IoT vision includes a “sensor for everything”
From smart refrigerators that let you know when it’s time to pick up more milk to connected cows that are easily tracked by farmers, the internet of things (IoT) is all about using web-connected sensors to gain real-time data about anything in order to use data analysis to make better decisions. In the era of smart everything, Deutsche Telekom (DT) is touting IoT use cases, some novel, some mission critical, that leverage its NB-IoT network in Europe.
The telecom group has an NB-IoT networks live in eight European markets as well as the United States, and is planning further expansion. Ingo Hofacker, head of IoT business, said the goal is to make NB-IoT available as “quickly as possible, both by making the NB-IoT sensor network available everywhere as well as actively driving the development of innovative NB-IoT solutions.”
“With the rapid expansion of our NB-IoT network as part of 5G in Europe and the USA, the diversity of innovative solutions in a wide variety of industries is also growing,” Hofacker said. “Applications such as the smart wine bottle, smart tools or smart bridges will change our view of existing challenges and accelerate the development of new business models.”
Smart wine
Developed with partner ISTMOS, DT’s Greek subsidiary Cosmote is using an end-to-end logistics solution that monitors individual bottles of wine. Whether the bottle is stored at a winery, being transported to the point of sale or sitting on the shelf at a shop, an NB-IoT sensors monitors temperature, humidity and luminosity of each bottle to ensure quality. To check on the bottle of wine’s quality, a vintner or shop attendant can use a mobile app to scan a QR code on the bottle and access the data being collected. DT said the technology “opens up entirely new possibilities and business models for stakeholders in the wine and other fast-moving consumer goods markets such as wineries, wholesalers, distributors, logistics companies and retail outlets ranging from supermarkets and locals stores to pubs and restaurants.”
Turning tools into mobile devices
DT subsidiary T-mobile Austria worked with machinery firm Toolsenese to develop a solution for OEMs that manufacture construction tools like electric saws, drilling machines and jack-hammers. A sensor placed on the machines, which, by virtue of how they are used, become mobile devices once connected to a network. The tools can stream usage data that helps operators track longevity, energy consumption and wear and tear. “Toolsense also enables rapid time-to-market for tool OEMs by providing prefabricated modules and a scalable, secure IoT cloud, as well as front-ends and mobile applications for all users of the connected tools solutions.”
Bridge construction
On civil infrastructure, DT has partnered with BS2 Sicherheitssyteme to provide a monitoring solution for the latter’s infrastructure projects, which include bridges, tunnels and buildings. Sensors monitor temperature, humidity and corrosion–factors that can lead to damage and create the need for maintenance mitigation. “The sensors can pick up the warning signs long before they can be seen,” DT said, “thus making all structures monitored in this way smarter, safer and more sustainable, reducing damage and minimizing repair and work costs.
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