The global smart city movement represents a major shift in how urban environments are designed, experienced and navigated. This monumental change is driven in part by digital transformation and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, which are reshaping urban infrastructure and cityscapes into hubs of intelligent connectivity. Central to this trend is the emergence of advanced wireless technologies that align with the unique demands of smart cities. Among these emerging technologies, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED HaLow^TM stands out as an ideal wireless protocol for smart city connectivity.

Wi-Fi HaLow, an evolution of conventional Wi-Fi, is purpose-built to serve the needs of IoT applications. Incorporating the IEEE 802.11ah standard, it was released as a new certification by the Wi-Fi Alliance in November 2021. Wi-Fi HaLow operates in the sub-GHz band and surpasses traditional Wi-Fi in the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands in terms of range, coverage and power efficiency, redefining the boundaries of wireless connectivity for smart city and IoT applications. Wi-Fi HaLow has the capacity to connect more than 8,000 devices from a single access point, providing long range connectivity beyond 1 km, low power consumption, advanced Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WPA3^TM security, and massive network density – precisely the attributes demanded by smart cities.

Building on the strengths of the IEEE 802.11ah standard, Morse Micro is developing next-generation Wi-Fi HaLow solutions that extend 10 times farther and cover 100x the area of traditional Wi-Fi networks. These advancements further the goals of smart city application developers, facilitating long-range connectivity, automating urban services and promoting environmental sustainability.

A prime example of this innovation is the potential impact of Wi-Fi HaLow networks on smart city transit systems. Traditional network infrastructure upgrades often reach bottlenecks due to the high cost and complexity of expanding wireline networks, underscoring the need for new forms of long range wireless technology. In such scenarios, Wi-Fi HaLow’s superior range, penetration and performance offer a transformative solution, far surpassing the range limitations of conventional Wi-Fi in the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands while outperforming the low data rates of low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) such as LoRa.

Wi-Fi HaLow’s versatility enables it to combine diverse building automation systems into a unified connectivity platform that provides an optimal balance of speed and range, and allows innovative IoT applications that may combine video with sensors, for example. It provides seamless connectivity between real-time operational data and the people and systems managing smart buildings, data centers, industrial processes, and other urban utilities. Its extended range and advanced security make it ideal for connecting a plethora of subsystems, from HVAC and smart lighting to microgrids and edge AI cameras.

By using standards-based Wi-Fi HaLow, the total cost to deploy and manage network services for smart cities is lower than other wireless solutions. Wi-Fi HaLow uses license-free radio spectrum in its operation, and Wi-Fi HaLow enabled equipment can be sourced from multiple OEMs. Unlike cellular service providers, which charge fees to use their networks, there is no recurring cost to use Wi-Fi HaLow connectivity. Expert personnel who understand Wi-Fi technology are plentiful and can use well-established methodologies to operate and maintain Wi-Fi HaLow networks. These economic benefits help reduce smart city operating costs, and the savings can trickle down to a municipality’s citizens.

On an enterprise level, Wi-Fi HaLow supercharges a wide array of smart city applications including security and safety systems, energy management, maintenance, occupant services, utility billing, demand management, indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors and compliance systems. With its distinct advantages in range, power efficiency, network capacity and security, Wi-Fi HaLow can equip these applications with the capacity to handle amounts of IoT device connectivity, significantly enhancing operations and services within a smart city.

Wi-Fi HaLow’s unique blend of long range, low-power consumption, advanced security and high-density connectivity is transforming smart city applications. Whether in support of automated transit systems, streamlined building operations or enhanced enterprise applications, Wi-Fi HaLow is a powerhouse protocol capable of addressing the myriad needs of a smart city. Its ability to connect thousands of IoT devices across sprawling urban landscapes enables efficient data sharing and automation, driving improved city services, environmental sustainability, and a higher quality of life for residents.

As cities worldwide transition to smart, connected environments, advanced wireless protocols like Wi-Fi HaLow have become key enablers of technology innovation. By providing a connectivity solution tailored to the distinct requirements of IoT applications, Wi-Fi HaLow isn’t merely contributing to the development of smart cities – it’s setting a higher standard of wireless communications. Wi-Fi HaLow’s growing market momentum represents a significant leap toward a smarter, safer, and more connected future, reshaping our urban landscapes one city at a time.

The post Wi-Fi HaLow: Powering the Evolution of Smart Cities appeared first on IoT Business News.

According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the installed base of smart street lights amounted to 23.0 million globally at the end of 2022.

Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.7 percent, the installed base will reach 63.8 million by the end of 2027.

Europe leads the adoption of smart street lighting technology and accounted for as much as 35 percent of the global installed base in 2022. North America is catching up with Europe and is growing robustly, accounting for around 37 percent of global shipment volumes in 2022. China was at the same time home to almost half of the installed base of smart street lights outside Europe and North America.

The world’s leading smart street lighting vendor was as of Q3-2023 Signify which with nearly 4.9 million connected street lights accounted for 18 percent of the global installed base. The company climbed to pole position after acquiring the former market leader Telensa in July 2021. Included in the top three were also US-based Itron and the Chinese Fonda Technology, of which the latter has most of its lighting controllers deployed in the domestic market. In total, the top three vendors accounted for almost a third of the global installed base of individually controlled smart street lights. Itron furthermore also constitutes a global leader in the networking segment.

Major smart street lighting players also include Quantela, Dimonoff, Ubicquia and LED Roadway Lighting from North America; Schréder from Belgium; Rongwen Energy Technology Group from China; Revetec and Umpi from Italy; Flashnet (Lucy Group) from Romania; Lucy Zodion (Lucy Group) and SSE from the UK; and ST Engineering Telematics Wireless from Singapore/Israel.

“The smart street lighting market experienced significant growth in 2022 and the first quarters of 2023, after a slowdown during 2021 following supply chain constraints and delays in the issuance of tenders for new projects in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic”, said William Ankreus, IoT analyst, Berg Insight.

Cities and municipalities have become increasingly aware of energy costs and environmental issues related to street lighting which has been a catalyst for growth in the smart street lighting market. While proprietary RF networking platforms have been the dominant connectivity type for smart street lighting deployments, the market is now clearly trending towards increased use of cellular communications in several parts of the world.

Mr. Ankreus continued:

“The simplicity and plug-and-play nature of cellular connectivity have made it an increasingly popular alternative for smart street lighting deployments and is expected to be the fastest growing connectivity technology”

The post The installed base of smart street lights to reach 64 million worldwide by 2027 appeared first on IoT Business News.

According to new a research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the installed base of water utility AMI endpoints in Europe and North America is set to more than double during the period 2022–2028.

At the end of 2022, the combined installed base of AMI endpoints in Europe and North America amounted to 55.8 million units. This number is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.0 percent to reach 116.4 million in 2028. The total number of communicating utility water meters – including both AMI and AMR – will at the same time grow from 155.1 million units in 2022 to 206.0 million units in 2028.

AMR includes metering points that require readings through drive-by or walk-by operations while AMI involves a fixed network communications infrastructure and supports true IoT connectivity.

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the growth of remote water meter reading technologies has been impeded by supply-chain disruptions, resulting in the postponement of several projects. With ongoing improvements in supply-chains coupled with significant commitment from numerous utilities to implement smart metering technologies, the outlook for the overall smart water metering market looks promising”, said Mattias Carlsson, IoT Analyst Berg Insight.

In terms of AMI connectivity, LoRaWAN and 3GPP-based LPWA technologies such as NB-IoT and LTE-M continue to be the fastest growing technology types for new water AMI deployments in Europe and North America.

In Europe, Spain has emerged as the leading European adopter of 3GPP-based LPWA communications for water AMI with several major utilities in the country now launching large-scale rollouts based on NB-IoT. The interest in 3GPP-based LPWA is also particularly strong in markets such as the UK, Italy and the Baltics while demand for LoRaWAN has so far been more widespread across the entire European region.

In North America, LTE-M currently constitutes the single fastest growing technology for new water AMI deployments while LoRaWAN has just started showing some growth after several years in the market.

“Proprietary and EN 13757-based RF communications technologies currently have a strong footprint in both the European and North American markets. These technologies are anticipated to remain pivotal connectivity options for water AMI projects in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, emerging alternatives such as LoRaWAN and cellular communications are rapidly growing and are poised to capture a larger share of AMI shipments in the years ahead”, continued Mr. Carlsson.

At the end of 2022, the companies that had accumulated the largest installed bases of water AMI endpoints in Europe included Diehl Metering, Itron, Birdz (Veolia), Sensus (Xylem) and Kamstrup. The top five in North America were Sensus, Badger Meter, Itron, Aclara (Hubbell) and Neptune Technology Group. Top 10 vendors in either of the two regions moreover included the Minol-ZENNER Group, Honeywell, the Arad Group, Mueller Systems, Landis+Gyr, Apator and Maddalena. The SUEZ subsidiary SUEZ Smart Solutions also constitutes a key player in the European water AMI market by having been instrumental to the development and deployment of Wize technology.

The post Water AMI landscape 2028: Exceeding expectations with over 100 percent growth in Europe and North America appeared first on IoT Business News.

Berg Insight today released new findings about the market for home and small business security systems.

The number of professionally monitored alarm systems in Europe is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4 percent, from 18.2 million in 2022 to reach 22.6 million in 2027.

In North America, the number of monitored alarm systems is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 3.4 percent, from 34.8 million in 2022 to 41.2 million in 2027.

Security systems for small businesses and private homes can be divided into three main categories – local, self-monitored and professionally monitored security systems. When activated, a local security system emits an alarm sound to alert the surroundings and scare off intruders. Such systems are not monitored and cannot be accessed from remote. A self-monitored security system is connected and informs the owner of the premises upon activation by sending a text message, email or push notification through a smartphone app. A professionally monitored security system is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). When the system is activated, the ARC can dispatch a security patrol and contact emergency services.

