What Broke the Internet of Things—and Will It Trip Up AI?

Join the GSPE Atlanta Metro Chapter for a practical conversation with John Whitten, PMP, BSME, of Industrial Journeys, LLC, about what happened when the promises of the Internet of Things met real-world engineering—and what those lessons mean for AI.

IoT promised easy connections, effortless scaling, and data that would speak for itself. Many pilot projects showed promise but struggled to move into widespread use. Why? And could AI encounter some of the same obstacles?

John will explore six unmet promises of IoT, the engineering challenges behind them, and how connected equipment helped move engineering from preventing failures toward predicting them. The discussion will consider where AI can build on that foundation and where practical engineering judgment remains essential.

Monday, October 12, 2026
6:00 p.m.: Networking
7:00 p.m.: Dinner and presentation

Piccadilly Cafeteria
2000 Crescent Centre Blvd.
Tucker, GA 30084

Admission: Meeting and presentation are free.
Professional development: Qualifies for 1 PDH.

Engineering professionals, aspiring PEs, students, public decision-makers, and interested members of the public are welcome.

About the speaker

John Whitten brings 40 years of experience in engineering and leading automation systems and machinery projects for utilities and industrial manufacturers. His background includes organizing the Greater Atlanta Internet of Things Meetup and IoT Startup Showcase, chairing the Technology Association of Georgia’s IoT Hackathon program, and serving on the board of the International Society of Automation’s Smart Manufacturing and Industrial IoT Division. He is also a former visiting scholar at Georgia Tech’s Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies.