Autonomous Tech and Self-Driving Cars Dominate the Headlines
The autonomous tech industry is poised to explode, driving job growth and technological innovation. Everything from self-driving vehicles to automated infrastructure is sitting on a precipice of advancement that can be a truly momentous step into the era of the connected world. This week, we are focusing on some of the industry news surrounding autonomous vehicles, including the manufacturing aspect, their space in a smart city, and how major metropolitan areas initially resistant to the technology are starting to come around. In Japan the Race is On for Self-Driving Cars IMAGE by Takashi Aoyama According to a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group, fully autonomous vehicles are expected to account for a quarter of all new cars by 2035 — a slice of the auto industry totaling around $77 billion. While automakers across the globe are racing to become a leader in this new tech, no where is the competition more intense than in the auto-manufacturer rich island nation of Japan. This recent article from the San Francisco Chronicle notes that Toyota, Nissan and Honda have all made significant investments in developing autonomous tech. The autonomous vehicle race is particularly impactful because of the major implications to not only car OEMs who have to fundamentally change the way they approach their product, but to the hardware and software companies building the technology that will support these highly sophisticated (and regulated) vehicles. Could Owning an Autonomous Car Make You “Traffic Elite”? IMAGE courtesy ZDNet If you end up being an early adopter of new autonomous tech, you may find your commute becomes shorter. ZDNet explains that a recent proposal from UC Berkeley grad students suggested the creation of a “Hyperland” — a special traffic lane reserved just for self-driving vehicles. If you want to be in the Hyperlane, you better not mind a brisk ride as the special lanes would allow for speeds over 100mph. The traffic on the Hyperlane would be controlled by a central computer that monitors traffic congestion, speed, and other variables through advanced sensor arrays and keeps traffic flowing freely. The project will cost a cool $11.4 per mile of road, so travel will likely come with a toll to ease the financial burden. Self-Driving Cars Job Market Booming IMAGE by Gene J. Puskar, AP With so much emphasis on autonomous driving, cities are rushing to cash in on the movement. According to the Detroit Free Press, the advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicle market was around $5 billion in 2015. It’s projected to grow to $96 billion by 2025 and a staggering $290 billion by 2035. This massive market growth has led to a number of cities across the country pitching their location as the “place to be” for autonomous tech. From Austin to Pittsburgh, automakers, OEMs and even government officials are pushing for their city as the best spot for innovation in the autonomous vehicle space. So will it be Detroit or Silicon Valley? Or one of a host of other cities vying for a slice of this massive cash cow? Time will tell. Better Late than Never: New York Easing Up on Laws for Driverless Vehicles Back in 1971, New York passed a state law insisting all motor vehicles have a driver with at least one hand on the wheel at all times. Back then, this seemed that a pretty standard rule — but with the advent of self-driving cars, the rules of the game have changed. A recent article from the Democrat and Chronicle noted that until recently, New York was the only state the explicitly banned driverless cars from its roadways. However, the state has now approved a pilot program to allow the testing of driverless vehicles under certain conditions. State Senator Joe Robach was a vocal advocate for the new change. “While the technology for fully driverless cars is in the future, consumers certainly appreciate the automated technology that is currently in cars, including lane assist, self-braking, hands-free park assist and collision avoidance,” he said. “The legislation that was passed earlier this year ensures that driverless cars can be tested on the roads that future consumers in our state will use them on and are tested responsibly.” Audi of America is the first automaker to get approved for the new program, with other manufactures expected to jump on board in the coming months.