The traditional home and small business security systems market in Europe and North America is served by specialist home security companies such as ADT, Verisure, Vivint, Brinks Home (Monitronics) and Sector Alarm; security service companies such as Prosegur, Securitas and G4S; telecommunications and cable television companies such as Comcast, Telus, Cox Communications, and Altice France; as well as utilities, banks and insurance companies such as EPS (Crédit Mutuel), Crédit Agricole and Groupama.

Traditional home security systems include professional alarm monitoring. Providers of DIY home security systems include, among others, SimpliSafe, Frontpoint, Ring (Amazon), Yale (Assa Abloy), Arlo, Somfy, Scout Security, Canary, Signify, Netatmo, Minut and Wyze Labs. DIY security systems typically include self-monitoring as a standard feature and professional alarm monitoring services are offered as an option. ADT and Verisure are the two largest providers of professionally monitored alarm systems for homes and small businesses, with 6.4 million and 4.8 million customers respectively at the end of 2022. ADT is only active in the US while Verisure is active in 13 European countries and four countries in South America.

“An increasing number of home and small business owners in Europe and North America discover the value of interactive security systems and professional monitoring services to safeguard their premises”, says Martin Backman, Principal Analyst at Berg Insight.

Additional security products and services, such as water leak detection, fire and carbon monoxide detection and remote live video monitoring are now more commonly included in the offering from service providers to provide further peace-of-mind for customers.

Mr. Backman concludes:

“Security and safety are basic human needs and therefore the home and small business security system market is anticipated to stay strong in the coming years despite high inflation and rising costs of living and doing business.”

The post Professionally monitored alarm systems in Europe and North America reached 53 million in 2022 appeared first on IoT Business News.

Imagine a home that anticipates your needs, responds to your preferences, and ensures your safety with minimal input. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), this vision has become a reality in the form of smart homes. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of IoT in smart homes, exploring the key applications, benefits, challenges, and the bright future it holds for modern living.

The Rise of IoT in Smart Homes

Smart homes are residences equipped with IoT devices and systems that enhance comfort, security, energy efficiency, and convenience. IoT technology is at the core of this transformation, connecting various devices and sensors to create an interconnected ecosystem within the home.

Key Applications of IoT in Smart Homes

1. Home Automation

IoT devices in smart homes allow for automation of various tasks. For example, lights, thermostats, and appliances can be controlled remotely or set to operate on a schedule. Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home enable voice commands to control devices, making daily routines more efficient.

2. Security and Surveillance

IoT is revolutionizing home security by offering smart doorbells, cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks. These devices provide real-time monitoring, allowing homeowners to check on their property and receive alerts about potential security breaches.

3. Energy Efficiency

Smart thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances help homeowners reduce energy consumption. These devices can be programmed to operate more efficiently, and some can learn user preferences over time, further optimizing energy use.

4. Entertainment

IoT in smart homes offers integrated entertainment systems. Smart TVs, streaming devices, and audio systems can be controlled from a central hub or through smartphones and voice commands.

5. Health and Well-being

IoT devices in the healthcare sector are making their way into smart homes. Remote health monitoring, medication reminders, and telemedicine applications are improving the quality of life for patients and the elderly.

6. Home Maintenance

IoT sensors can monitor the condition of home systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Alerts can be sent when maintenance is required, preventing costly breakdowns.

7. Home Appliances

IoT-enabled appliances can communicate with homeowners, notifying them of issues, providing information on usage, and even ordering replacement parts automatically.

8. Voice Assistants

Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home have integrated voice assistants that control various IoT devices and answer queries, making the smart home experience more interactive.

Benefits of IoT in Smart Homes

The integration of IoT in smart homes offers numerous advantages:

1. Convenience

Smart homes are designed to make daily tasks more convenient. Devices can be controlled remotely, and automation simplifies routines.

2. Enhanced Security

IoT-based security systems provide homeowners with real-time monitoring and alerts, offering peace of mind.

3. Energy Efficiency

Smart homes are more environmentally friendly, as energy-efficient devices help reduce energy consumption and costs.

4. Personalization

IoT devices in smart homes learn user preferences and adapt to individual needs, creating a personalized living environment.

5. Safety

IoT technology enhances safety with features like smart locks and security cameras, allowing homeowners to monitor and secure their property.

6. Accessibility

Smart home features can be accessible to individuals with disabilities, improving their quality of life.

Challenges and Considerations

While IoT in smart homes offers numerous benefits, it also poses challenges and considerations:

1. Data Security and Privacy

Collecting and transmitting sensitive data in the home raises concerns about data security and privacy. Robust security measures must be in place to protect personal information.

2. Interoperability

IoT devices and systems must be compatible and standardized to ensure seamless data exchange and integration. Common protocols and standards are essential for achieving this.

3. Reliability

The performance and reliability of IoT devices can be a concern. Devices must work consistently to maintain the trust of homeowners.

4. Cost of Implementation

The initial cost of implementing IoT in smart homes can be a barrier for some homeowners. An assessment of the return on investment is necessary to justify the expense.

5. Workforce Training

The successful adoption of IoT in smart homes often requires workforce training and a cultural shift within households.

The Future of IoT in Smart Homes

As technology continues to advance, the future of IoT in smart homes looks promising. Here are some trends and developments to watch for:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

IoT and AI will work together to provide more intelligent and adaptive automation, making homes even more responsive to residents’ needs.

2. Enhanced Security

Security systems will become more sophisticated, with machine learning and AI used to detect and respond to security threats.

3. Interconnectivity

Smart home ecosystems will become even more interconnected, with devices seamlessly communicating with each other for a more unified experience.

4. Sustainability

IoT will play a more significant role in sustainable living, with devices designed to minimize resource consumption and waste.

5. Integration with Smart Cities

Smart homes will be integrated with broader smart city initiatives, contributing to more sustainable urban living.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things is revolutionizing smart homes by offering enhanced convenience, security, energy efficiency, and personalization. Challenges related to data security, interoperability, and workforce training must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of IoT in smart homes are fully realized.

As IoT technology continues to evolve, it will remain a driving force in smart homes, offering a glimpse into a future where homes are more responsive, efficient, and aligned with the individual needs and preferences of their occupants, ultimately improving the quality of life for homeowners.

The post The Smart Home Revolution: How IoT Is Transforming Modern Living appeared first on IoT Business News.

Damal Redes and Valencia’s Fundació Clima i Energia, relying on the Helium Network’s LoRaWAN® ecosystem, are leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and decentralized wireless networks technology to gather real-time data about the wellbeing of its most vulnerable citizens.

Under the leadership and installation efforts of Valencia’s Fundació Clima i Energia, more than 130 air quality sensors using LoRaWAN® have been deployed throughout the city in technological collaboration with Damal Redes, with more deployments expected in 2024.

Spain’s third-largest city is facing the formidable challenge of energy poverty – a lack of adequate, affordable, and reliable environmentally sound energy services, which affects 23% of its households. European welfare systems are burdened by the inequalities resulting from living conditions in urban contexts, causing direct and detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing. Health complications resulting from energy poverty include respiratory diseases, heart attacks, stroke, mental disorders, and acute health issues such as hypothermia, injury, or flu. Energy poverty increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, which is why Valencia’s Fundació Clima i Energia has chosen to adopt low-cost, high-impact air quality sensor deployments for citizens, ultimately benefiting the welfare of the entire area.

Damal Redes, a renowned Valencia-based company established in March 2007, specializes in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). Valencia’s Fundació Clima i Energia leads and supervises the Wellbased and Ebento projects, with Damal Redes serving as their trusted technological collaborator. Wellbased has distributed 130 sensors throughout the city of Valencia to address energy poverty. On the other hand, Ebento is focused on enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and plans to deploy 52 sensors across two buildings in the city. These projects utilize atmospheric sensors that measure dry temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration, offering insights into the environmental conditions within the participants’ homes.

Jose Antonio Hernández, IoT Technical Lead at Damal Redes, said:

“By leveraging the Helium Network, we’ve realized an astounding 98% success rate in installing sensors in low-income residences and construction sites. This allows us to continuously monitor CO2 levels, weather patterns, and other crucial data. No other technology can match this capability.”

Valencia advanced its mission by integrating the Helium Network, the world’s largest people-powered IoT Network. The Helium ecosystem seamlessly integrates with LoRaWAN® technology, which is optimized for battery-operated, low-power devices, making it ideal for an expansive IoT infrastructure.

“We have the technology to address an equality issue that affects many of the world’s urban centers and deprives residents of fundamental energy needs,” said Abhay Kumar, CEO of the Helium Foundation. “With Helium’s decentralized, peer-to-peer wireless network, we can gain insights that are impossible to access with a centralized system. It’s gratifying to work alongside Damal Redes and LoRa Alliance® member companies to deploy on the Helium Network in Valencia, allowing for real-time environmental data that can result in meaningful change.”

With Valencia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2030 under the Covenant of Mayors initiative, its trust in Damal Redes for its projects becomes evident. Damal Redes’ partnership with Helium is a move towards making real-world change. As a part of a larger movement against energy poverty, this collaboration emerges as a fundamental piece of Valencia’s broader energy strategy.

The Wellbased and Ebento projects are backed by the European Union. Damal Redes, Helium, and the esteemed LoRa Alliance® collectively represent a step forward in addressing energy poverty. The collaboration is a testament to a shared vision of adopting low-cost, high-impact innovative technology deployments, as they can benefit both the public and private welfare of cities.

The post City of Valencia Invests in IoT Project Powered by the Helium Network to Combat Energy Poverty appeared first on IoT Business News.

The energy landscape is evolving, and with it comes the transformation of utility services through the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart metering applications have emerged as a cornerstone of this change, revolutionizing the way energy consumption is monitored and managed. In this article, we will explore the pivotal role of IoT in smart metering, its key applications, benefits, challenges, and the promising future it holds for efficient resource management.

