Global LBS and RTLS Market Insights 2020-2025: A $39.19 Billion Opportunity Assessment

The global LBS and RTLS market is expected to grow from USD 17,776 million in 2020 to USD 39,190 million by 2025, at a CAGR of 17.1%.

The increasing awareness among business executives about the benefits of LBS and RTLS analytics has further bolstered the growth of the market. LBS and RTLS platforms assist business executives in processing vast volumes of spatial data and gathering real-time insights into various business functionalities, which, in turn, helps companies to quickly tackle changing business conditions. For example, in the retail industry, spatial data enables retailers to uncover relationships between stores, products, and customer types-across a range of different parameters or metrics-that affects sales performance.

By component, the platform segment is expected to hold the highest market share in 2020, owning to the Growing need of asset tracking. The rising demand for location analytics is encouraging market vendors to enhance the capabilities of their LBS and RTLS platforms in the market. These platforms help to localize, analyze, and act on the changing business conditions and trends. To increase agility, improve overall operations productivity, understand business trends, and reduce operational costs, many companies have started to invest in LBS and RTLS platform.

Among services, the deployment and integration segment is expected to hold the largest market size during the forecast period, compared to the application support and maintenance, and consulting and training segment.

RFID Thermologger Transmits Temperature Data for Cold Supply Chain

The Maxdura Thermologger, from Smartrac, is a battery-powered hard tag designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the cold supply chain, with sufficient memory to store temperature changes that could occur during a product's transportation or storage.

The tag is available as a UHF RFID version, while future iterations will support Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) formats. The company developed the new temperature-tracking tag to provide better management of food in the supply chain, among other potential applications.

ASSA ABLOY acquires Access-IS in the UK

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Access-IS, a provider of electronic RFID, NFC and barcode devices enabling the authentication of travel and identity documents, ticket reading and contactless payments.

Access-IS was founded in 1985 and has some 120 employees. The main office is located in Reading, UK.

Sales in 2019 amounted to about MGBP 19 (approx. MSEK 220) and the acquisition will be neutral to EPS from start.

Surface Duo plus any modern smartwatch gets you NFC tap-to-pay

Microsoft's Surface Duo shortcomings have been known for almost a year now. It has no Qi wireless charging, no IP68 rating, and no NFC.

But at least for NFC tap-to-pay there is a simple solution and you may already have one: a smartwatch.

Anyone grabbing a Surface Duo and who has a modern wearable gets NFC tap-to-pay as part of the feature set. A simple flick of the wrist makes buying transit fare, homeware at Target, or fast food effortless.

Surgical Instrument Tracking Systems Market worth $338 Million by 2025

According to the new market research report Surgical Instrument Tracking Systems Market by Technology (RFID, Barcode), Component (Hardware (Scanner), Software, Services), End User (Hospital (Public, Private)), Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific) COVID-19 Impact - Global Forecast to 2025, published by MarketsandMarkets, the Surgical Instrument Tracking Systems Market is projected to reach USD 338 million by 2025 from USD 180 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 13.4% during the forecast period.

The growth of this market is majorly due to the need for efficient equipment management and to reduce the overall healthcare costs. There is an increasing trend of the requirement for better inventory and asset management practices, and the growth of the surgical instrument tracking systems market. On the other hand, high system costs an upgradation, long investment cycles, and a lack of realization of ROI are expected to restrain the growth of this market during the forecast period.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are estimating that the major share of the medical devices industry which includes imaging devices, dental care devices, surgical products, and medical supplies, among others, which contribute 60-75% of the overall medical devices market are expected to be stagnant or experience a steep fall in growth rate during 2020 and couple of quarters in 2021. A new, USD 5-7 billion market opportunity (by 2021) is expected in the medical devices industry which includes critical care medical devices. On the other hand, surgical devices used in dental surgical instruments, plastic surgery instruments, ophthalmic surgical instruments, and minimally invasive surgical instruments used in operating rooms are not expected to experience a major revenue shift during 2020 and 2021, as compared to other medical devices such as devices used in ICUs, CCUs, and emergency departments of hospitals.

