations said.

The move comes as technology groups are predicting that the IIoT will take great leaps forward in coming months as telephony providers roll out fifth-generation "5G" networks that are capable of carrying far greater amounts of information than current systems. That blazing speed could enable leaps forward in "smart" packaging and delivery by supporting sensors that collect real-time data--the foundation of the IIoT--and by allowing users to access that information with virtually no delay, experts say.

"Automatic identification and data capture technologies are key IIoT enabling technologies for healthcare, food and beverage, automotive and other markets," Wael William Diab, Chair of the IIC Liaison Working Group and Secretary of the IIC Steering Committee, said in a release. "By collaborating, our organizations can accelerate the digital transformation through adoption of IIoT across industries."

Joint activities between AIM and the IIC will include: identifying and sharing best practices; collaborating on standards and specifications; positioning their speakers at industry events; and cooperating on testbeds.

The announcement comes a week after AIM unveiled another expansion, saying it would cover new geographical regions by opening an office in Japan. AIM said it created the new chapter in Japan to meet the needs of its growing international membership.

That will include a focus on education and training, cooperating with universities and research/test centers in Asia Pacific. AIM Japan will offer opportunities to individuals and organizations affiliated with automatic identification and data capture technologies and innovation throughout Japan, the group said.