The IoT Revolution in Smart Metering

Smart metering represents a shift from traditional utility services to digital, data-driven systems. IoT is a key enabler in this transition, facilitating the collection, analysis, and management of energy consumption data in real time.

Key Applications of IoT in Smart Metering

1. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

IoT technology forms the backbone of Advanced Metering Infrastructure, enabling the remote reading of utility meters. This includes electricity, water, and gas meters. Smart meters equipped with communication modules relay data to utility providers without the need for manual meter readings.

2. Real-Time Monitoring

IoT allows for real-time monitoring of energy consumption patterns. Consumers and utility providers can track usage patterns, detect anomalies, and make timely decisions based on this data.

3. Demand Response

IoT plays a crucial role in demand response programs. Utilities can remotely adjust energy consumption for specific appliances or entire households during peak demand periods. This helps balance the load on the grid and reduces the risk of blackouts.

4. Billing Accuracy

Smart metering applications ensure accurate billing based on real consumption data rather than estimates. This promotes transparency and minimizes billing disputes.

5. Environmental Sustainability

IoT in smart metering supports sustainability initiatives by monitoring and managing resource consumption. This reduces energy waste and promotes responsible energy use.

6. Prepaid Utility Services

IoT-enabled meters can be used for prepaid utility services. Consumers can prepay for energy, and the meter system will automatically disconnect the service when the prepaid balance is depleted.

7. Remote Disconnect and Reconnect

Utility providers can remotely disconnect and reconnect service, eliminating the need for physical interventions and improving operational efficiency.

8. Energy Analytics

IoT in smart metering applications provides valuable data for energy analytics. Utilities and consumers can gain insights into consumption patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about energy use.

Benefits of IoT in Smart Metering

The integration of IoT in smart metering offers numerous advantages:

1. Improved Accuracy

Smart meters equipped with IoT technology provide precise data, eliminating estimation errors in billing.

2. Enhanced Efficiency

IoT-enabled smart metering applications reduce the need for manual meter readings, streamlining the process and freeing up resources for other tasks.

3. Cost Savings

The efficient use of resources and real-time data analysis leads to cost savings for both consumers and utility providers.

4. Reduced Energy Waste

IoT technology enables better monitoring and management of energy use, leading to reduced energy waste and more sustainable consumption.

5. Demand Management

IoT supports demand management by allowing utilities to adjust consumption during peak periods, ensuring the stability of the grid.

6. Enhanced Customer Experience

Real-time monitoring and transparency in billing improve the customer experience by putting consumers in control of their energy use.

7. Sustainability

IoT in smart metering is aligned with sustainability goals by promoting responsible energy use and environmental conservation.

Challenges and Considerations

While IoT in smart metering applications offers numerous benefits, it also poses challenges and considerations:

1. Data Security and Privacy

Collecting and transmitting sensitive consumption data raise concerns about data security and privacy. Robust security measures must be in place to protect consumer information.

2. Data Transmission

Reliable data transmission is crucial for accurate readings and analysis. Ensuring that IoT devices are connected and functioning correctly is essential.

3. Compatibility

IoT devices and systems must be compatible and standardized to ensure seamless data exchange and integration. Common protocols and standards are necessary for achieving this.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Smart metering applications must adhere to regulatory requirements, particularly regarding data protection, billing accuracy, and service disconnection protocols.

5. Consumer Engagement

Effective implementation requires consumer education and engagement to ensure that consumers understand the benefits and are comfortable with the technology.

The Future of IoT in Smart Metering

As technology continues to advance, the future of IoT in smart metering looks promising. Here are some trends and developments to watch for:

1. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain can enhance the security and integrity of smart metering data, ensuring data accuracy and privacy.

2. AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning will be used to analyze vast amounts of consumption data, providing insights into patterns and optimizing energy use.

3. Edge Computing

Edge computing will enable data processing closer to the source, reducing latency and ensuring real-time monitoring and response.

4. Energy Storage Integration

IoT-enabled smart metering will integrate with energy storage solutions, allowing consumers to optimize their use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on the grid.

5. Electric Vehicle Charging

Smart metering will support electric vehicle charging infrastructure, enabling convenient and efficient charging for electric vehicles.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things is transforming smart metering, offering precise data collection, enhanced efficiency, and sustainability. Challenges related to data security, compatibility, and consumer engagement must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of IoT in smart metering applications are fully realized.

As IoT technology continues to evolve, it will remain a driving force in the utility sector, offering a glimpse into a future where energy consumption is more transparent, efficient, and sustainable, ultimately benefitting both consumers and the environment.

The post Powering Efficiency: IoT in Smart Metering Applications appeared first on IoT Business News.

The concept of smart cities is rapidly becoming a reality, thanks to the transformative power of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is fundamentally altering how cities operate, bringing increased efficiency, sustainability, and improved quality of life to urban dwellers. In this article, we will explore the role of IoT in smart cities, its key applications, benefits, challenges, and the exciting future it holds for urban development.

The IoT Revolution in Smart Cities

A smart city leverages technology to enhance urban living, addressing challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, and energy consumption. IoT plays a pivotal role in this transformation by connecting a vast network of devices, sensors, and infrastructure to collect and analyze data, enabling cities to make informed decisions.

Key Applications of IoT in Smart Cities

1. Smart Traffic Management

IoT sensors and cameras monitor traffic flow, congestion, and accidents. This data is analyzed to optimize traffic signal timing, reroute vehicles, and reduce congestion. Smart parking systems can also guide drivers to available parking spots, reducing traffic and emissions.

2. Public Safety and Security

IoT enables cities to enhance public safety and security through smart surveillance cameras, gunshot detection systems, and crowd monitoring. These technologies can identify and respond to emergencies in real-time.

3. Energy Management

IoT helps cities manage energy resources more efficiently. Smart grids enable real-time monitoring and control of electricity distribution, while IoT sensors in streetlights adjust lighting levels based on weather conditions and pedestrian activity, saving energy.

4. Waste Management

IoT sensors in waste bins can signal when they are full, optimizing waste collection routes. Smart recycling stations can also encourage recycling by providing incentives to users.

5. Environmental Monitoring

Cities can use IoT to monitor air and water quality, noise levels, and weather conditions. This data helps manage pollution, reduce emissions, and respond to environmental concerns promptly.

6. Healthcare

IoT-based healthcare solutions enable remote patient monitoring and faster emergency response. In smart cities, medical data can be transmitted from patients’ homes to healthcare providers, improving patient care.

7. Urban Planning

City planners use IoT data to assess land use, urban density, and infrastructure needs. This information aids in developing sustainable, future-ready urban environments.

8. Water Management

IoT sensors can detect water leaks in real-time, helping conserve water resources. Smart irrigation systems adjust watering schedules based on weather data, reducing water waste.

Benefits of IoT in Smart Cities

The integration of IoT in smart cities offers numerous advantages:

1. Enhanced Efficiency

IoT helps streamline city operations, reduce waste, and optimize resource allocation. This leads to improved efficiency and cost savings.

2. Improved Quality of Life

Smart cities prioritize the well-being of residents. IoT applications in healthcare, safety, and environmental monitoring lead to a higher quality of life for urban dwellers.

3. Sustainability

By monitoring and managing resources more efficiently, IoT contributes to sustainable urban development, reducing energy consumption, pollution, and waste.

4. Economic Growth

Smart cities attract businesses and investments, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.

5. Public Engagement

IoT encourages citizen engagement through digital platforms, allowing residents to provide feedback, participate in decision-making, and access services more easily.

Challenges and Considerations

While IoT in smart cities offers numerous benefits, it also poses challenges and considerations:

1. Data Security and Privacy

Collecting and transmitting vast amounts of data from urban environments raise concerns about data security and privacy. Safeguarding this information is crucial.

2. Infrastructure Investment

Implementing IoT in smart cities requires significant investment in infrastructure, such as sensors, connectivity, and data centers.

3. Interoperability

IoT devices and systems must be compatible and standardized to ensure seamless data exchange and integration. Common protocols and standards are essential for achieving this.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Smart city IoT systems must adhere to regulatory requirements, particularly regarding data protection and privacy.

5. Citizen Engagement

Citizen participation is vital in smart cities. It is crucial to ensure that the benefits of IoT are accessible to all residents and that their concerns are addressed.

The Future of IoT in Smart Cities

As technology continues to advance, the future of IoT in smart cities looks promising. Here are some trends and developments to watch for:

1. 5G Connectivity

The rollout of 5G networks will provide faster and more reliable connectivity, enabling real-time data transmission and better support for IoT applications.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

IoT and AI will work hand in hand to analyze vast amounts of data, offering insights for various applications, from traffic management to predictive maintenance.

3. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain can be used to enhance the security and integrity of IoT data in smart cities, ensuring that data remains accurate and private.

4. Autonomous Systems

IoT-enabled smart cities will contribute to the development of autonomous systems, such as self-driving vehicles and drones, improving efficiency and reducing congestion.

5. Enhanced Data Analytics

Advanced data analytics will provide cities with more profound insights into urban patterns, enabling proactive decision-making and real-time response to challenges.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things is revolutionizing smart cities by offering increased efficiency, sustainability, and a higher quality of life for urban residents. Challenges related to data security, infrastructure investment, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of IoT in smart cities are fully realized.

As IoT technology continues to evolve, it will remain a driving force in urban development, offering a glimpse into a future where cities are more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of their residents, ultimately improving the quality of life for all.

The post Pioneering Progress: The Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart Cities appeared first on IoT Business News.

• Using Telit Cinterion’s cellular LPWA modules and IoT connectivity solutions, WaterSignal transfers water data independent of a power source
• WaterSignal, an innovator in the water conservation space, leverages Telit Cinterion’s technology to ensure always-on connectivity for its water monitoring system

Telit Cinterion, a global enabler of the intelligent edge, today announced that it is working with WaterSignal to ensure always-on connectivity to its real-time water monitoring and leak detection systems.