Robotics on the Battlefield
We’ve all seen those futuristic Sci-Fi movies where man and machine fight alongside each other in the throes of battle. While that might have seemed far fetched years ago, the reality is that robotics are increasingly becoming a part of our military today. In fact, the Pentagon recently requested prototypes of combined human-robot squads. As the robotics industry becomes increasingly important to military officials, technology providers are working hard to develop solutions that will support increasingly automated military efforts. A recent report estimates that robotics in the military will grow at a CAGR of 9.5 percent between now and 2023. According to the same report, robotics will be most used by the military in Europe during this time frame, followed by North America. The U.S. military continues to test out the possibilities for leveraging robots to protect soldiers, increase visibility in combat situations and generally streamline operations. Not only are these robotic applications groundbreaking — but they’re also really cool. News stories on new robotic technology boast of robotic ships, heavily armed unmanned ground vehicles, and robotic tanks – with more innovative technology coming out all the time. For example, there is a robotic insect called the “RoboBee” which was created for crop pollination and disaster relief efforts, but could also potentially lead to robotic insects used for military purposes as the true “fly on the wall” concept — equipped with audio and visual capabilities. There are also recent reports around the push for robots designed to carry wounded soldiers out of battle instead of forcing medics to enter live combat zones. These robotics may also support troops behind enemy lines in a variety of other ways to prevent risking more lives, such as dropping medical supplies to soldiers in dangerous areas. Future technologies may have the power to deliver specific medicine and even blood to wounded soldiers. While there are robotic models being tested and deployed around the world, perhaps the most uncertainty lies in the data. A Data Disaster? As recently reported in Popular Mechanics, the robotics of tomorrow may be facing a serious data problem. The article notes that for one, robots are both consumers and creators of data. Technology needs to be able to sustain the sheer amount of data required for robotic operations. The article also highlights the importance of collecting and using the right data instead of ALL the data. The good news — thanks to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) — is that modern technology is becoming more favorable for managing data and it will further be supported by secure command and control (C2) links. Wireless data communications solutions are available that enable reliable C2 links have been trusted by the government and defense industry for decades. Not only are they proven in combat, but they are applicable for today’s complex data-centric systems, including robotics. With appropriate security measures and encryption capabilities in place, C2 links can be better protected to thwart malicious attacks on these automated systems – a critical function when the C2 links enable operations of the device. Further, when frequency-hopping techniques are used there is an additional layer of security, as these types of devices leverage coordinated, rapid changes in radio frequencies that naturally avoid interference. When FHSS technologies are combined with FIPS and AES security standards, as well as multiple user-defined cryptography keys (up to 32), they are equipped with a highly robust link that is well suited for military and combat operations. While robotics brings concerns to the data conversation, technology providers are working to keep up with modern data needs. With a secure C2 link, technology is further hardened for combat applications. It will be interesting to see the developments in robotics for the military in the next couple of years. What are some of the most interesting robotics applications you’ve seen?
Utilities & IIoT: The ‘Perfect Storm’ Meets the Revolution
In early 2017, John Kennedy at SiliconRepublic declared the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) the ‘perfect storm’ – a convergence of technologies with the capacity to create new economic benefits based on operational efficiency. On these blog pages, we’ve covered many different facets of industries adopting intelligent communication technologies likes sensors, programmable radios, and powerful analytics tools, but one industry in particular seems poised for the greatest upheaval: utilities. Many industry experts are pointing at utility markets as poised for revolution. So, what happens when the ‘perfect storm’ meets the revolution? Critical Infrastructure Transformation Given the way the human population is dispersed in the United States (and abroad), cities play a huge role in driving the growth of IIoT technologies in utilities. Water and wastewater treatment plants are perhaps one of the most important (and overlooked) pieces to modern infrastructure. Without these plants, after 1-2 uses, most of the water in North America would be unusable. Instead, companies are using sensors and other connected monitoring devices to create smart data that informs decision making, eliminates variables, and improves effective responsiveness. Similarly, the electric grid has seen significant transformation as well. In the era of the smart grid, we now have the ability to monitor grid activity more closely, deploy electricity more efficiently based on usage spikes, and allow consumers to track their own energy usage. The residual effect of this tracking is, perhaps, an increased awareness of how we use energy on a daily basis and could lead to better individual conservation efforts. Alternative Energy On The Rise And speaking of conservation efforts, with the ability to use energy more efficiently, alternative energy has exploded as viable alternatives to our traditional resources. Wind power has grown into a consistent source of energy, but for years, operators needed a better way to monitor the energy systems. Today, IIoT technology not only allows better monitoring, but provides real-time management capabilities for operators. The name of the game is efficiency, and if the operations are efficient, then the usage can be efficient as well. Business Convergence Since utility companies are now better equipped to understand when and how resources are being used or deployed, they can streamline some of the day-to-day operations by building a network of smaller solutions that are specifically designed to meet niche needs, creating more business opportunities for both traditional and alternative utility providers. Although many doomsday scenarios point to increased automation as the death of the worker, with a greater diversity of solutions, the economic impact might actually provide more jobs instead of fewer. Relying on the traditional model of the last half-century, however, does not. Ultimately, we are still looking at an industry that is right on the cusp of revolution. Utilities have, historically, been slightly slower to respond to technology overhauls at a high level, but with the added efficiency and financial benefits that accompany IIoT adoption, companies are rethinking old strategies and pushing into a new frontier – confronting the ‘perfect storm’ head-on to ensure the best possible landscape once the dust settles.