Tesla seeks approval for sensor that could detect children left in hot cars

Tesla asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems.

The California automaker wants permission to use unlicensed millimeter-wave sensors that would operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules.

The FCC is seeking public comment on Tesla's request through Sept. 21.

New Sensor from Ibeo Automotive Systems Detects Environment in Four Dimensions

The Hamburg-based LiDAR sensor specialist Ibeo Automotive Systems GmbH will begin worldwide delivery of its new ibeoNEXT LiDAR sensor to partners and customers starting in October 2020.

The sensor is based on a completely new type of photon laser measurement technology and works completely without moving parts (real solid-state). It generates an additional black-and-white image, like a camera. Developed in-house by Ibeo and manufactured in accordance with automotive series production standards, the compact sensor is suitable for driver assistance systems as well as for automated driving at levels 3 and 4.

DoseID Launches to Expand RFID Interoperability and Performance in Healthcare

The newly launched DoseID RFID tag certification will be provided by Auburn University RFID Lab’s ARC Program.

DoseID brings together industry participants in a way that ensures RFID tagged drugs work in all of the downstream IT systems in hospitals and health systems.

Founding members of DoseID hail from companies across the industry spectrum including Omnicell Inc., Sandoz, Baxter, Hikma, Nephron Pharmaceuticals, Avery Dennison, Kit Check, MPI Label System and CCL Healthcare.

Wearable Sweat Sensor Made from Microbial Nanocellulose

Researchers in Brazil have developed a wearable sweat sensor made from microbial nanocellulose.

The natural polymer provides a breathable interface with the underlying skin and allows sweat to travel through for electrochemical analysis using printed electrodes.

The system can measure a wide variety of metabolites and biomarkers present in sweat, and could be useful for monitoring conditions such as diabetes.

A new sensor printed on an ordinary piece of paper can send a wireless alert

Wildfires have recently devastated regions across the world, and their severity is increasing.

Now researchers led by Yapei Wang, a chemist at Renmin University of China, have developed an inexpensive sensor to detect such blazes earlier and with less effort.

The team says its new sensor can be placed near tree trunks' bases and send a wireless signal to a nearby receiver if there is a dramatic temperature increase. That heat also powers the sensor itself, eliminating the need to replace batteries.

APHIS to provide up to 8 million RFID tags to cattle and bison producers

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently awarded contracts to provide up to 8 million low-frequency RFID ear tags to help increase animal disease traceability in cattle and bison. The USDA says RFID tags will better position the livestock industry and state and federal veterinarians to accurately and quickly trace animals exposed or infected with potentially devastating diseases. The tags will be provided to animal health officials and distributed for use in replacement breeding cattle and bison at no cost to the producer.

Instagram update brings universal QR code to individual profiles

Instagram is rolling out an update to its mobile app that offers universal QR code for individual profiles. Users of the social network can now easily share and access other profiles through any camera app by scanning a QR code. The code for sharing Instagram profiles is not exactly new, but previously the app generated a proprietary code that could only be scanned by Instagram’s built-in camera. With a standard QR code, anyone can now access Instagram profiles through any camera app that supports QR code reading.

Expensive RFID Sticker still a sticking point

First introduced as a way to identify Allied airplanes during World War II, RFID slowly expanded into other applications, such as identifying rail cars and pallets of goods. By 2000, the U.S. Department of Defense was widely using RFID to track inventory, and in 2003, the tracking tag hit the big time when retail giant Walmart decreed that its 100 largest suppliers must be ready to attach RFID tags to cases and pallets shipped to its DCs by 2005. The cost of RFID tags has fallen in recent years to close to 5 cents per unit—especially for the most popular passive tag design (meaning the tag has no power source and cannot actively broadcast a signal)—but that still represents a significant overhead expense, particularly for an item that might cost 99 cents.