As water scarcity continues to increase worldwide, baseline water benchmarking and evaluation have become critical, requiring operation teams for domestic meters, irrigation systems and cooling towers to have reliable access to on-demand data. Through WaterSignal’s remote water monitoring capabilities – supported by cellular LPWA modules and IoT connectivity solutions – teams gain deeper insights into their towers and systems’ efficiencies while eliminating the need to perform repetitive, manual day-to-day meter readings.

WaterSignal’s real-time water monitoring and leak detection system enables make-up and blow-down meter monitoring for cooling towers, helping teams search for leaks proactively, mitigate water loss and damage and justify evaporation credits with local municipalities. The unique technology is non-invasive, unlike others, WaterSignal’s solutions attach to any existing water meter without a disruptive installation, significantly reducing costs while eliminating the need for additional city approval.

In light of ongoing and worsening power outages, WaterSignal needed to transfer water data independent of a power source. The company also needed a trusted and dependable technology partner for cellular IoT connectivity and network services. Because of these requirements, WaterSignal turned to Telit Cinterion’s cellular LPWA modules and IoT connectivity solutions for their units.

Telit Cinterion’s cellular LPWA supports various devices, from point-of-sale terminals and smart meters to industrial sensors and asset management. Its modules include Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), ideal for increasing IoT application power saving and battery life when backed by networks. The cellular LPWA module family form factor also allows developers to employ a “design once, use anywhere” strategy, helping them decrease costs, truncate development time and deploy the most optimal technologies for the application’s environment. In addition to providing superior performance for the module, the radio frequency front-end (RFFE) engineering delivers reliable connections, even for IoT devices in hard-to-reach locations typical of a water monitoring setting.

“Telit Cinterion is a leading IoT provider and was selected because of its excellent reputation for quality modules, which later expanded to its IoT connectivity network services,” said Mike Drake, Vice President of Engineering, WaterSignal.

“WaterSignal can ensure connectivity for customers via cellular data rather than Wi-Fi. It does not require a connection to power. This capability provides a more stable connection. It allows the WaterSignal device to communicate, even in deep vaults or locations far away from buildings with Wi-Fi.”

“When monitoring critical resources, like water, a reliable connection is pivotal to maintaining visibility and extracting actionable insights,” said Neset Yalcinkaya, SVP Sales Americas, Telit Cinterion. “WaterSignal’s technology is invaluable for operation teams, and we are pleased that Telit Cinterion’s cellular LPWA modules and IoT connectivity solutions are central to providing that essential connection, particularly the ability to use cellular instead of Wi-Fi to transfer water data independently of a power source during an outage.”

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KAIFA¹ and UnaBiz², announce strategic partnership to accelerate the global deployment of smart water metering solutions empowered by Sigfox 0G technology, including collaboration to bring Sigfox 0G and LoRa dual-mode hybrid solution to market.

Henry Chan, Global Sales Director of KAIFA says, “KAIFA is proud to join forces with UnaBiz in this transformative endeavor. By leveraging UnaBiz’s renowned expertise in bespoke IoT solutions, and the tremendous potential for energy-efficiency enabled by the Sigfox 0G technology, we aim to bring to the market high-quality advanced water metering solutions that are not only accurate and reliable but also cost-competitive, scalable and environmentally friendly to the water metering sector.”

Loic Barrancourt, Chief Commercial Officer of UnaBiz Group says, “We are excited to partner with KAIFA, a leader in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solution to not only drive efficiency but also promote sustainability, making a positive impact on communities worldwide. KAIFA’s quality excellence and UnaBiz’s design capabilities are key ingredients to bringing an integrated fit-for-purpose solution to end customers to enable Massive IoT. We look forward to working closely with KAIFA to bring on a new era of efficiency and sustainability in the realm of water resource management.”

The dynamic duo has already achieved success in various parts of the globe even before the official partnership announcement. Most recently, Iguá Saneamento, Brazilian water and sewerage services supplier, has partnered with KAIFA and WND Brazil to roll out 120,000 smart water meters powered by Sigfox 0G technology.

Jose Almeida – Deputy Chief Executive Officer of WND Brazil said:

“Sigfox 0G technology’s energy-efficient design aligns with Iguá Saneamento’s commitment to sustainability. Reduced power consumption and extended device lifecycles ultimately contribute to a greener and more eco-conscious future. We are certain the collaboration between UnaBiz and KAIFA will pave the way for smarter, more sustainable solutions in water resource management across the globe.”

UnaBiz and KAIFA‘s combined global footprint will allow the partners to address the unique needs of diverse markets. The pair will focus on specific regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America to accelerate and magnify its prevailing success.

The post UnaBiz and KAIFA Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Global Smart Water Metering with Sigfox 0G technology appeared first on IoT Business News.

WaterMeter Corp, in collaboration with WND Mexico and UnaBiz, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to revolutionise water management in Mexico.

This strategic alliance aims to deploy 1 million water meters with Sigfox 0G technology throughout Mexico over the next 10 years, offering innovative solutions for accurate, efficient, and sustainable measurement of water, gas and electricity for the benefit of communities and the environment.

Empowering Water Management with Sigfox 0G Technology

WaterMeter Corp has forged a high-impact alliance with WND Mexico and UnaBiz to introduce 1 million water measurement solutions based on Sigfox 0G technology in Mexico. Leveraging WND’s 0G Network, this collaboration will facilitate the efficient monitoring and management of water resources.

WND Mexico: Facilitating Connectivity Without Borders

As the operator of the 0G Network in Mexico, WND Mexico is committed to providing extensive coverage crucial to the successful deployment of water metering solutions powered by Sigfox 0G technology across the country. This alliance reinforces WND Mexico’s dedication to supporting innovative IoT solutions.

UnaBiz: Pioneers in the Future of Water Management

As the owner of Sigfox 0G technology, UnaBiz guarantees the continuity and longevity of the network and services in Mexico for the next 15 years. With a strong track record of connecting more than 2 million gas and water meters worldwide through the global 0G network, UnaBiz brings unparalleled experience to this transformative collaboration.

WaterMeter Corp

Committed to Sustainability and Efficiency, WaterMeter Corp, an expert in water measurement solutions, confidently embraces Sigfox 0G technology because of its ability to communicate equipment in a dispersed or sectorised way without the need to install concentrator antennas, repeaters or gateways on public poles. This decision underscores its commitment to providing cost-effective and sustainable water metering solutions for municipalities in Mexico.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Water Management

This alliance between WaterMeter Corp, WND Mexico, and UnaBiz is based on a shared long-term business vision. Recognising the critical importance of security, stability, and continuity in the utility market, the trio aims to redefine water measurement in Mexico and beyond.

The fundamental objective is to multiply success stories based on projects with successful investment returns; UnaBiz, WND and WaterMeter Corp are willing to revolutionise the administration and management of water, gas, and electricity with cutting-edge technology.

Currently, the 0G network covers more than 60% of the national population with the commitment to deploy in a few days. After the success of the first stage applied to horizontal and vertical condominiums nationwide, the second step has been called: “essence the IoT technology for everyone, everywhere”.

Marco Mendoza, CEO of WaterMeter Corp:
“Our customers expect water metering solutions that meet their basic needs: accounting for 100% of water, gas or electricity effectively (day, week or month), with cost-effective and operationally practical solutions, and that fit their implementation budgets. This is precisely why we are committed to the Sigfox 0G technology, which allows us to read meters remotely cost-effectively, predictably, and extremely energy-efficiently. Together with WND Mexico and UnaBiz, we will connect millions of water meters in Mexico.”

Daniel Philippe Guevara, CEO of WND Mexico:
“We are excited to partner with WaterMeter Corp (certified in IoT Network for utilities with Sigfox 0G technology) and UnaBiz to pave the way to a smarter and more sustainable Mexico. As the operator of Mexico’s 0G Network, WND Mexico is fully dedicated to providing solid coverage essential for deploying IoT solutions powered by Sigfox 0G technology, including water metering. We share a long-term vision with WaterMeter Corp, recognising the importance of safety, stability, and continuity in the utility market. We hope to transform the smart water metering landscape with 1 million connected water meters over the next 10 years.”

Henri Bong, CEO and Co-founder of UnaBiz:
“At UnaBiz, we are committed to leveraging our experience as owners of Sigfox 0G technology to ensure the continuity and durability of the network and services in Mexico for the next 15 years. With a proven track record of connecting more than 2.6 million meters around the world through the Sigfox 0G network, we are confident that, together with WaterMeter Corp, we will deliver water metering solutions that will help Mexican municipalities address the challenges of water scarcity, non-technical losses, and water leaks.”

“With a long-term business vision, our goal is to modernise the water management system in Mexico, promote water conservation and ensure the country’s sustainable and efficient use of water resources.”

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In the 21st century, the proliferation of technology has empowered individuals and organisations alike. Within this technological surge, the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly paving the way for transformative changes in various sectors, including UK social housing.

A long-standing issue this sector has been dealing with is damp and mould; both from a regulatory point of view but more importantly from a resident health perspective. The rapid adoption of IoT in UK social housing, however, is ushering in a new era, helping to more effectively address these issues. Technology-enabled solutions such as environmental sensors that measure temperature, humidity, and CO2, along with fire and carbon monoxide alarms, are becoming increasingly common. These IoT devices not only detect potential problems but also enable predictive maintenance, offering landlords the ability to proactively tackle issues before they escalate.

This technological shift is also promoting strategic resource allocation by housing providers, allowing them to prioritise based on the severity of issues. Essentially, it’s a paradigm shift, creating a proactive rather than a reactive approach towards identifying serious damp and mould issues: this is what the Housing Ombudsman refers to as “finding your silence”. This not only saves money for landlords in the long term but more importantly reduces the distress caused to residents due to these recurring problems.

For residents, the benefits are immense. Healthier living conditions are a key outcome of this technological integration, offering a safer environment and contributing towards a more sustainable future.

