Telefónica and Astrocast to Show IoT collaboration in New 5G-focused Tech Tab

Today, more businesses are incorporating IoT systems into their operations to optimize their supply chain and push for day-to-day efficiency. More specifically, they’re using IoT devices for asset tracking, allowing them to be aware of where their shipments are at any time and pinpoint possible bottleneck points. As a result, the global asset tracking market is predicted to reach $55.1 billion in the next five years.

To meet customer demand, more tech providers are creating IoT-based asset tracking solutions. Two of them are telecommunications group Telefónica and Swiss satellite communications company Astrocast. Both are going to show off new 5G-enabled IoT tracking sensors in Germany’s 5G Tech Lab.

“This is a first of its kind collaboration for us and it is exciting to work with Telefónica, in order to progress innovation in the IoT space into a real use case,” shares Astrocast VP of Network Operations and Customer Success Marcel Barat.

The tracking sensors to be showcased are created with the combined technology of Astrocast’s satellite modules and Telefónica’s cutting-edge asset trackers.

Powered by its 5G #TechLab, @Wayra Germany is slated to bring together @Telefonica_EN and @strocast with an exciting IoT #product collaboration. Learn more: https://t.co/L5AUTa6h1K #SatIoT #IoTtracking

— Airbus Ventures (@AirbusVentures) September 3, 2021

Astrocast is the supplier of the most comprehensive nanosatellite modules on the market. Companies use them to manage, track, and measure the data gathered by connected sensors. One of its pilot satellites includes the Astronode S — a type of bidirectional solder-down module. Compared to traditional satellite IoT
alternatives, the Astronode S is cheaper, faster, and more weatherproof.

To create the target tracking sensor, Astrocast has combined the module and antenna of Astronode S with the Telefónica tracker. Using the nanosatellite network of Astrocast, the new product will facilitate direct-to-satellite bidirectional communication between trackers, no matter the distance. These sensors’ PCB are created with excellent signal integrity layouts, allowing them to sense even far-off devices with little effort. These signals are then amplified by Telefônica’s clients, delivering updates and instructions regardless of location.

The result? A cutting-edge, cost-effective way of tracking, monitoring, measuring, and communicating with IoT assets anywhere in the world.

“Using Astrocast nanosatellite network, we can extend our trackers’ reachability worldwide in order to enable customers to collect critical data in areas that were not reachable before in an economically reasonable way,” says Telefónica sales director Peer Lodbrok.

Wayra Germany’s 5G Tech Lab, where the tracking sensors’ final proof-of-concept will be presented at an unknown date, is the first 5G standalone network in Munich. According to Wayra Germany’s managing director Florian Bogenschütz, their 5G Tech Lab was opened to “develop new and modern approaches to fixing [IoT users’] best challenges.”

And in line with their vision, the collaboration between Astrocast and Telefónica is a huge opportunity to present an IoT innovation that can help streamline business processes. As for Astrocast and Telefónica, they’re hoping it’ll help them gather more local investors to support the project.

Indeed, with pioneers like these two working together to create more developments in IoT, the future of supply chain technology in Germany will continue to flourish.

For more IoT and technology-related news, feel free to explore our other articles on The Germinate!