Microsoft’s $1,399 Surface Duo doesn’t include NFC

Microsoft officially confirmed the final details on its ambitious Surface Duo. One notable omission is NFC and Microsoft has addressed why it’s not available on Surface Duo. Speaking to Android Central, Microsoft explained that on the Surface Duo the company tried to focus on 'fundamental scenarios that solve customer challenges.' As a result, the Duo is built solely with mobile productivity in mind. It cuts off the ability to make mobile payments, use NFC tags for connecting to networks and accessories, and more.

World Thermocouple Temperature Sensors Market Outlook to 2025 - Market Forecast to Register a CAGR of 3.68%

The thermocouple temperature sensors market is expected to register a CAGR of over 3.68% during 2020-2025. The increasingly popular trend of the development of smart cities in countries is contributing to the high growth of the electronic security market.

Thermocouple temperature sensors are mainly used for thermal management and automatic transmissions systems in the automotive industry. Therefore, the stringent emission norms for automobiles, aggressive development in an autonomous vehicle, and increasing penetration of electric vehicle (EV) globally are some of the major factors driving the market growth.

For instance, the Indian government is focusing on creating charging infrastructure and policy framework, so that by 2030, more than 30% of vehicles are electric vehicles.

In February 2019, STMicroelectronics' has entered into a partnership with Hyundai Autron launch development lab for eco-friendly automotive sensor solutions. The collaboration will provide the environment for engineers to collaborate on pioneering solutions for eco-friendly vehicles, with a focus on powertrain controllers.

The United States is expected to have a prominent share in the thermocouple temperature sensor market. The country is one of the largest automotive markets in the world and is home to over 13 major auto manufacturers. Electric vehicle use in the United States has risen rapidly, with an estimated 1% of automotive sales in the US market from electric vehicles.

California dominates the US market in terms of sales of electric vehicles (EVs). It's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program is driving the demand for EVs, by requiring automakers in the state to sell a certain percentage of electric cars. US auto market, which is likely to further pressurize automakers to expand their affordable EV offerings, thereby fueling the demand for a thermocouple temperature sensor in the country. 

Microsoft Edge Canary can now generate QR codes to share images with mobile devices

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in the latest Microsoft Edge Canary build that brings the ability to create/share QR codes for images within the browser. As spotted by Leopeva64, the experimental feature is available via a new entry in the image context menu, and it extends the existing QR code generator functionality for URLs. The QR code generator still in early development stages and the functionality may change over time.

Avnet Introduces Indoor Air Quality Sensor HAT for Raspberry Pi for Rapid Prototyping

Technology solutions provider Avnet announced the availability of a specialized sensor HAT for Raspberry Pi. The Avnet-designed evaluation, development and quick-prototyping tool is intended for engineering professionals who need quick development of commercial, industrial, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning products requiring advanced indoor air quality measurement capabilities.

The HAT features an on-board calibrated Renesas ZMOD4410 sensor that measures the concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) from parts-per-billion to parts-per-million and can estimate carbon dioxide (eCO2) levels.
These are important indicators for monitoring indoor air quality. All sensors are electrically and chemically (gas) tested with lab calibration data stored in each ZMOD4410 sensor’s built-in nonvolatile memory.

n addition to the ZMOD4410 sensor, the HAT incorporates a Renesas HS3001 high-precision relative humidity and temperature sensor, along with software-controlled status LEDs. Connection points are also available to measure the ZMOD4410 active current consumption, which is useful when integrating the sensor and its software into products powered by extended life batteries.

PCTEL Expands Industrial IoT Portfolio

CTEL, Inc., a global provider of Industrial IoT (IIoT) antennas and purpose built, application specific devices, announced the expansion of its IIoT portfolio with its new wireless communication sensor platform.

The integrated wireless communication sensor platform includes a battery-powered wireless sensor endpoint for easy installation, a sensor and communication board for easy integration, and a development kit for application specific customization.