Scale of the Problem: The Impact of Damp and Mould

While the benefits of the IoT revolution are promising, it’s essential to understand the scale and impact of the issue at hand. Damp and mould are not simply an aesthetic problem, but they have serious health implications. According to Shelter, an organisation dedicated to housing issues, approximately one million rented homes in England alone are plagued by serious damp problems.

The health implications of living in a mould-infested house are severe. Research suggests that exposure to mould can exacerbate breathing problems and lead to the development of asthma, particularly in children.. There are also suggestions that it can contribute to the development of serious conditions such as dementia. Furthermore, the psychological impact of living in such conditions should not be underestimated, with studies indicating a clear link between damp, mouldy living conditions and mental health issues.

What is even more distressing is that these issues disproportionately affect the vulnerable segments of the society — children and the elderly. As homes are increasingly retrofitted to be more energy-efficient and sustainable, there’s also a risk that these issues might escalate if proper ventilation is not ensured, thereby causing a decrease in indoor air quality.

Recent Events: The Cry for Change

Recent years have seen an increasing public outcry regarding substandard living conditions, resulting in an escalating number of news stories highlighting the struggles of residents. With the recent tragic and avoidable death of 2 year old Awaab Ishak, this issue finally led to formal letters from the UK Regulator of Social Housing and the Secretary of State for Housing, demanding landlords to address this problem. Alongside this, the Housing Ombudsman has stepped forward with a set of guidelines to manage and mitigate the impact of damp and mould.

Guidance from the Ombudsman: A Beacon of Hope

The original ‘Spotlight on Damp and Mould’ report by the Housing Ombudsman highlighted the severity of the issue and the necessity of a focused, strategic response. The report calls out a culture of blame and inadequate responses to issues of damp and mould.

The updated guidelines from the Ombudsman include:

• Taking a proactive approach rather than simply reacting (sub optimally) to complaints.
• Change organisational culture to one of accountability rather than blame.
• Think in terms of resolving damp & mould issues rather than claim handling.

In the follow up report in February of this year the Ombudsman went further to highlight good practice including:

• Humidity and temperature sensors
• Specialist damp & mould teams
• Root cause analysis modelling
• Dedicated damp & mould dashboard
• Staff training
• Dedicated apps for reporting issues

The guidelines already specifically advocate the use of temperature and humidity sensors in homes. These sensors would serve as an early warning system, flagging when a property is at risk of mould growth. Moreover, the Ombudsman emphasises the use of data gathered from these sensors for predictive modelling. This could potentially allow housing providers to proactively identify properties at risk, preventing the onset of severe damp and mould issues. In addition, the Ombudsman encourages equipping surveyors with advanced equipment to identify cold spots and areas of high thermal bypass, thereby enhancing the efficacy of inspections and interventions.

The Crucial Role of Sensors

In the battle against damp and mould, sensors are becoming increasingly crucial. As per retrofit standards such as PAS 2035, EESSH 2, and ORP in Wales, the implementation of sensors are highlighted as good practice in ensuring homes perform as expected post ‘intervention’, whether maintenance or retrofit measure, and that there are no unintended negative consequences such as worsened indoor air quality and humidity. These sensors, strategically installed in common problem areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms, can help pinpoint sources of potential issues.

Newly developed mould algorithms can predict the likelihood of mould growth, acting as an early warning system for property owners and residents. Aico-HomeLINK have gone one step with the invention of the SvE algorithm – a world-first – that predicts the underlying root cause of the issue, whether it’s lack of adequate ventilation, a potential leak, or other contributing factors.

Once the root cause is identified, appropriate interventions can be implemented, such as replacing a faulty ventilation system or fixing a leak. Post-intervention, the same sensor data can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the solution. As Martyn Cheeseman of Grand Union Housing Group aptly put it:

“We validated the effectiveness of new ventilation systems we are installing to resolve condensation, damp and mould issues. Real-time data insights provided via the HomeLINK Portal make it very simple for us to make informed decisions on the future specification of fans that are proven to be effective in the treatment of humid and damp living conditions.”

The Future of Housing: IoT at Scale

This technological revolution embodies the potential of IoT at scale. It is akin to having a Fitbit for your home, constantly monitoring and providing real-time insights into its health. The scale of this revolution is evident from the fact that already 220,000 Aico-HomeLINK devices are connected in UK social homes, with an ambitious target of reaching 1 million by the end of 2024.

This large-scale deployment of IoT not only solves the immediate issues of damp and mould but also sets a precedent for a more technologically integrated future for housing. The positive implications extend beyond individual households, leading to significant improvements in public health and by extension reducing pressure on the NHS.

In conclusion, the adoption of IoT in UK social housing represents a crucial step towards healthier, safer, and more sustainable living conditions. As sensors become integral to our homes, just like they already are with our cars, we are entering a future where our homes can warn us about potential health hazards, thereby contributing significantly to improving our quality and longevity of life.

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Building management solutions using LoRaWAN are designed to reduce insurance premiums and repair costs, improve tenant satisfaction while saving time and mitigating risks.

Senet, Inc.¹ and ProSentry² today announced a partnership to deliver smart building solutions utilizing Senet’s Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) for private LoRaWAN network deployments and smart building sensor management.

Senet’s Platform-as-a-Service allows solution providers, like ProSentry, to deploy LoRaWAN gateways exclusive to their customers’ environments while leveraging the benefits of Senet’s cloud-based managed network services and Radio Access Network (RAN) tools to provision, monitor, and manage gateways dedicated to their environments, ensuring the delivery of carrier-grade service required for building monitoring applications.

“Whether installing a new system or retrofitting a building, a small number of low-cost LoRaWAN gateways can easily deliver connectivity for an entire building and provide the foundation for a holistic building monitoring solution,” said John Rusk, President and Founder of ProSentry. “Reliable network connectivity is critical to the delivery of our services and Senet’s Platform-as-a-Service and RAN tools ensure we are able to deploy, manage, and monitor our network infrastructure and sensor deployments, bringing innovation and ease to better building monitoring.”

Building Monitoring, Simplified

Providing a flexible and cost-effective alternative to legacy proprietary solutions, ProSentry’s all-in-one platform provides water and gas leak detection and mechanical and environmental monitoring utilizing a broad portfolio of standards-based LoRaWAN sensors. Real-time operational insights and instant alerts are accessible any time, from any mobile device via live operator call, text, email, and in-app notifications, helping stakeholders make informed decisions and reduce response times to issues before they escalate.

With new capabilities being added regularly, the ProSentry building monitoring platform supports a variety of wirelessly connected in-building sensors for:

• Water Leaks
• Natural Gas Leaks
• Boiler Temperature
• Exhaust Fans
• Temperature / Humidity
• Elevator Motion
• Roof & Terrace Drain
• Sump Pit Water Levels
• Trash Container Levels
• Water Tank Levels
• Mouse Traps
• Door/Window Ajar
• Automatic/Remote Water Shutoff Valve
• Smoking/Vaping, THC & Tobacco (Coming Soon)
• Water Metering (Coming Soon)

Capable of supporting one building or a complete real estate portfolio, the ProSentry platform aims to reduce insurance premiums and repair costs, and provide proactive risk mitigation, time savings, and improved tenant satisfaction.

“Network connectivity plays a crucial role in smart buildings, and standards-based LoRaWAN networks and sensors are revolutionizing the way building owners can serve their occupants and stakeholders,” said Bruce Chatterley, CEO of Senet.

“With numerous sensors supported and integration with Senet’s cloud managed network platform, ProSentry is able to support virtually any smart building use case making full-scale building, multi-dwelling unit, and campus deployments more accessible than ever before.”

The post ProSentry Selects Senet’s Platform-as-a-Service to Deploy and Manage Private LoRaWAN Networks for Smart Building Solutions appeared first on IoT Business News.

Berg Insight, the world’s leading IoT market research provider, today released a new market report covering the Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) market.

In this study, a HEMS is defined as a system that at minimum consists of a solar PV system, battery storage system and a web-based management portal or smartphone app that allows for remote monitoring and control of the system. A wider HEMS also integrates backup generators, EV chargers, heat pumps, home appliances and other connected products and systems in the home.

There were an estimated 950,000 HEMS installed in European homes at the end of 2022. An estimated 320,000 systems were added to the installed base during the year. This figure includes both new installations of solar PV + battery storage systems as well as installations of battery storage systems in existing solar PV systems (i.e. retrofits). The penetration rate is still very low in Europe, below one percent. Germany is by far the leading market. Growing at a CAGR of 40.3 percent, the installed base of HEMS in Europe is estimated to reach 5.2 million systems at the end of 2027.

There were at the same time an estimated 520,000 HEMS installed in North American homes at the end of 2022. Shipments including both new installations and retrofits reached 250,000 systems during the year. Only about 0.5 percent of the houses and MDUs in the region now have a HEMS installed. The installed base of HEMS in North America is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 49.4 percent to reach 3.9 million systems at the end of 2027.

The HEMS value chain spans various companies from different industry sectors. Some companies are vertically integrated, offering a complete HEMS based on in-house developed hardware and software solutions. Other companies develop and manufacture one of the components of HEMS. Some of these companies integrate components from third-party companies to be able to offer a complete HEMS. There are also several companies that specialises in providing a software platform that enables other companies to offer HEMS. US-based Enphase Energy, Tesla and Generac, Israel-based SolarEdge, and Germany-based E3/DC (Hager Group), Senec (EnBW) and Solarwatt are leading companies in the HEMS market in North America and Europe. All seven companies offer a range of software and hardware solutions that make it possible to control the electricity generation, storage and usage at home.

Additional important players in the European and North American HEMS market include Germany-based Kostal, SMA Solar and Sonnen (Shell); Italy-based FIMER (McLaren Applied); Austria-based Fronius; France-based Schneider Electric; and US-based Eaton, SimpliPhi Power (Briggs & Stratton) and Tigo Energy. There are also a number of Asia-based companies active in Europe and North America. Key players include BYD Electronic, LG Energy Solution, Huawei, Growatt New Energy and Pylon Technologies.

