IoT Deals and Partnerships: AWS, Iveda, Agile Robotics and More

From AWS being selected by smart vehicle manufacturer BYD as its cloud provider, to Iveda’s provision of health care sensors and IoT devices to a veteran care facility in Arizona, here are some of the latest deals and partnerships from the Internet of Things industry.

BYD Selects AWS to Accelerate Global Expansion

BYD, a manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEV), including hybrid and battery electric vehicles, has selected AWS as the cloud provider for its connected vehicle platform.

By running its connected vehicle platform on AWS, BYD said it can deliver automated updates to “enhance vehicle safety, operation, maintenance efficiency,” as well as the overall driving experience. 

Using Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS) and Amazon’s content distribution network service CloudFront, BYD created a connected vehicle architecture that automatically deploys new functions and applications to vehicles, including in-car navigation or infotainment services.

BYD said these services provide drivers with a more tailored driving and in-car entertainment experience, including voice-activated temperature, music and feature control, as well as remote features like preheating and cooling vehicles before entering.

“As BYD embarks in its global expansion, we are confident our work with AWS will lead to revolutionary automotive solutions and provide more users around the world with reliable, intelligent, and connected vehicle experiences,” said Brian Luo, assistant general manager of BYD’s branding and PR division. 

Related:IoT Deals and Partnerships: Samsung, Seoul Robotics, Arm and More

Iveda, Movement Interactive Complete Smart Independent Living Facility for Veterans

Iveda has announced that Movement Interactive, powered by Iveda, has delivered on a $200,000 contract with Waymark Gardens, providing support to resident veterans with AI and IoT-enabled telehealth and fall detection technology. 

Under the project, Iveda is providing 150 of its HIPAA-compliant IvedaCare kits, outfitted with IvedaAI and Iveda’s IoT-enabled sensors and devices to support the “safety and care” of residents.

This sale and installation of IvedaCare follows an eight-year Veteran Affairs contract worth $1.032 billion and provides a blueprint for potential installation at 4,000 additional care facilities across the country covered by the Veteran Affairs contract.

“As IvedaCare continues to expand into homes, hospitals and care facilities across the U.S. –– taking patient care to the next level through AI assistance –– we believe that Waymark Gardens’ deployment will act as a blueprint for assisted care establishments countrywide,” said David Ly, Iveda’s CEO.  

"We are proud to have one of the most innovative on-site Telehealth Suites in the country at Waymark Gardens,” said Dr. Eric Luster, Waymark Gardens’ chairman. “This facility is a flagship for the future of senior living and will serve as a model as we expand to multiple facilities across the state, and eventually throughout the country. 

“Iveda is a key partner in bringing top-of-the-line technology solutions to our resident Veterans, improving health outcomes, and extending their independence while improving quality of life."

Mopeka Expands Connectivity Solutions With Globalstar Satellite Integration

Mopeka has integrated Globalstar's satellite connectivity to extend the capability of its network, which includes Bluetooth, WiFi and Global 4G LTE. 

According to Mopeka, the expansion allows its clients to connect sensor devices, “regardless of their location anywhere in the world.”

Globalstar owns and operates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network that provides reliable, ubiquitous connectivity for data transmission and asset tracking at an affordable cost. Ideal for low bandwidth IoT use cases, Globalstar allows companies like Mopeka to extend the connectivity of their monitoring solutions, servicing clients beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

"Our clients expect the ability to connect to their sensors from anywhere to everywhere. It's crucial,” said Kevin Jaffe, COO of Mopeka. “They have data and telemetry needs that are only going to increase. At Mopeka, we understand and offer that connectivity, now more than ever, through our engagement with Globalstar. Satellite connectivity is a differentiator. It gives our clients, no matter how remote, the ability to monitor and measure tank volume and utilization at a reasonable cost."

“Globalstar satellite technology combined with Mopeka solutions ensure reliable, global connectivity for their customers. We are pleased to help expand their capability for monitoring,” said Jake Rembert, vice president of sales for Globalstar.

The companies said the collaboration marks a “major step forward” in enhancing the accessibility, reliability and cost-effectiveness of tank monitoring worldwide. 

Agile Robots Acquires Franka Emika

German robotics developer Agile Robots AG is acquiring Munich-based robotics specialist Franka Emika GmbH.