The platform offers multiple radio connectivity options, including cellular, LoRa, Bluetooth 5, and NFC, as well as 802.15.4 protocols. It also includes several sensors to monitor a variety of physical conditions, including air quality, temperature, relative humidity, acceleration, angular rate of change, magnetic field, range, and sound. 

USDA purchases eight million low-frequency RFID ear tags

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently awarded contracts to purchase up to eight million low-frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, which will help increase overall animal disease traceability in cattle and bison. The contract allows APHIS to purchase additional tags each year for up to five years.

“USDA continues its commitment to protecting our Nation’s animal agriculture by increasing traceability in the cattle and bison sectors, in this case by providing free RFID tags to interested producers,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach.

UK to regulate consumer Internet of Things (IOT) security

The U.K. government recently launched a consultation process for regulating consumer Internet of Things (IOT) security. This could have significant implications for U.S. manufacturers, given that the U.K. will remain a key sales market following Brexit.

The proposals seek to better protect consumers’ privacy and online security, which can be put at risk by non-secure devices. They also recognize the urgent need to shift the onus from consumers securing their own devices and ensure that strong cybersecurity is built into these “smart” products by design.

SML Announces Features in its Clarity RFID Software Application as More retailers are Using Clarity to Increase Sales

SML RFID has announced that it has added four new features to its Clarity software application suite in order to assist retailers as they emerge from COVID-19 related shutdowns.

As the retail industry prepares to enter the post-COVID-19 model of operations, SML RFID has introduced four new features to the Microsoft Azure cloud delivered Clarity application suite to help retailers on their journey: eCommerce BOPIS/BOSFS picking, Intelligent Mark Downs, Store to Store and Store to DC transfers, and Integrated Task Management. These configurable features are sitting on top of the rollout proven / high performance Clarity technology stack that was supporting over two hundred million items being stock counted in retail stores every week prior to the COVID-19 shutdown.

The arrival of the four new Clarity handheld terminal features come out of the SML team listening to existing customers about their new needs and from new customer engagements leveraging the three new SML Retail Ideation Spaces (RIS) launched during 2019.

The RIS facilities, located in the US, UK and China, host the complete SML RFID offering of RFID tags, encoding solutions and software solutions. These facilities have become a valuable tool to provide retailers and brand owners a remote item-level RFID immersion experience on how Clarity can improve operational efficiency and inventory accuracy in factories, distribution centers and stores.

Swittons Introduces Smart IoT Devices for Pharmaceutical Lab

Swittons, a P360 company announced a new line of Internet of Things (IoT) enabled smart devices built specifically for pharmaceutical labs.

The fully customizable devices align with strategic Lab of the Future (LoTF) initiatives and help automate various laboratory workflows between people and existing digital lab equipment, systems and solutions.

Swittons devices are designed to be compatible with existing IT systems and integrate with lab support platforms and services such as LIMS, eDOC and ticketing systems. Swittons also features a powerful backend portal and reporting system, where administrators can view user CLICKS in one convenient location. The devices are even able to trigger phone and video calls via a built-in integration with Microsoft Teams.

Germany to begin rollout of open national digital identity service

German consumers with a Galaxy S20 mobile phone will be the first to be able to use a new government-backed service that allows citizens to securely store their national ID on an embedded secure element in their smartphone, Samsung announced.

The company is working with the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), Bundesdruckerei and Deutsche Telekom Security 'to develop a hardware-based security architecture that allows citizens to securely store their National ID on their smartphone as an eID'.

National electronic ID will be available on selected Samsung Galaxy smartphones when the eID solution becomes available later this year.

Maxim Integrated Simplifies Security for IoT Designs

While the IoT continues to bring greater conveniences into our lives, left unprotected, smart devices could also open the door to malicious attacks that burrow into networks and attempt to access sensitive data. With its newest cryptographic coprocessor featuring ChipDNA physically unclonable function (PUF) technology, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. says is simplifying the process of protecting these designs from security threats.

