Smart wireless sensors allow always-on cloud connectivity

23rd December 2014

Oceasoft

Barney Scott

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Oceasoft has announced a partnership with SIGFOX, alongside a line of Cobalt sensors that can transmit data directly to cloud storage with no need for traditional cellular or WiFi service. The Cobalt S3 line of smart wireless sensors is designed to utilise SIGFOX’s global IoT-dedicated network.

Designed exclusively for two-way, small-message device communication, it aims to extend battery and service life of connected devices and eliminate cost/energy use barriers to wide adoption of the IoT.

Cobalt S3, scheduled to begin shipping in January 2015, is set to offer monitoring capabilities including temperature, humidity, ambient light and voltage, while providing always-on cloud connectivity via SIGFOX’s IoT network.

This approach simplifies sensor installation and startup, extends battery life and allows sensors to maintain connectivity in isolated locations without local network or traditional cellular infrastructure. Local users can also access Cobalt S3 readings from smartphones and tablets using Bluetooth Smart.

Oceasoft, which serves hundreds of clients worldwide, will initially offer the S3 in areas where SIGFOX has rolled out its network: France, Holland, the UK and Spain, as well as several major European cities. Additional expansion is planned in Europe and the US, and plans call for extending coverage to ocean regions, which will enable shipping and transport applications for the sensors.

Data generated by all Cobalt sensors is held securely in the OceaCloud data service, and can be instantly monitored and viewed via computer, or Oceasoft’s ThermoClient Mobile app, which runs on iOS and Android phones and tablets.

Its wireless Cobalt sensor modules can be equipped with a wide range of internal and external sensor options, including temperature, humidity, CO₂, differential pressure, ambient light and voltage. All provide continuously updated reporting, and meet demanding requirements for manufacturing, laboratory work, life sciences, cold chain/transport and other advanced industry sectors.

“Working with SIGFOX to offer this functionality to our customers is a big step forward for Oceasoft and our commitment to provide unparalleled cloud-based access to mission-critical sensor data,” said Laurent Rousseau, CEO, Oceasoft. “This is, to our knowledge, the first industrial IoT sensor-monitoring solution, and it opens up opportunities for our clients in many sectors. It is of special interest in pollution and environmental monitoring applications, because it makes it possible to get constantly updated information from sensors in off-the-grid locations.”