Intelligent Decision Making in Precision Agriculture
Modern businesses are making intelligent business decisions thanks to the Industrial IoT and its push towards increased connectivity. In precision agriculture, new technology has the potential to be a game changer for crop management, enabling more visibility over crops and intelligent decision making that directly impacts food output. However, according to a recent article from CropLife magazine, while farmers are leveraging automation, the precision agriculture industry as a whole is relatively new in comparison to the traditional agriculture industry, and so is the adoption of IT technology. The exciting news is that farmers are increasingly turning towards automation to streamline operations. As automation and connectivity are adopted for precision agriculture, there is an emerging market for drones that is ripe with possibility. A recent article focusing on drones in agriculture reports, “With precision agriculture, farmers can now rest assured that they are making crucial decisions correctly and intelligently – made easy through drone analytics.” Drone manufacturers are actively working to make technology that they believe will change the game for precision agriculture. They aim to improve food production and more efficiently distribute pesticides and water. Drones may also aid in disease management for the diseases that rapidly spread through crops. With the use of cameras, drones are also able to offer farmers real-time visibility into the health of their crops. With the rise of drones in the commercial and industrial sectors we see a lot of opportunity for drone manufacturers, technology providers and farmers alike. What we also see as a key to success in all these areas is technology that performs with consistency and reliability. In the case of drones, without secure and reliable command and control (C2) links, drone performance will suffer, and as a result so will the important data that farmers will find essential to making intelligent decisions. Command and Control Links There are technologies available that have proven to unfailingly support critical drone operations. In fact, after decades of serving mission-critical applications in government and defense, the same C2 capabilities of advanced wireless data communications have begun to migrate into the commercial and industrial drone markets. Today, there are a number of secure wireless data communications solutions available that enable reliable C2 links and have been trusted by the government and defense industry for years. Additionally, there are solution providers that offer multiple frequencies for C2 links offering unmanned systems manufacturers a portfolio of options to deploy. In addition to frequency options, when the appropriate security measures and encryption capabilities are in place, C2 links can be better protected to thwart malicious attacks on unmanned systems. For the precision agriculture industry this means less downtime and reliable drones for operations that are critical to the health of the crop. Drones and other modern IT technologies are disrupting the precision agriculture industry, but there is substantial potential for a big impact on the farming industry as a whole. As drones are developed to carry out these applications in precision agriculture is especially important to ensure they are being created with the C2 links that will support modern connectivity needs.