“A number of factors indicate that the market for HEMS is on the verge of entering a strong growth period that will last for several decades”, says Martin Backman, Principal Analyst at Berg Insight. The residential sector accounts for about a fourth of the total energy consumption in North America and Europe. As the adoption of electric cars and heating systems are expected to grow fast during the coming years, household electricity consumption is also expected to increase.

Mr. Backman, continues:

“The ability to control and optimize the household energy consumption and even generate and store electricity in the home will be of key importance for both individual households and the society as a whole going forward.”

HEMS help homeowners to reduce the electricity bill and increase independence from the electricity grid.

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Today, CTIA Certification and Ericsson announce their collaboration on a new Internet of Things (IoT) device certification program specifically designed for utilities.

The Smart Connected Infrastructure certification program addresses the increasing demand for advanced IoT deployments for utilities and creates a set of standards to ensure the safety and reliability of these devices.

“The new Smart Connected Infrastructure certification program will offer demonstrated security and performance best practices that give utilities the starting place to evaluate network compatibility and cybersecurity protections. We greatly appreciate Ericsson’s expertise in helping develop this program to target utilities’ needs and serving as the program’s initial test lab,” said Michelle James, Vice President of Strategic Industry Programs, CTIA.

“This program is a product of long-term industry collaboration between technology leaders and utility stakeholders to provide the solid baseline we need for connected IoT deployments on cellular networks.”

Building on CTIA Certification’s recently introduced IoT Network Certified program, the Smart Connected Infrastructure program is being developed specifically for power grids, water systems and the millions of smart meters that help make towns and communities more efficient and sustainable. The new program enables manufacturers whose designs incorporate a pre-certified wireless module to quickly and cost-effectively certify their IoT device using a process that takes advantage of the rigorous testing and certification already performed on the module.

“CTIA already has a proven device certification program that can test the interoperability, safety and security of IoT devices,” said Tom Sawanobori, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, CTIA. “The introduction of a program focused on IoT devices being deployed for utility applications is a natural extension and shows the increasing number of use cases that can benefit from industry baseline standards.”

“Together with CTIA, we are building a program based on leading voluntary standards that drives compatibility, safety and reliability of IoT devices when it comes to performance and cyber-security of devices deployed in mission critical networks,” said Elisiario Cunha Neto, Ericsson North America Vice President and CTO Business Development Customer Unit.

With new federal government funding for the development of smart cities and modernization of aging power grid infrastructure across the country, many communities are looking for best practices and how to safely and efficiently deploy connected infrastructure.

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Platform brings IoT connectivity, sustainability and passenger comfort to growing market segment.

Otis Worldwide Corp., today introduces the Gen3 Core elevator, the newest member of the Gen3 family of digitally native elevators, designed specifically for North America’s growing two-to-six story building segment.

Otis Americas President Jim Cramer, said:

“The Gen3 Core elevator is a game-changer, providing customers an affordable, sustainable product that brings passenger comfort and the benefits of digital connectivity and predictive services to the low-rise segment.”

“We’re excited to bring this elevator to market now, as the growth of metro cities fuels the need for two-to-six story buildings.”

Built off the proven design and flat-belt technology of Otis’ Gen2® family of elevators, which provide smooth, quiet rides, safety, durability and energy-efficiency, the Gen3 Core is equipped with the Otis ONE IoT platform, along with a suite of connected products such as Otis eView in-cab screens and customer options for Application Programming Interface (API) integration into tenant apps and other smart building systems. The platform also features enhanced aesthetics and health products such as cab air purifiers and UVC lights.

The Gen3 Core will be certified with an Environmental Product Declaration and be manufactured at Otis’ North American Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Florence, S.C.

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, has launched its latest Quectel FCM360W Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, combining a high-performance processor with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 capabilities.

With large memory including 512KB SRAM and 4MB of flash memory, the FCM360W is highly versatile, offering a blend of processing power, memory, connectivity and security.

The module features standard security features such as WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK security standards and provides 128-bit AES encryption for added security. The FCM360W supports multiple interfaces including UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, ADC and PWM alongside many low power consumption modes and keep-alive mechanisms, making it ideal for smart homes and industrial IoT (IIoT) use cases.

Quectel’s FCM360W module is offered in the LCC form factor with an ultra-compact package size of 25.5mm x 18.0mm x 3.2mm, providing great flexibility for developers. The module offers support for multiple interfaces across 19 GPIOs, allowing for multi-channel SSL connections and local caching of large amounts of data. This makes it ideal for use cases such as photovoltaic inverters, energy storage batteries and other smart devices that require long-term data monitoring and storage. Additionally, the module has an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and comes with antenna options that include RF coaxial connector, external antenna pin or PCB antenna.

Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions, said:

“We’re proud to launch the Quectel FCM360W to help enable a wide range of smart home and industrial IoT devices.”

“By bringing together Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 in a compact form factor yet with a high-performance processor and large memory, we’re providing greater choices and flexibility for developers and device OEMs. With added support of QuecOpen and its powerful processing capabilities and array of interface options, the FCM360W is an excellent option for developers looking for a compact, versatile, and secure module for their IoT devices,” Mr. Muhrer continued.

The post Quectel Launches Ultra-Compact FCM360W Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 Module Ideal for Smart Homes and Industrial IoT Use Cases appeared first on IoT Business News.

Innovation meets hydration as T-Mobile helps the Miami startup modernize access to public drinking water with IoT.

• What’s the news: HOPE Hydration (HOPE), maker of smart-city water refill stations, announced T-Mobile as the connectivity and IoT provider for its sustainable HydroStation® technology.
• Why it matters: People are drinking more bottled water than ever and it’s taking a serious toll on our environment. So, HOPE is modernizing access to public drinking water to make clean, filtered water more sustainable and available.
• Who it’s for: Event organizers, municipalities, or anyone looking to serve up free, clean, filtered water with minimal environmental impact.

Today, HOPE Hydration (HOPE), maker of smart-city water refill stations, announced T-Mobile as its connectivity and IoT provider in the U.S.

HOPE will rely on T-Mobile’s award-winning network and IoT solutions to offer an environmentally sustainable model for bringing free, filtered, and temperature-controlled drinking water to the masses at major events and urban hubs around the country.

According to the Container Recycling Institute, 86% of disposable water bottles used in the U.S. become litter ― adding 38 billion disposable water bottles to landfills. Joining forces with leading cities and partners, HOPE is on a mission to reduce waste and ensure that everyone around the world has equal access to free, high-quality drinking water. Winner of the CES 2023 Smart City Innovation Award, HOPE’s HydroStations dispense free Pentair1 Everpure® filtered and chilled water touch-free, to help reduce contaminants.

These tech-savvy water refill stations are dripping with innovation and the latest IoT technology ― and thanks to T-Mobile, HOPE can keep near real-time tabs on all their filling stations to:

• Ensure proper water temperature and filter quality
• Monitor usage and the amount of water dispensed
• Calculate the amount of plastic and carbon dioxide saved
• Manage in-unit advertising displays
• Control settings and scheduled maintenance
• Enable partnering brands to track and achieve sponsorship and sustainability goals
• Deliver critical over-the-air firmware and software updates

“HOPE Hydration is thrilled to work with T-Mobile as our connectivity and IoT provider,” said Jorge Richardson, Founder and CEO of HOPE Hydration.

“We believe access to free, clean water is a human right. This collaboration allows us to bring HOPE, and our stations to the next level while building smart-city solutions for a more sustainable future.”

“We’re all about leveraging our network, scale and resources to be a force for good in the world we live in, and it’s clear that HOPE shares that passion,” said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. “Access to clean, sustainable drinking water lies at the core of societal and environmental well-being — and we love how HOPE’s innovative HydroStation technology is creating more access while reducing environmental impact.”

The post HOPE Hydration Taps T-Mobile to Power “Smart” Water Refill Stations appeared first on IoT Business News.

• The Nokia Drone Networks platform including 70 Drone-in-a-Box units, will provide secure 5G-connected drone services across Belgium
• Equipped with video and thermal cameras, drones are on stand-by 24/7 and remotely managed from five centralized operations centers
• Real-time, aerial data collection in the critical first minutes supports informed response by emergency services which can receive more than 2 million calls per year

Nokia today announced a first-of-its-kind contract with Belgian telecom operator Citymesh to supply its Nokia Drone Networks platform with 70 Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) units.

This is enough to blanket Belgium with a 5G automated drone grid that informs and speeds resource mobilization in emergency events.

Branded SENSE by Citymesh, the 70 drones are deployed in 35 emergency zones across the country and will gather information in the critical 15-minute period immediately following a call. This ensures that first responder teams are fully apprised of and equipped to respond to each unique situation.

Belgium’s emergency services can receive more than two million calls a year, and typically police and fire brigades are dispatched with incomplete data that can stymie the efficiency of their response. With Nokia Drone Networks, pilots will be able to operate 24/7 and dispatch drones from docking stations strategically located across the country.

Equipped with high definition and AI-enhanced thermal imaging, drones capture real-time aerial footage – such as smoke plumes, fire parameters, and number/location of people – and transfer it to control centers even before emergency teams have had time to leave. These aerial images are essential to identifying a plan of action that can save lives and limit damage to affected assets and natural resources.

Hans Similon, General Manager, Citymesh Safety Drone, said: “SENSE is a great example of how technology can save lives. We’ve been impressed with Nokia as our partner for reliable wireless connectivity and an outstanding turnkey Drone-in-a-Box solution that we can customize to our specific needs. Together, we’re making Belgium safer and proving just how innovative we are as a nation.”

Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions, Nokia, said: “We are proud to be selected by Citymesh as the turnkey 5G Drone-in-a-Box platform provider for SENSE. Our 5G-connected drone platform is a logical extension of our leadership in building nationwide wireless networks.”

