The new IoT tech will allow companies to monitor real-time operational data
Japanese telecoms operator NTT DoCoMo and GE Energy Japan Co. have signed a memorandum of understanding to form a business alliance to provide a new “Internet of Things” solution. The partnership will combine GE Digital Energy’s MDS Orbit Platform, a wireless router for industrial equipment, and NTT DoCoMo’s communication module.
GE’s platform with NTT DoCoMo’s embedded communication module will enable private companies with infrastructure facilities, as well as government customers, to monitor real-time operational data such as temperature and vibration on infrastructure equipment. The solution will provide data for remote areas on roads and bridges, plants, electricity, gas and water.
By combining the operational data acquired by GE’s Orbit platform with NTT DoCoMo’s application on the “Toami” IoT cloud platform, users will be able to manage the data on their smartphones and tablets. “Toami” is an IoT cloud platform provided by Nippon Systemware. This feature can serve as a predictive diagnostic tool to prevent failures and assist in preserving aging facilities. The cloud-based platform will also enable customers to receive added value instantly without having to make any additional capital investments.
GE’s Orbit platform employs robust housing for industrial equipment data communication, and includes advanced security. GE selected NTT DoCoMo’s communication module for the embedded solution based on the variety of industrial machine-to-machine communication experiences and result of signal quality qualification.
Through this cooperation scheme with GE, the Japanese telecom operator will promote its +d initiative to create new value by collaborating with various outside partners.
NTT DoCoMo ended fiscal year 2014 with more than 30 million 4G LTE subscribers and targets 37 million subscribers by the end of fiscal 2015, ending March 31, 2016. The company’s 3G and 4G networks provide coverage to approximately 98% of Japan’s population. NTT DoCoMo is also working in the development of 5G technology, which the telco expects to commercially launch by 2020.