IIoT News Headlines: Trains, Agriculture, Underwater and More
Industries around the world are being transformed by the Industrial IoT. We recently shared a blog with a report that estimates IIoT will experience explosive growth and approach one trillion dollars by 2025. From trains and under water applications, to agriculture, we are already seeing IIoT expand its reach today. However, we continue to see security as one of the biggest challenges – which continues to top news headlines. Below are some of the recent IIoT stories that have caught our attention: How Siemens Is Using Big Data And IoT To Build The Internet Of Trains By: @BernardMarr | Published on: @Forbes “Siemens AG is one of the world’s largest providers of railway infrastructure, serving rail operators in over 60 countries. Through harnessing Big Data, sensors and predictive analytics they say they can now guarantee their customers close to 100% reliabilit It calls this the “Internet of Trains” – the on-rails segment of the wider ‘Internet of Things’ concept which describes how everyday objects of all shapes and sizes can now be connected together online and given the ability to communicate and capture data for analytic purposes.” Agriculture Is The No. 1 Opportunity For African Internet Of Things, Security The No. 1 Challenge By Tom Jackson | Published on: @AFKInsider “Agriculture, Africa’s largest economic sector, is likely to be central to the growth of IoT. There are many examples around the world where value can be unlocked from enhanced efficiencies along the value chain. Mining, oil and gas, telecommunications and manufacturing will have to adopt IoT to improve efficiencies.” The Internet of Underwater Things Published on: @NauticExpo_eMag “The development of an Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT), transmitting data throughout the ocean could make possible a system of roaming, autonomous vehicles and underwater sensors, all communicating with each other and relaying information to networks above the surface. This could be used for a wide range of submarine tasks, from pipeline repair and shipwreck surveys to seismic detection and ecological monitoring.” IIoT and The Cyberthreat: The Perfect Storm of Risk By: @ChrisGrove_Geek | Published on: @MBTwebsite “Many of these newfound risks did not previously exist, mostly due to the lack of interconnectivity and the network ‘air-gap’ — which has become a thing of the past. As industrial organizations race to keep up with advances in manufacturing technologies, IT is increasingly encroaching into the OT world. It’s no longer uncommon to find IT technologies like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, the Cloud and cybersecurity products like virus scanners, firewalls, Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems and Security Information/Event Management (SIEM) products being managed outside the purview of IT.” It will be interesting to see how the IIoT continues to transform industries. What are some of the interesting use cases you are seeing as the IIoT growes? What are your biggest security concerns when it comes to IIoT?
Can Oil and Gas Keep Up with Digital Disruption?
The oil and gas industry has faced transformational potential in the last several years. As a critical piece of infrastructure for nearly every industry – and the economy – it’s ability to keep pace with the lightning rate of technological upheaval has been challenged. The convergence of IoT, the Cloud and Big Data has created a whirlwind of possibilities, but the major challenge will be whether the industry can successfully unify its data collection and transport at the necessary scale. There are several factors that will determine the ultimate success of this data: hardware capable of handling the consistently rugged environment, reliable connectivity, a general consensus on the best programming language for widespread use, and the applications capable of transforming Big Data into Smart Data. Rugged Hardware Most well pads are set in remote environments where the conditions are rugged or downright extreme. Not only are RF communications greatly affected by these conditions, but as the connectivity shifts toward (potentially) remote WiFi, then the devices must not only be more sophisticated, but that sophistication must be ruggedized as well. We recently published a case study that shows how our radios held up in a cool use-case in Antarctica for data collection in an extremely harsh environment. Granted, most oil companies are not looking Antarctica as a possible drilling location, but the visual does a good job of showing just how rugged the hardware needs to be. It cannot fail when delivering data to companies, as that data is more important than ever. Reliable Connectivity There are several different methods for connectivity at remote locations, but two that are gaining ground on traditional systems are Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and WiFi. Of the two, WiFi faces the greatest obstacles because it relies on several different transfer or booster points, but its strengths as a transport method are starting to outweigh some of those challenges. FHSS has been around for quite a while, but the technology, surprisingly, is still somewhat misunderstood. The ripple effect from its applications are felt throughout many industries, but the key differentiators are its consistency and reliability. Programming Languages Today, there is hardware on the market that is capable of putting proprietary, third-party applications at the edge. But, in order for these apps to be effective, the industry needs to find the programming language that best serves the need. It’s similar to when personal computers were first hitting the market. Each PC company wanted its computer to run its own kind of software, but the industry ultimately realized that best chance for success was to create a standard. Since then, even though open source is still a critical piece of software development, most PCs and other platforms can basically run the same kind of software. This same approach to standardization needs to be taken with programming languages or the battle for supremacy will continue to fracture an industry at a time when it needs cohesion for maximum growth. Edge Applications Speaking of finding a unified programming language, the result of that will be an explosion of applications that can be deployed on the aforementioned hardware. Once companies have the ability to create these applications to fit specific needs, then they will be able to take Big Data and turn it into Smart Data. A hallmark of the Industrial IoT, and what separates it from basic machine-to-machine communication, is the intelligence. Smarter applications means smarter data means more efficiency. Many of these platforms are still in their infancies, but we’ve seen evidence of a strong groundswell bringing these to the forefront. Ultimately, if these four components can come together in the right way, the oil and gas industry will be able to reap the benefits. And, frankly, they will be reaping these benefits long before other industrially oriented markets. Aligning these needs is not easy, but the potential exists as long as oil and gas companies embrace the disruption and unify the data.
