Last updated: 16 April 2015
M2M communication is a major backbone of the Internet of Things, with millions of devices sharing data and connecting with each other. As we move towards a more connected planet, their importance cannot be overstated – they will help agriculture be more efficient, allow technology to increase productivity and power the smart cities that everyone is so excited about. It’s no understatement to say that they will, quietly in the background, change the way we live and work.
M2M technology is seeing huge growth and estimates of 50 billion devices connected to the Internet by 2020 may even be too low. Here at Gemalto we’re pressing full steam ahead, and are really proud to have just been honoured at the 2015 Connected World Awards, for our work helping businesses realise the potential of M2M technology.
What’s fascinating is the sheer potential of M2M, its use cases only limited by people’s imaginations. Here’s a quick rundown of two IoT solutions that won at the awards, and how our technology helps power them:
Airo Wireless has developed an Intrinsically Safe PDA for use in some of the most challenging working environments in the world, including the oil and gas, petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Our Cinterion technology, embedded in the PDA, features GPS capabilities to locate workers in the field, and can also trigger an emergency call to response teams if needed. Audio quality was optimized for high-bandwidth voice support to ensure people can always understand each other, even in noisy environments.
At the other end of the spectrum is the solution we have enabled with INSYS icom for SOLARKIOSK‘s E-HUBB. This solar powered cabin can be used for whatever the owner wants, from storing medicines, to running a cinema, or even powering a hair and beauty salon. It is ideal for use in rural areas where power is unreliable or even entirely off the grid. To date it’s been deployed in Ethiopia, Botswana and Kenya, and is having a real impact on these communities.
Here, our technology powered a mobile router which manages the SOLARKIOSKs’ solar panels, tracking both energy production and consumption through a web interface.
The Internet of Things is arguably already here, and it’s so exciting to be at its forefront. Like the super-cool winning idea from our #IoT Maker competition, an advanced forest fire warning system, M2M technology really could make a difference, as its possibilities are endless.
