Mar 20 2017
Semtech Corporation, a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced that its LoRa® devices and wireless RF technology (LoRa Technology) was used by the winner and two finalists of the second-annual global Internet of Things (IoT) Challenge presented by the LoRa Alliance™ and Kenya Red Cross. Using LoRa-equipped development kits, contestants developed ready-to-deploy solutions to help improve the lives of people living in marginalized communities.
Semtech LoRa Technology Enables Top Solutions in Second-Annual Global IoT Challenge (Credit: Semtech Corporation)
“LoRa Technology enables IoT applications that have the potential to improve the living conditions of underserved communities throughout the world,” said Vivek Mohan, Director of Wireless Products for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “The global IoT challenge sponsored by the LoRa Alliance gives companies that are creating these life-changing products the recognition they deserve, as well as the tools and platform needed to bring their solutions to market. PIX CONTROLLER presented a state-of-the-art solution that can positively impact our future.”
Top Three Solutions
Winner of the Competition: PIX CONTROLLER, a dynamic, high-technology company that designs and manufactures state-of-the-art, covert unattended surveillance camera systems, won for its OMEDS solution (Optical Methane Emissions Detection System), which uses sensors to detect/report methane gas build up to avoid serious health and safety disasters. PIX CONTROLLER will travel to Kenya to field-test OMEDS in collaboration with the Red Cross.
Finalists: Agrint Sensing Solutions and KU Leuven created technical solutions using the LoRa-equipped starter kits. Agrint Sensing Solutions integrated its IoTree technology with LoRaWAN, creating in-tree sensors to detect when pests start attacking trees before irreparable damage occurs, starting with the Red Palm Weevil. KU Leuven proposed MediFridge, which uses LoRa Technology to monitor and ensure adequate fridge temperatures are maintained during the transportation of sensitive medications and blood supplies in developing countries.
Semtech’s LoRa Technology and the LoRaWAN protocol enable long-range communication, while operating on low power to ensure extended battery life and connectivity in remote, hard-to-reach areas. The standardized LoRaWAN protocol ensures interoperability with other applications and networks, enabling scalable solution and infrastructure deployment.
Semtech is a member of the LoRa Alliance, a group of more than 450 companies committed to driving and enhancing the LoRaWAN specification to ensure interoperability and scalability of LPWANs and IoT applications. Through its work with member companies and IoT industry groups, the LoRa Alliance is making LoRaWAN the standard for LPWANs focused on low-power, long-range IoT applications. To date, there are LoRaWAN public and private networks in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Key Features of LoRa Technology:
- Long Range: A single base station using LoRa Technology enables deep penetration capability for dense urban environments and indoor coverage, while also providing the ability to connect to sensors more than 15-30 miles away in rural areas.
- Low Power: The LoRaWAN protocol was developed specifically for low power and enables unprecedented battery lifetime of up to 20 years depending on the application.
- Geolocation: Enables tracking applications without GPS or additional power consumption.
- Low Cost: LoRa Technology reduces up front infrastructure investments and operating costs, as well as end-node sensor costs.
- Open Standard: The LoRaWAN protocol ensures interoperability among applications, IoT solution providers and telecom operators to speed adoption and deployment.