Industrially Hardened Time Keeping
Today, a wide variety of industries with outdoor OT assets require technology that can connect the assets to a modern communication network. Depending on the application, the solution is not always as simple as slapping on a cellular or standard WiFi solution. For one, many industries have assets located in remote locations where cellular coverage is limited and long range communication is required. The OT network must also be highly secure and have the ability to avoid interference. Additionally, any outdoor communication network is subject to weather and natural elements. The best hope for maintaining reliable, secure, real-time connectivity is with a solution that is ruggedized, industrially hardened and proven to work in the most extreme environments. Recently we talked about wireless communication solutions used in Antarctica, that are performing under some of the most extreme conditions in the planet. These Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)-based technologies are built to last and perform with a secure connection. Did you know that the same solutions have also made their way into the sport of boat racing? When November rolls around each year, rowing enthusiasts gather in Chatanooga, Tenn. For the Head of the Hooch race. A total length of 5,000 meters, it is one of the largest and fastest growing regattas in the U.S. Each year more than 2,000 boats race over the course of two days. Participants come in from all over the U.S. and the event has hosted international teams from Canada, Germany, Sweden and Australia. Real-Time Accuracy The race is organized by the Atlanta Rowing Club. In the early days, organizers relied upon stopwatches for keeping time. As the race grew and more boats participated, the manual method of time keeping was no longer feasible. Organizers needed a time keeping solution with a link strong enough to deliver race results in real-time in any weather condition. Organizers selected an industrially hardened wireless communication solution and used it in conjunction with a timing system built for downhill skiing races. The system offers precise timing accuracy – down to 1/10th second for each boat. The wireless solution uses FHSS technology that is typically used in utility-scale Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications. These types of solutions have been used for monitoring and control of outdoor assets in the utility industries for decades and have proven to ensure accurate, real-time connectivity in harsh, remote locations. Not only is the “hopping” nature of FHSS inherently secure, but there are solutions with AES-encryption and other advanced security features to further secure the network. The solutions also offer a range of 60 miles Line-of-Site (LOS), and have proven to be ideal for the Head of the Hooch race. Over the years, races have been conducted in cold, rainy, cloudy and/or windy weather, and the solution has reliably performed in all whether conditions present during the race. Rugged, industrially hardened communication solutions that are well known in the oil/gas and utilities markets – aren’t always the initial choice for connecting non-industrial outdoor networks. In some cases, decision makers in these markets may simply be unfamiliar with the benefits of FHSS. What they need to know is that FHSS solutions have been trusted for years to provide long-range, real-time connectivity, and they are often ideal for a variety of use cases outside of industrial markets. Read the full Head of the Hooch case study here: https://www.freewave.com/case-studies/head-of-the-hooch/
IIoT Top News — Security Remains Top of Mind
Cybersecurity has been top of mind for industry experts and consumers alike. The WannaCry ransomware is putting a legitimate scare into affected companies, although many are apparently preparing to call the hackers’ bluff. Yesterday, another cyberattack was announced as well, and it has the potential to be far more lucrative for the developers. The common denominator between the two? A leaked exploit developed by the NSA that leverages a Windows file-sharing protocol. These attacks are indicative of the long-term game of cat and mouse that the government and private enterprise faces for the foreseeable future of security and counterintelligence. Moving forward, the growing network of connected devices for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) faces similar security threats. This week, we found several stories demonstrating some of the solutions surrounding those potential security issues. The 9 Best Practices for IIoT from a Dell Security Expert At a recent presentation for 2017 Dell EMC World Conference, Rohan Kotian, Dell EMC’s senior product manager for IoT security, spoke about his nine best practices for improved IIoT security. His number one strategy? Simply understanding the concerns. Many IoT devices come out of the box with few security controls in place, and understanding the risk is the most important step in addressing them. In this article from Tech Republic, you can read Mr. Kotian’s other nine best practices, including studying the attack trends, classifying risk, and leveraging fog computing. IIoT Market Expected to Approach One Trillion Dollars by 2025 Grand View Research writes that the industrial Internet of Things will experience explosive growth over the next decade, going from a $109 billion industry in 2016 to an expected $933.62 billion by 2025. The massive market increase will be driven by a number of factors, one of which continued investment by government agencies and corporate leaders. As the report states, “The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly becoming more prominent in enabling easy access to devices and machines. Government-sponsored initiatives and innovative efforts made by key companies, such as Huawei, GE, and Cisco, are anticipated to enhance the adoption of IIoT worldwide over the forecast period.” IIoT Presents Unique Security Challenges Security is always a top priority in the Internet of Things, but IIoT applications present unique challenges. In this article from CSO Online, Phil Neray, CyberX’s vice president of industrial cybersecurity, writes that despite the growth of IoT applications in oil, gas, electric, and pharmaceuticals, “The fact is that all of these devices were designed a long time ago.” That means IIoT innovators have the challenge of integrating the newest technology into systems that may be decades old. This sort of retrofitting can make security a real challenge and there are few experts available who have both the knowledge of legacy systems and the latest IIoT solutions. Sprint to Deploy LTW Cat 1 by End Of July The Internet of Things relies heavily on low-power communication protocols to perform, so a recent announcement on FierceWireless.com that Sprint will be releasing LTE Cat 1 by the end of July is music to IoT developer’s ears. LTE Cat 1 is designed to support low-power applications on the Sprint network such as vehicle telematics and industrial IoT applications. “As one of the leading enablers and solution providers of the internet of things, Ericsson believes in its power to transform industries and capture new growth,” said Glenn Laxdal, head of Network Products for Ericsson North America. “Ericsson looks forward to partnering with Sprint to deploy Cat M1 next year and bring the transformative power of IoT to the Sprint Nationwide network.” The announcement also noted that Cat M would be following in mid-2018. TE Cat M1 and LTE Cat NB1 will support other applications requiring ultralow-throughput and power consumption.
Do You Speak the Languages of Industrial IoT?
There is an ongoing transition from a world where having an internet connection was sufficient, to a world where ubiquitous connectivity is quickly becoming the norm. The ability to gather and transport data at high speeds from anywhere is leading to increased automation, smart-everything (vehicles, homes, appliances – you name it), and a standardization of languages and protocols that make the possibilities nearly endless. Recently, IEEE and Eclipse Foundation completed surveys that provided a snapshot on tools, platforms and solutions being used by engineers and programmers alike to build the Internet of Things. According to Joe McKendrick for RTInsights.com, there were several notable conclusions to be drawn from the results, including the revelation that, of the 713 tech professionals surveyed, nearly 42 percent said their companies currently deploy an IoT solution, and 32 percent said they will be deploying/working with an IoT solution over the next 18 months. Additionally, RT Insights writes: “In terms of areas of concentration, 42% report they are working with IoT-ready middleware, while 41% are concentrating on home automation solutions. Another 36% are working with industrial automation as part of their IoT efforts. One-third are working on IoT for smart cities, and the same number are building smart energy solutions.” An interesting note from those conclusions is that 36 percent are working with industrial automation as part of their IoT efforts. Earlier this year, we predicted that Industrial IoT (IIoT) app development would outpace consumer IoT apps, and although this sample size is somewhat limited, it still bodes well for the development of the IIoT sector that is just starting to come into its own. Among IoT developers, there has been a bit of debate over the programming languages that best suit IoT apps. There are situationally appropriate uses for the main languages, but currently, the majority of developers prefer Java and the C language. For developers, being able to build out IoT apps that can work across platforms is a giant step toward standardization. Specifically, in the Industrial IoT, being able to build apps that can function at the Edge to enable smart data collection is a becoming an unofficial mandate for any companies hoping to transition legacy OT operations into the IT/OT convergence movement taking place across critical industries. Of course, building apps is a meaningless task if the hardware being deployed can’t host those apps, a finding that was demonstrated by the survey: Hardware associated with IoT implementations include sensors, used at 87% of sites, along with actuators (51%), gateways and hub devices (50%), and edge node devices (36%). This Edge functionality and sensor deployment are two pieces that are driving the adaption of IoT technology across industries that have traditionally relied on data as the main tool for decision making. However, with smarter hardware, these industries now have the opportunity to improve the efficiency of that decision making – a transformative capability in the industrial realm. Join FreeWave’s ZumLink IPR