“Nokia Drone Networks is a game-changer for operational efficiency of first responders and data security. Enabled by Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), it ensures that collected data is stored locally and stays under the full control of authorities.”

Nationwide availability of SENSE follows pilot projects in the Fluvia fire brigade in Kortrijk, Brussels Airport Company, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and the city of Genk, with the support of the Federal Public Service Economy.

The Nokia Drone Networks solution connects to public and private 4G and 5G networks to enhance situational awareness for first responders and other professionals. It can be operated remotely and complies with aviation regulatory bodies such as EASA in Europe and FAA in the United States.

The platform is equipped with a dual gimbal camera, docking station, and edge data processing, and it is supported by an open API framework that allows integration of third-party applications to expand its capabilities for a wider range of use cases.

The post Nokia’s turnkey 5G-connected drone platform selected by Belgium’s Citymesh for world’s first nationwide drone network appeared first on IoT Business News.

A new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight reveals that the penetration of smart electricity meters in Latin America^* reached 6.2 percent in 2022.

The installed base of smart electricity meters is forecasted to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate of 21.7 percent during 2022–2028 to reach a total of 38.4 million units at the end of the forecast period, up from around 11.7 million units in 2022.

The smart metering market in Latin America is becoming increasingly interesting for a variety of smart meter players, as a number of utilities across the region are increasing their investments in AMI infrastructure. Over the next six years, the penetration rate of smart meters in Latin America’s by far largest market Brazil will increase from a mere 5.7 percent in 2022 to 21.5 percent in 2028. Brazil and Mexico will account for close to 80 percent of the total smart meter shipments during the forecast period.

Mattias Carlsson, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight, said:

“The number of meter installations in Latin America will continue to grow in the coming years and will be driven by the expansion of ongoing smart metering projects and new major projects. Besides the major markets Brazil and Mexico, countries like Colombia and Peru will grow their share of annual shipment volumes from around 4 percent in 2022 to over 16 percent by 2028. Colombia for example is forecasted to increase annual shipment volumes tenfold, whereas Peru will increase annual shipment volumes sixteenfold during the forecast period.”

According to the newly released study, yearly shipments of smart electricity meters in Latin America will grow from around 1.9 million units in 2022 to over 6.1 million in 2028. This makes Latin America one of the fastest growing smart metering markets worldwide.

The use cases in Latin America include remote meter reading, fault detection, distribution automation and measuring power quality.

Mr. Carlsson concluded:

“As Latin America is poised for significant growth in the coming years, the race has begun between the top meter vendors to gain market share in the region. To date, Chinese smart meter vendors have achieved significant success in Latin America. One key contributing factor is their ability to offer competitive pricing, a crucial aspect for the price-sensitive utilities operating in the region.”

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Newly Launched AMI Essentials Features Intelis wSource NB-IoT Water Meter and Temetra NB-IoT Digital Platform for Water AMI.

Itron, Inc., which is innovating the way utilities and cities manage energy and water, announced the launch of AMI Essentials in Australia and New Zealand to accelerate the digital transformation of water utilities.

The end-to-end solution includes the new Itron Intelis wSource NB-IoT water meter and Temetra NB-IoT digital platform for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). As utilities in the region face growing water stress and aging utility infrastructure, AMI provides the foundation to mitigate the impact of these challenges. AMI Essentials eases the adoption of AMI with an end-to-end solution that brings together devices and a data platform with integrated analytics in an easy-to-deploy package that is tailored to the market. The solution establishes a strong foundation to seamlessly deploy value-added use cases to address water losses, improve operations and enhance consumer engagement.

AMI Essentials for water is a flexible and open standards-based, end-to-end solution that provides a fully integrated software suite for data collection, meter data management and device management. Utilities can easily collect, track and manage data from multiple metering devices. The solution features Itron’s Temetra MDM platform to collect and manage data, enabling use cases, such as meter reading, work order management, asset management and water usage analytics. The end-to-end solution includes options for connectivity and other services to optimize planning, deployment and operations, and assess connectivity risks. This helps improve service quality and reliability.

Additional key benefits of the solution, include:

• Easy migration from manual meter reading to AMI. Maximizes the business case, reduces pain points around AMI deployment, implementation and operations. One single platform for all meter data.
• Reduces risk of technology dependency. Open standards reduce the risk of standardizing on one technology platform and provide interoperability with multiple communication service providers as well as integration within the IT infrastructure.
• Standard packaged solutions. Simplify adoption for smaller utilities and cities, including standard scope of services and use cases.
• Maximum robustness. Durable meter components and battery designed to enable a 15-year lifetime even in harsh conditions.

Don Reeves, senior vice president of Outcomes at Itron, said:

“Across Australia and New Zealand, diverse and extremely challenging environmental conditions make it necessary to ensure that aging infrastructure maintains a long lifespan. Itron AMI Essentials for water will help utilities mitigate the impacts of climate disruption and address asset management and leakage challenges.”

“Itron has a long history of supporting utilities in Australia and New Zealand, and we look forward to expanding our offerings with this end-to-end solution. Itron’s local support and knowledge coupled with our global expertise in water markets, AMI deployments and cellular communications will greatly benefit utilities in the region. We are excited to bring this comprehensive solution to help water utilities achieve their digital transformation goals.”

Solution Details

Intelis NB-IoT Water Meter

Now available with Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) connectivity, the Intelis wSource water meter is engineered to maintain the highest level of accuracy over its entire lifetime, connect easily to several data collection systems and generate extensive data from the water network. It is the only water meter available today that is MID-certified up to R1000 accuracy, a new standard in precision for measuring water consumption at low-flows and increasing accuracy in customer billing. With low-to-no maintenance solid-state ultrasonic technology, the Intelis wSource meter maintains accuracy in harsh conditions and delivers long-lasting performance in the field lowering costs with fewer repairs and replacements. This allows water utilities to quickly detect leaks and provide more accurate billing to customers, resulting in improved customer satisfaction as well as revenue protection with more accurate billing.

The Intelis wSource NB-IoT water meter features data connectivity options designed to ensure all meter data is made available to water operation centers. Intelis wSource NB IoT features AMR backup to protect data if the cellular network fails.

Temetra NB-IoT digital platform and Temetra Analysis

Itron’s Temetra NB-IoT data collection and data management system provides a best-in-class platform for critical meter data management business processes. It currently supports over 30 customers and more than 2 million endpoints in Australia and New Zealand, and over 45 million worldwide. Temetra provides a platform for metering data unification, validation and dispatching to customer domain systems and addresses key processes such as long data storage, network monitoring and asset inventory and troubleshooting. It also provides out-of-the-box alarm management, including critical alarm management and operational analytics like abnormal consumption detection.

Temetra Analysis delivers measurable results that address non-revenue water (NRW) losses in the water distribution system. It improves operational visibility, minimizes leaks, maximizes return on investment on meter replacements, streamlines pressure management, reduces labor costs, optimizes network operations and proactively improves the customer experience. These outcomes help utilities identify, prioritize and take action to reduce NRW for both real and apparent water losses in the distribution network.

Availability

AMI Essentials for water, including the Itron Intelis wSource NB-IoT water meter and Temetra NB-IoT digital platform, are now available for testing in Australia and New Zealand. To learn more, see the product brochure.

The post Itron Accelerates Digital Transformation of Water Utilities in Australia and New Zealand appeared first on IoT Business News.

Low-Power, Secure Chipset is Ideal for Huge Indian Smart Metering Market.

Renesas Electronics Corporation, today introduced an NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) chipset specifically for the Indian market.

The new RH1NS200 is an LTE NB-IoT modem chipset that is designed to operate seamlessly on the networks of all major Indian telecommunications carriers. It is an ideal solution to serve the Indian smart metering market, which some estimates put at roughly 250 million units1 over the next five years. Customers can use it to build complete NB-IoT modules to satisfy “Make in India” requirements. The new chipset also can be used in asset tracking, lighting, security and numerous other applications.

The RH1NS200 chipset offers extremely low power consumption of only 1uA in deep sleep mode, significantly extending battery life. It also provides an integrated EAL5+ (Evaluation Assurance Level) Secure Element (SE) that provides zero compromise on security to ensure the safety of end applications, particularly power and water metering systems. The RH1NS200 is part of Renesas’ next-generation family of NB-IoT solutions.

Increased Focus on the Indian Market

Renesas has recently increased focus on the Indian market with several new initiatives. In March of 2022, Renesas established its Next Generation EV Innovation Center (NEVIC) with Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services. In June 2022 Renesas announced a strategic partnership with Tata Motors Ltd. (TML) and Tejas Networks Ltd. (Tejas), both Tata Group companies, on the design, development and manufacturing of Renesas’ semiconductor solutions for enhancing innovation across electronics systems for the Indian and emerging markets. Then in March of this year, Renesas and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced the opening of a joint Innovation Center in Bengaluru and Hyderabad to collaborate on radio frequency, digital and mixed-signal design, and software development for innovative next generation semiconductor solutions. Renesas is currently working with Tata Elxsi to implement NB-IoT-based solutions that operate on the networks of major telecom carriers in India.

Sailesh Chittipeddi, Executive Vice President & General Manager, IoT and Infrastructure Business Unit, Renesas, said:

“Renesas recognizes India’s enormous potential in terms of both market size and design talent, and we are committed to taking part in future growth driven by the Digital India Act.”

“This leading-edge NB-IoT solution is a prime example of tailoring our design and manufacturing strengths to meet the unique needs of this market.”

“We are pleased to have partnered with Renesas to design and develop NB-IoT solutions and reference designs targeting smart applications ranging from water and energy meters to asset tracking. Our collaboration and trials in live 4G and 5G networks in India ensure that our offerings are not only technologically advanced but also market ready. Our expert technology team, as well as our extensive integration, customization, and productization services are fully aligned with Renesas to provide customers with the support they need to easily adopt and scale NB-IoT applications, helping drive the next generation of intelligent infrastructure and services,” said Manoj Raghavan, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Elxsi.

