Telia says site sensors are connected to NB-IoT and LTE-M networks
Nordic operator Telia Norway has partnered with Norwegian firm Effera to develop digitalization solutions for the construction industry.
The two partners said the new solutions will allow the efficient running of construction sites, with controls over materials and resources and a high level of security and safety for workers.
Telia said that sensors located at construction sites will provide information about the equipment being used in order to maximize resources.
“This is the first partnership with the aim to digitalize the construction industry. Our IoT technology and Effera’s digital platform can enable huge cost-savings, through the more efficient operation of construction sites and major projects. In addition, this cooperation will bring even better safety to the sites,” said Jon Christian Hillestad, head of Enterprise at Telia Norway.
The telco explained that the gathering of information is done via sensors connected to Telia’s IoT infrastructure and to narrowband internet of thing and LTE-M technologies. These sensors can be attached to any machine, according to Telia. Personnel on-site can be detected by using the connected RFID sensors, subsequently allowing access to real-time information about who handles what machine, the air quality and the status of any water systems, among other parameters.
“Having information about both people and machines is the key to running an efficient project,” said Frank Wehus, managing director of Effera. “Take, for example, the early stage in a major road project, where more than seven million cubic meters of concrete will be delivered and more than 100 machines used. A manual overview of that is not possible. With digital, close and real-time information about all machines in operation, you can follow all loads and act immediately if something does not go according plan.”
Telia Norway had previously launched precision agriculture services based on NB-IoT technology with the goal of providing farmers with a smart system for monitoring irrigation systems.
The service monitor irrigation systems use sensors on water sprinklers that register the position using GPS, sending alerts in case of falling pressure and providing the operating status of the irrigation system. The sensor unit is connected to the mobile network with a NB-IoT module, sending data at regular intervals.
In related news, Telia has also announced a partnership with Microsoft to offer a full range of IoT solutions across the Nordic and Baltic regions.
Telia said that the new offering will combine its IoT platform with Microsoft Azure to offer services ranging from basic device connectivity to tailored solutions with data analytics and storage.
“We see that companies and organizations in our part of the world are ahead in embracing and using technology to drive new business and innovation, and on our newest IoT Networks, we already have some 40 customers testing their solutions across the Nordics,” said Björn Hansen, head of enterprise and public IoT at Telia. “But when considering the potential, then we’re only at the beginning of full-scale IoT deployment, and that is where access to scalable, hosted IoT platforms becomes important. This will change things for real.
“IoT has started to move from pilots, experiments and innovation to commercialization and solutions. With Microsoft we’re set to accelerate our customers’ digitalization journey and bring them to the next level, said Hansen.