An area where security is important is the industrial IoT, where an attack on automated factory equipment, for example, could disrupt the manufacturing line and lead to lost revenue. Here, it's imperative to ensure that OEM modules are genuine and to establish point-to-point security. Feature control is another consideration. In the production world, it's economical to manufacture, say, one board that supports multiple versions and levels of features. Enabling secure end user feature upgrades protects the integrity of those upgrades. 

Compared to its more easily infiltrated software-based counterpart, hardware security provides layers of advanced physical security, cryptographic algorithms, secure boot, encryption, secure key storage, and digital signature generation and verification to fend off malicious attacks.

Design & Print Labels for over 1200 Products in Multiple Locations

TEKLYNX International, a barcode and RFID labeling software developer and solutions provider, reported that the implementation of barcode label software, LABELVIEW, improved labeling accuracy and customer compliance for more than 1200 products in multiple locations resulting in greater efficiency for leading agriculture and horticulture company, Natural Beauty Growers.

Natural Beauty Growers grows over 100 million finished and young plants annually at over 75 acres of greenhouse growing space located in Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota. The company had successfully been using TEKLYNX entry-level label design software, LABEL MATRIX and a QuickLabel Printer for their labeling environment. However, they needed to upgrade to a new printer due to new labeling requirements from a customer – one of the largest home improvement retailers in the United States.

To meet the new labeling requirements that were put in place by their customer, Natural Beauty Growers purchased an Epson ColorWorks 7500G printer, which in turn inspired them to re-evaluate their current barcode labeling software. The software needed to be able to integrate variable data and enable employees to print on-demand in full color.

NFC for in-store consumer reviews

Croatian digital marketing agency Mint Media has launched a new service that lets consumers tap an NFC-enabled review board to quickly and easily leave a TripAdvisor, Google or Facebook review for a local business.

Businesses signed up to Ivušić’s Review Booster Pro (RBP) service are provided with NFC-enabled RBP boards, 'which they present to customers after their experience — for instance, while you’re waiting for your restaurant bill'.

Customers simply wave their phone over the board, the phone’s operating system reads the chip, the web browser opens automatically and takes them to the RBP landing page of the business they’re in.

NSW government trials QR code scanner for COVID-19 contact tracing

The New South Wales (Australia) government has updated the Service NSW app to include a QR code scanner as part of a trial that would allow customers to easily check in at hospitality venues. Under the trial, customers will be able to use their Service NSW app to scan a NSW government issued QR code to check in at hospitality venues in Dubbo and those owned by hospitality giant Merivale. Similar trials are also underway across 11 Woolworths supermarkets in Victoria and one Woolworths Metro in New South Wales. 

Sensor supplier AMS wins Great Wall business

Sensor supplier AMS says its products will be used in vehicles built by China's Great Wall Motor starting in 2022, as the Austrian company works toward its goal of diversifying into the auto industry. AMS said technology developed in cooperation with Germany's Ibeo Automotive Systems, a specialist for optical sensors that use lasers to produce 3D pictures of a car's environment, or lidar, will be a core component of a new generation of Great Wall Motor's vehicles.

USDA seeking public input on RFID tags

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for public comments on a proposal from its Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Until Oct. 5, producers can weigh in on APHIS’s plan to only approve radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags as 'the official eartag for use in interstate movement of cattle that are required to be identified by the traceability regulations'. Implementing these rules would help animal health officials contain disease outbreaks early, the USDA said.

Frost & Sullivan Presents Top Sensor Technologies Impacting the Future of Smart Cities English

Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Opportunities of Emerging Sensor Technologies Impacting the Future of Smart Cities, reports that digitization and advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) are driving the large-scale adoption of sensor technologies across cities.

Combined with key enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and high-speed internet networks, integrated sensor networks in cities are driving the creation of a connected city ecosystem to enable the optimal use of public resources.

Major investments by top smart city governments in Singapore, New York, and Tokyo show rapid pace of adoption of smart solutions. The rise of smart cities has not only created growth opportunities for sensor makers, but has also accelerated the adoption of several supporting technologies such as 5G, robots, AI, and edge computing, creating endless growth opportunities for smart city applications.