Key Features of the RH1NS200 LTE NB-IoT chipset

• Targets bands 1,3, 5 and 8 for India
• Low PSM of 1µA in deep sleep with longer eDRX cycles
• Support for transmit power (Tx) of up to 23dBm for all bands reduces transmission retries
• Field proven and Carrier approved LTE protocol stack and software suite
• Wide operating supply voltage range of 2.2V to 5.5V

Renesas is offering the RH1NB200-EVK, a full development kit with integrated multi-band antenna and access to all module I/O ports. In addition, a software development kit (SDK) is available that can control the LTE modem, platform I/Os, and customize AT commands.

RH1NS200 Winning Combinations

Renesas will combine the new RH1NS200 chipset with compatible devices from its portfolio to offer Winning Combinations for various applications. These Winning Combinations are technically vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to bring an optimized, low-risk design for faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 300 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from the Renesas portfolio to enable customers to speed up the design process and bring their products to market more quickly.

Availability

The RH1NS200 chipset and RH1NB200-EVK are available today in India only. Renesas will also offer the Indian market the new RH1NB200 LTE NB-IOT Module that includes a complete RF front end for quick time-to-market. Customers can get more information by contacting the Renesas Indian sales team at offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi or Pune.

The post Renesas Expands Focus on India with New NB-IoT Solution appeared first on IoT Business News.

According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the number of smart homes in Europe and North America reached 120.5 million in 2022.

North America is the leading market in terms of penetration and 39.2 percent of all households in the region had at least one smart home product or system at the end of the year which equals to 57.5 million smart homes. During 2022, the number of smart homes in North America grew by 12.0 percent year-on-year. The strong market growth is expected to continue in the next five years. By 2027, Berg Insight estimates that about 88.1 million homes in North America will be smart, equal to 58 percent of all homes in the region.

The European market is still somewhat behind the North American, in terms of market penetration. There was a total of 63.1 million smart homes in Europe at the end of 2022. The number of smart homes in the region is forecasted to reach about 112.8 million at the end of 2027, representing a market penetration of close to 47 percent.

The most popular smart home products include smart thermostats, smart light bulbs, smart security cameras, smart door locks, smart plugs and smart speakers. These products have sold in the hundreds of millions and are marketed by incumbent OEMs such as Signify, Resideo, Danfoss, Belkin, Chamberlain and Assa Abloy and newer entrants such as Ecobee, Mysa, Nuki, Arlo, Netatmo and Wyze Labs. The market for whole-home systems is served by traditional home automation specialists, home security providers, telecom operators and DIY solution providers. On the North American market, interactive home security systems have emerged as one of the most common types of smart home systems. The largest home security providers include ADT, Vivint, Comcast and Telus. In Europe, traditional home automation systems and DIY solutions are more common as whole-home systems. eQ-3, Centrica, Verisure and Somfy are estimated to be the largest vendors of whole-home systems in the region. The installed base of whole-home systems in Europe and North America amounted to 26.5 million systems and 35.7 million systems respectively at the end of 2022.

The smart home market continues to grow as more consumers realize the value of connected products and systems. Developments of new products and services as well as connectivity standards that facilitate setup and control of devices from different vendors are also fostering growth in the market.

Martin Backman, Principal Analyst at Berg Insight, says:

“The new Matter standard is likely to become a key driver for mass-market adoption of smart home devices in the coming next few years”

There are also other new industry collaborations, such as the Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA) for connected home appliances, that aim to simplify control of various devices for end-users. Surging electricity prices are also creating demand for smart home solutions that can help households reduce their electricity consumption. “Smart ACs, heat pumps, thermostats and other products that enable households to reduce expenditures are anticipated to increase in popularity over the coming years”, concludes Mr. Backman.

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Company Also Announces Availability of LoRa-enabled Development Kits and Modules to Help Developers Rapidly Create Amazon Sidewalk Devices.

• Semtech’s ultra-low power and long range LoRa technology plays a critical role in enabling long range, community coverage with Amazon Sidewalk
• Amazon Sidewalk now provides nationwide coverage to enable new use cases, and new capabilities for the next phase of IoT adoption

Semtech Corporation, a high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and Cloud connectivity service provider, today announced the first third-party Amazon Sidewalk products, based on Semtech’s LoRa® technology, are now available from Browan, Deviceroy, HSB’s Meshify and New Cosmos.

Browan’s motion and carbon dioxide sensors, Deviceroy’s smart modem for solar installations, HSB’s Meshify water sensor, and New Cosmos DeNova Detect natural gas alarm are some of the first Sidewalk-qualified products to be part of the secure, shared network that helps devices work better around the home and in the community.

Semtech’s LoRa technology, with its long range, low power and secure communication capabilities, has emerged as the leading technology for LPWAN IoT applications. Amazon Sidewalk will leverage LoRa technology as one of the foundational technologies to connect a wide range of devices, from security monitoring to pet trackers, providing a low cost, low power and secure communication infrastructure for consumer IoT. Amazon Sidewalk is a shared community network powered by participating Sidewalk Bridges that keeps smart devices connected beyond the home and enables new IoT services for consumers and businesses. LoRa technology has proven to be a reliable and efficient way to transmit data over hard to reach locations inside the home and over long distances, making it one of the core technologies for Amazon Sidewalk.

Semtech also announced availability of the first LoRa-enabled development kits and modules from its partners, based on Semtech’s LoRa technology, that will enable device makers and developers to rapidly create new Amazon Sidewalk devices. Silicon Labs announced an Amazon Sidewalk development platform, the Silicon Labs Pro Kit for Amazon Sidewalk, at its annual Works With Developers Conference, helping some of the devices get to market faster. Semtech collaborated with Nordic Semiconductor for seamless and persistent connectivity to Amazon Sidewalk. Nordic’s nRF52840 multiprotocol SoC and nRF Connect SDK provide the best-in-class Bluetooth LE communication and LoRa support needed for Amazon Sidewalk devices to connect to the network. Semtech’s LoRa Connect SX1262, in combination with the nRF52840 DK, is the perfect starting point for Amazon Sidewalk development.

Semtech also collaborated with Quectel on the Quectel KG100S module to make it easier for developers to integrate LoRa technology into new and existing devices and services. In addition, Oxit, an alpha design partner, is also announcing the availability of its OxTech Sidewalk Module which enables developers to seamlessly develop with the same hardware for both AWS IoT Core for Sidewalk and AWS IoT Core for LoRaWAN® networks.

“We are excited to see the Amazon Sidewalk community network has crossed this significant milestone of broad, nationwide coverage and is now ready to support developers to create innovative new IoT devices and IoT services. With its ultra-low power and long-range profile, LoRa technology is the key enabling technology empowering a new era of Sidewalk-based IoT use cases,” said Mohan Maheswaran, Semtech’s president and chief executive officer. “Our partnership with Amazon is just the latest example of the strong global adoption of LoRa and why LoRa is the leading technology enabling a smarter, more connected and sustainable world.”

“LoRa has broadened IoT adoption by enabling communication over long ranges while using very little power. Today’s announcement by Amazon Sidewalk, showing broad availability of Amazon Sidewalk LoRa connectivity, demonstrates the confidence Amazon has in the capability and the potential of LoRa technology,” said Daniel Newman, founding partner and chief analyst of Futurum Research and the CEO of the Futurum Group.

“With more than 300 million devices currently based on LoRa technology in the market today, the new Amazon Sidewalk growth initiative is well positioned to deliver more innovation, devices and IoT use cases in communities and in the home.”

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Effort Combines Advanced Gas Alarms with Flexible LoRaWAN® Network Deployment Options for Safety and Critical Infrastructure Monitoring.

Senet, Inc.¹ and Heath Consultants Incorporated² are working together to provide natural gas leak detection products, consulting services, and managed LoRaWAN® network services to utilities and other natural gas stakeholders in the United States.

To address the demand for safety and efficiency enhancements throughout the gas distribution infrastructure, Heath Consultants and Senet are working with utilities and industry solution providers to support pilots and full-scale deployments of commercially available network-connected AMI residential methane gas alarms for in-building environments. Heath works with system providers nationwide to provide natural gas utilities connected DeNova Detect remote methane detectors to enhance public safety. LoRaWAN networks from Senet can be deployed in public or private configurations, providing extreme flexibility based on the individual needs of the utility or building management organization.

“LoRaWAN has emerged as the leading open global standard for secure, carrier-grade low power wide area connectivity and it’s an excellent technology choice for connecting gas alarms designed to alert occupants of a potential safety hazard well before any possibility of an incident,” said Paul D. Wehnert, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Heath Consultants, “Senet is a recognized leader in designing, deploying, and managing LoRaWAN networks in the utility sector and we look forward to collaborating to drive adoption in this important market segment.”

Recently, Heath Consultants and Senet partnered with New Cosmos USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd., which has a 70% market share in the residential gas alarm market in Japan and has sold more than 70 million residential gas alarms worldwide. Heath Consultants is the exclusive distributor of New Cosmos USA’s DeNova Detect AMI residential methane gas alarms, and New Cosmos USA and Senet are currently engaged in field trials with large multi-utility service providers to identify use cases that improve safety and reliability in residential and commercial properties.

“There is a growing demand from utilities, municipalities, and state regulators to improve public safety and reduce the risk of potential deadly incidents through the application of new and innovative sensor-based technologies,” said Bruce Chatterley, CEO of Senet.

“Leveraging the combined world-class skills and capabilities of each organization, this effort delivers cost-effective, secure, and flexible network options, along with the most advanced gas sensing devices and experienced field services on the market.”

To learn more, visit with Senet at the LoRaWAN LIVE Orlando conference being hosted by the LoRa Alliance at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando March 15th and 16th. At the conference, Senet will be presenting a session detailing how forward-thinking gas, water, and electric utilities are deploying LoRaWAN networks for AMI and service delivery improvements, titled: Utility Infrastructure Modernization and Service Optimization.

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