Agile said it will take over Franka Emika’s operations, keeping its approximately 100-person staff with plans to grow the company.

“The merger of Agile Robots and Franka Emika is a strong signal for Germany as a robotics and AI location,” Zhaopeng Chen, Agile Robots’ CEO. “This transaction is an industrial solution that offers a unique opportunity to create a Bavarian technology company with a truly global perspective. We look forward to shaping the future of Industry 5.0 together with the team at Franka Emika.”

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

“This transaction allows us to accelerate the implementation of our international growth strategy,” said Rory Sexton, Agile Robots’ vice president of operations. “The combination of strong AI and software expertise with leading robotics technology strengthens our innovation power and our ability to develop demand-driven and market-ready products. This is good for our location, for the teams and for the customers of both companies.”

BICS, Telcofan Partner to Streamline Private Networks

5G enabler BICS has partnered with Telcofan, a leading consultancy and system integrator, to support the delivery of private networks for businesses. 

The partners say the collaboration will “solve many technical challenges” seen with connecting IoT devices to private networks, such as initial setup and ensuring consistent connectivity for devices on the go.   

Under the partnership, the companies also said they will be able to provide customers with SIMs and eSIMs for their connected devices, such as smart factory components or tracking chips for shipping pallets. Thanks to an accompanying SIM management platform, organizations will be able to flexibly set up and manage multiple connected devices in real time. 

The collaboration means organizations can more easily implement use cases that require end-to-end connectivity, such as asset tracking and mission-critical applications. 

“Private networks, particularly in the case of 5G, promise to transform businesses like manufacturing and logistics, but technical complexity can be a barrier to adoption,” said Lieven Vanthomme, managing director at Telcofan. “Alongside BICS, Telcofan is making it easier than ever with one SIM, with one unique identity, to use on your private network or even an operator network.”

Avnet Demonstrates Smart City Tool at AWS re:Invent

Avnet has partnered with STMicroelectronics and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to create a smart city tool that monitors and identifies abnormal sounds in a city.

The new system was demonstrated at AWS’ re:Invent 2023 event in Las Vegas on Nov. 27.

The system uses Avnet’s IoTConnect software and STMicroelectronics’ microcontrollers to collect and store data on ambient city sounds, using AI to identify abnormal sounds such as gunshots, breaking glass and car alarms with precise location alerts sent to city planners to keep tabs on potential issues. 

“Smart city applications, as demonstrated by Avnet, can enhance public safety by using edge AI technology for real-time monitoring and incident response,” said Marc Dupaquier, STMicroelectronics’ managing director of AI Solutions. “Our STM32 low-power microcontrollers can play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of security measures across a smart city's infrastructure by providing prolonged battery life, continuous monitoring, cost-efficiency, real-time alerts and improved data security.”

“We are thrilled to work with AWS, STMicroelectronics and Avnet to harness the power of Edge AI technologies for our smart city initiatives and especially our IoT offering,” said Stéphane Gervais, executive vice president of  innovation and partnership LACROIX. “Edge AI is paramount for resilient AI at scale while unleashing new use cases tackling sustainable city’s needs.”

CropX Acquires Green Brain for Australia Expansion

CropX Technologies, an agtech solutions provider, has acquired Green Brain, a digital irrigation management solutions provider from Adelaide, Australia. The acquisition significantly expands CropX’s reach in Australia and strengthens its position as a global leader in digital precision agriculture. 

Under the partnership, Green Brain’s customers will now have access to the CropX agronomic farm management system, which, in addition to irrigation optimization, also provides advice on fungal diseases, soil and crop health, nitrogen leaching, salinity and more. 

CropX said the acquisition accelerates its growth in the Australian precision ag market, a significant market given high instances of drought and high costs of irrigation water. Both CropX and Green Brain said they have helped farms across Australia reduce irrigation water usage while protecting and boosting crop yields. 

"We enthusiastically welcome Green Brain into the CropX family," said Tomer Tzach, CropX’s CEO. "Green Brain's expertise in irrigation optimization is a perfect fit with our company’s DNA. Its prominence in the Australian market will allow CropX to reach a broader customer base and allow us to help Australian farms succeed."