For further growth opportunities, smart cities should leverage the following sensor technologies:
Electronic sensors are deployed in environmental surveillance sensors and speedometer sensors which are typically used in smart cities to carry out a variety of tasks, such as monitoring power and current levels for fault detection.
Infrared sensors aid in unbiased data generation in dynamic and unstable environments, which can help with decision-making in smart cities. Radar sensors are useful in utilizing complex computer data to analyze crucial archaeological site information.
Thermal sensors perform accurate tracking of energy distribution, while other smart sensors enable management of demand-side energy. As such, smart grid sensors help improve energy efficiency.
Proximity and lidar sensors can aid development of automated vehicle systems, which is critical to making a city completely smart.

QR code restaurant menus boost Menuat

As restaurants search for a more sanitary alternative to traditional, reusable menus, Jacksonville-based Menuat is offering a solution. Typically, Menuat develops digital menus for its clients that can be displayed on large screens at restaurants, hotels or stores. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and restaurants were forced to adapt to keep customers and employees safe, Menuat launched a QR code menu.

Woolworths trials QR code contact tracing

Woolworths will be trialling a QR code contact tracing initiative, as well as using Rewards data where it can to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Voluntary to customers, the contract tracing initiative will allow them to scan a QR code at the entrance to check-in and register their contact details. Woolworths assured that all details would be "encrypted, securely stored, and only be used to let customers know about a confirmed case in the store or to notify relevant health authorities and their nominated agencies for the purpose of contact tracing".

Afterpay lets US consumers pay with their NFC mobile phone

Australia-based buy now, pay later specialist Afterpay is launching a service that lets US consumers make NFC payments in stores — and then pay for their purchases in four equal instalments.

The company is also adding support for Google Pay. Similar to using Afterpay online, customers in the US will be able to pay securely and simply for their in-store purchases in four instalment payments, without the need to take out a traditional loan or pay upfront fees or interest.

SimplyRFID Releases Its Very First RFID Cookbook

With the release of its first RFID Cookbook, SimplyRFID aims to show a glimpse into the limitless potential that RFID is providing to real users who have developed their own customized solutions to simplify their inventory management, increase their efficiency and, ultimately, grow their bottom line.

In addressing many real-world problems that occur during normal business operations, SimplyRFID wants to provide an introduction to new RFID users with some inspiration and highlights of how RFID solutions are modernizing and simplifying time-consuming processes across a wide range of industries.

With RFID technology, complete control is in users' hands. While not a deep dive into the intricacies and technology behind RFID, the how-to guide provides readers with quick inspiration and ideas of how RFID can be applied to their own business or project and how they can get started with their own projects.

Organizations new to RFID are often surprised at how much time and money they save through the increased efficiency and workflow improvements. In no time, users can develop their own inventory management solutions that work best for them. The RFID Cookbook also includes detailed metrics on how much time companies can save on average when they modernize and streamline dated, legacy processes with RFID technology.

Collins Aerospace Adds QR Code Functionality to Common-Use Airport Kiosks

Collins Aerospace is developing solutions that will boost today’s traveler confidence and tomorrow’s travel capacity in as many airports as possible, starting with a wireless adapter that gives smartphones the ability to control common-use kiosks.

Contactless technology at the airport has been a means of addressing the projected growth in passengers without building new or bigger terminals and in the COVID-19 era, the technology has the vital added benefit of keeping travelers safe.

Apple Watch Series 6 to Feature Blood Oxygen Monitoring Sensor

The Apple Watch Series 6 will add blood oxygen monitoring to its features list when it's launched later this year, according to a new report from DigiTimes.

Sources say that the next-generation ‌Apple Watch‌ has undergone "smooth development" thanks to close collaboration between Apple and Taiwanese company ASE Technology.

Apple will provide notifications when blood oxygen levels drop below a healthy threshold, which is right around 95 to 100 percent saturation.

