Whether monitoring the pressure threshold of an irrigation system, the emergency stop of a long-distance conveyor belt, or the opening of a lock on a secure door or other industrial application, the new switch captures the information and sends it to the cloud. This “smart alert” can be sent to any mobile device or platform, anywhere it can receive a signal. In this way, from the convenience of a phone or other mobile device, the user can get a real-time overview of all their connected sensors and receive alerts if there is any change in status.
The advantages of IIoT extend far beyond factories.
This new generation of sensors allows for signal transmission up to 50 kilometers away, thanks to Wireless LPWAN technology, and subsequently to the cloud. This enables precise IoT-based monitoring of even remote irrigation systems or pipeline valves, something previously impossible. The new LPWAN-enabled sensors connect to the cloud using antennas similar to those used in mobile phones, accessing traditional wireless networks via cell towers. Once transmitted to the cloud, the sensor data is interpreted by applications located on servers and then accessed via a smartphone or tablet.
This innovative switch from Telemecanique Sensors was chosen by the IoT Solutions World Congress 2017 as one of the 11 most impactful solutions visually, dynamically, and tangibly showcasing the true potential of the Internet of Things.
The new Telemecanique Sensors system was presented in the event's testbed area. One of the testbeds demonstrates an irrigation system that delivers water to crops. Until now, irrigation ramps could not support any type of sensor because the data generated was not retrievable. This new technology enables the global exchange of information on water pressure, thus optimizing efficiency and energy use. The second testbed shows how a remote valve can be controlled to prevent the accidental release of wastewater and harmful chemicals into a river or lake.