Pilot Program! What if you could….. Collect, analyze and react to data in real-time at the sensor edge? Reduce BIG DATA that clogs data pipelines? Minimize the cost of expensive PLCs? Control your sensor at the closest touchpoint? The ZumLink IPR App Server Radio combines 900 MHz wireless telemetry with the ability to program and host 3rd party Apps for intelligent control and automation of remote sensors and devices. To participate in the pilot program, visit: https://www.freewave.com/zumlink-ipr-pilot-program/. Pilot Program participants: Receive a complimentary hardware/software Dev Kit Get support from FreeWave software engineers Should have App developer’s skills Let’s discuss: Use cases that would help you or your organization solve a problem Problems you would like to solve Developers that could build this App
A ‘Heads Up’ on Drone Safety
We all know that what goes up must come down. In the case of drones falling out of the sky, hopefully your head isn’t in the collision path. Drones are becoming increasingly popular for commercial and recreational purposes. According to a recent FAA report, this has sparked an “increase in accidents resulting in blunt impact or laceration injuries to bystanders.” The report, released late last month, generated a fair share of news coverage. It examines the dangers of drone collisions with people on the ground, the risk of injury and ways to reduce those risks. The good news, and probably most newsworthy conclusion, is that if a small drone were to hypothetically fall from the sky and collide with your head, you probably won’t die. One of the tests conducted during the study included dropping a drone on the head of a crash test dummy. The drone used in the test represented a typical drone — a Phantom 3, which weighs about 2.7 pounds. Test results determined that a drone causes significantly less damage than a wood block or steel debris. Findings also showed that the “drag,” caused by air resistance slowed the drone down much more than the wood and steel. A USA Today article reported that while there was only a 0.01 to 0.03 percent chance of a serious head injury, but there was an 11-13 percent chance of a serious neck injury. While the risk of serious injury might be lower than expected, both drone manufacturers and operators of remotely piloted aircrafts can continue to actively take responsibility for the risks by operating from a preventative and safety-focused perspective. A combination of proper training, education and reliable, secure command and control links (C2) can lead each side to a safer drone environment. Knowing the Rules Groups have formed with commercial drone safety in mind. Know Before You Fly is an organization dedicated to educating drone operators on the FAA guidelines for operation. They also offer resources on how to safely and responsibly operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The FAA report also names Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and the FAA as groups dedicated to educating hobbyist and commercial UAS users on the important requirements for piloting UAS. New drone operators who leverage the assortment of educational tools available can help champion the pursuit of responsible drone operations. Building Drones with Reliability and Safety in Mind In addition to training and education from the operator perspective, when the right command-and-control (C2) solution is in place, drone operations can become much more safe and reliable. Secure wireless data communication solutions that leverage data encryption capabilities, adhering to FIPS and AES standards, are already heavily relied on for mission-critical government and defense applications. Additionally, certain types of wireless solutions, like Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Technologies (FHSS) are secure in their nature. For example, frequency-hopping techniques can leverage coordinated, rapid changes in radio frequencies that literally “hop” in the radio spectrum, thus evading detection and the potential of interference Some wireless products also can deliver multiple user-defined cryptography keys (as many as 32 user-defined keys in some cases), providing more robust link security by allowing the automatic and frequent changing of cryptographic keys. In addition to secure data, these solutions also offer distance. There are FHSS radio solutions that can transmit more than 60 miles Line-of-Sight (LOS). When the communication links are robust and prevent interference, they are much less likely to be jammed or disrupted, ultimately preventing drone performance issues (i.e., falling from the sky). This is a very important consideration because of the growing number of unmanned vehicles operating in industrial and commercial sectors today. With a secure and reliable wireless C2 link, these technical issues are substantially reduced. Drones have opened the door for many hobbyist and commercial opportunities, but that also means there are more inexperienced operators. If an operator educates themselves on the FAA guidelines and safety procedures when operating a drone, and the manufacturers build in a secure and reliable C2 link that works over long distances, then both are taking the steps to decrease drone-related injuries. Although the FAA report shows the risk of serious injury and death is low, manufacturers and operators still need to keep safety a top priority.