CVS is adding PayPal and Venmo QR codes

CVS is expanding its payment options by teaming up with PayPal to use its QR codes as another touch-free form of payment at the retail pharmacy chain.

PayPal and Venmo users can pay with money that’s already in their account instead of having to pay with a credit card.

CVS says the new QR codes will arrive at 8,200 of its US stores in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Novel chip sensor makes swimming pools safer

A new microchip that enables continuous monitoring of pH and chlorine levels in swimming pools will vastly improve water safety and hygiene for more than 2.7 million Australians as new research shows it can deliver consistent and accurate pool chemistry for reliable pool management. Developed by the University of South Australia, in partnership with Tekelek Australia, the new 'lab-on-a-chip' technology, makes monitoring swimming pools more affordable, even on existing pools.

Cloud of Things and monogoto announce IoT platform with embedded cellular connectivity offering

Cloud of Things, the ready-to-run IoT solution provider, and monogoto, a cellular provider implementing global cellular connectivity alongside secure Private LTE networks, announced they have joined forces to roll out a global offering to smart product manufacturers that reduces complexity and risk, and speeds time to market with advanced services supporting secure edge-cloud deployments.

Cloud of Things DeviceTone IoT Suite has been integrated with monogoto's global cellular connectivity platform using the monogoto IoT SIM, making it simple to scale connected systems, including automatically and securely registering end-points to the network.

Monogoto offers coverage in all major markets and is truly global, including their cellular suitcase and the ability to roam into private networks like CBRS in the U.S. for service in remote places.

The companies are going-to-market in the U.S., Europe and globally together. Cloud of Things will co-sell monogoto as part of their solutions, and monogoto will co-sell DeviceTone as a pre-integrated, tested, and secure IoT platform ready to run on mongoto's network connecting with monogoto's IoT SIM.

Electronic Toll Collection Market worth $10.0 billion by 2025

According to the new market research report Electronic Toll Collection Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis the Electronic Toll Collection Market is projected to reach USD 10.0 billion by 2025 from USD 6.9 billion in 2020; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period.

The growth of the ETC market is primarily attributed to the role of ETC system as an effective solution to reduce traffic congestion, accidents, and environmental pollution; strong government support to accelerate electronic toll collection, greater convenience and flexibility of cashless payments, and increased use of advanced technologies in transportation infrastructure.

Factors such as growing utilization of blockchain technology in toll collection systems, rising number of public-private partnership agreements in the transportation sector, and increasing transition to All Electronic Tolling (AET) systems from manual or coin-based tolling systems are expected to create growth opportunities for the market.

RFID technology utilizes its radio-frequency electromagnetic fields for the identification of objects that carry RFID tags. This technology is used in electronic identification, tracking, and storing information contained on the tag. Two-way radio transmitters/receivers called interrogators or readers send a signal to the tag and read its response. RFID readers scan the tag and then send that information to the database for storing. RFID is a prominent technology used in ETC systems owing to its low operational cost.

EM Microelectronic’s Augmented RFID powers Green IoT solutions

EM Microelectronic, the ultra-low-power semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, has announced the release of em|aura-sense, its Augmented RFID product for wireless sensing applications.

Measurements can be performed remotely and automatically, without human intervention and in environments where the use of battery is not an option.

Besides the environmental aspect, the absence of batteries further contributes to the affordability of these solutions, fostering their adoption and creating new opportunities in markets such as automotive, construction, energy and healthcare.

VTB and Burger King launch QR-code payments

According to a recent announcement, VTB Bank and the Burger King restaurant chain have implemented the ability to pay for orders in restaurants using QR codes through the Bank of Russia’s quick payment system.

Russia is not the only country getting into the QR code game. In fact, according to a recent article by Mercator Advisory Group’s Sarah Grotta, PayPal announced that they will begin to offer this type of solution in many countries, including the U.S. Not only will this enable more merchants to accept non-cash payments, but it has the added benefit of creating a contact-free exchange between merchants and consumers which is certainly on everyone’s mind these days.