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

From Samsung and O₂’s field tests of new network technologies to Arm’s strategic investment into Raspberry Pi’s edge computing solutions, here are some of the latest deals and partnerships from the world of IoT.

Samsung, O₂ Telefónica to Test New Network Technologies in Germany

Samsung and O₂ Telefónica have partnered to jointly test advanced cloud-native virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) and Open RAN technologies in Germany, aiming to establish flexible network architectures. 

O₂ Telefónica and Samsung will begin initial tests of 4G and 5G vRAN and Open RAN technologies at a lab in Munich, Germany. The companies will then carry out field tests in a commercial 5G network in Landsberg am Lech to achieve “technical and operational readiness.”

“We believe cloud-native and autonomous architecture is a central pillar of network transformation to accelerate the adoption of innovative services,” said Mallik Rao, O₂ Telefónica’s chief technology and information officer. “We are delighted to team up with Samsung as one of the first telecommunications providers in the European Union to test new networking solutions.”

In the near future, Dell Technologies, Intel and Wind River will also join the commercial pilot, to test multi-vendor integration capabilities.

Related:IoT Deals and Partnerships: Nvidia, Rockwell, Virgin Pulse and More

Arm Provides Strategic Investment into Raspberry Pi

Arm Holdings has announced its strategic investment into Raspberry Pi, with Arm acquiring a minority stake in the company to extend the partnership between the two companies and deliver “critical solutions for the IoT developer community.”

With the rise of IoT devices, demand for edge computing capabilities has seen a surge, and Arm identified Raspberry Pi as providing low-cost, high-performance solutions to businesses and individuals alike.

“Arm and Raspberry Pi share a vision to make computing accessible for all, by lowering barriers to innovation so that anyone, anywhere can learn, experience and create new IoT solutions,” said Paul Williamson, Arm’s senior vice president. “With the rapid growth of edge and endpoint AI applications, platforms like those from Raspberry Pi, built on Arm, are critical to driving the adoption of high-performance IoT devices globally by enabling developers to innovate faster and more easily.”

“Arm technology has always been central to the platforms we create, and this investment is an important milestone in our longstanding partnership,” said Eben Upton, Raspberry Pi’s CEO. “Using Arm technology as the foundation of our current and future products offers us access to the compute performance, energy efficiency and extensive software ecosystem we need, as we continue to remove barriers to entry for everyone, from students and enthusiasts to professional developers deploying commercial IoT systems at scale.”

Seoul Robotics, ALP.Lab Partner on 3D Perception Technology

Seoul Robotics is partnering with ALP.Lab, an automated driving systems developer, to provide 3D-perception traffic safety systems for Central Europe. 

The lidar-enabled systems are designed to provide detailed insights into accident-prone intersections and are currently being deployed in Salzburg, Austria.

The systems are powered by Seoul Robotics’ perception software, Sensr and are designed to collect and analyze road-user data, identifying potential vulnerabilities on the road and sending this data to city planners to help reduce traffic-related incidents. 

“Based on the comprehensive data gained, we can analyze road user behavior and conflict situations and derive valuable insights,” said Siegfried Reich, Salzburg Research’s managing director.

"Road design plays an enormous role in user safety and until recently, there’s been very limited quality data that can decipher the chaos and show us where we need to improve,” said Christoph Knauder, ALP.Lab’s operations manager. “This is especially true for cyclists which are a major pain point in Europe’s mission towards zero road deaths by 2050. We’re excited to grow our partnership with Seoul Robotics so that more cities across Europe can get the insights they need to build smarter, safer roads.”

Blues, RAKwireless Collaborate to Streamline IIoT Product Development 

Blues is partnering with connectivity and hardware manufacturer, RAKwireless to simplify IIoT interoperability and connectivity. 

Under the partnership, Blues' system-on-chip device, Notecard, will be made available across RAKwireless' portfolio of WisBlock modules, sensors and enclosures, simplifying global cellular connectivity for IIoT solutions by providing a single cellular IIoT solution.

"With Blues' Notecard, RAKwireless' Blues.ONE and RAK13102 will simplify programming for engineers, allowing them to streamline IIoT product deployment," said Brandon Satrom, Blues’ vice president of products. "It's now easier than ever to build cellular IIoT solutions using bundled coverage and data in over 139 countries."

"Blues' Notecard and RAKwireless' WisBlock solutions offer a simplified and seamless IIoT connectivity solution that bypasses traditional complexities,” said Ken Yu, RAKwireless’ CEO. “This partnership accelerates prototyping and provides users with a holistic solution that enables smooth transitions across regions.”

USI Acquires TE Automotive Wireless Business

Universal Scientific Industrial (USI) has acquired the TE Automotive Wireless business from TE Connectivity, marking a “significant milestone” in USI's strategic growth.

Under the purchase, TE Automotive Wireless will resume its formal name Hirschmann Car Communication.

"This strategic acquisition underscores our dedication to advancing automotive electronics and connectivity solutions,” said Jeffrey Chen, USI’s CEO. “The team at Hirschmann Car Communication has demonstrated innovation, resolute, and commitment. Together, we have a common vision for the future of Hirschmann Car Communication and USI."

The partners said they will be working to strengthen relationships with partners and suppliers and explore new possibilities in expanding automotive connectivity deployments. 

“This acquisition solidifies USI's standing as a global leader in electronic solutions and underscores its unwavering commitment to delivering reliable and innovative products to the automotive industry,” the company said in a press release.

Kongsberg Maritime Selects swXtch.io for Digital Simulation Capabilities

Kongsberg Maritime has selected swXtch.io to provide its “software-defined networking product” to create virtual copies of maritime assets.

Under the collaboration, Kongsberg Maritime will use swXtch.io’s tech to create a virtual cloud test environment to simulate and test maritime products, which could be delivered to more than 30,000 vessels.

“A core component of Kongsberg Maritime's digital simulation program is transitioning its legacy on-premises testing environment to the cloud to increase efficiency and reduce costs,” the company said in a statement. “Enabling testing and simulation in a virtual environment lets companies like Kongsberg Maritime make informed decisions that are environmentally responsible and reduce their carbon footprint.”

"We're excited to work with Kongsberg Maritime to bring another element of its digital transformation strategy to fruition,” said Brent Yates, swXtch.io’s CEO.  “This selection is another demonstration of how cloudSwXtch is helping businesses bring high-bandwidth workflows to the cloud, and successfully integrate multi and hybrid cloud architectures to innovate faster and be more agile."

Credit: swXtch.io

Brain Corp, Dane Technologies Extend Partnership to Bring Inventory Scanning Retail Solutions to Market

AI and robotics company Brain Corp is expanding its partnership with Dane Technologies to develop inventory-scanning retail solutions.

The new tools are set to be built on Brain Corp's next-generation robotics platform, which the company says enables fully automated, zero-touch robot operation, advanced localization and navigation performance and improved human-robot interaction. 

Under the partnership, Brain Corp will bring its AI and autonomous technology expertise, while Dane Technologies will offer its manufacturing and retail technology solutions experience. 

According to the partners, the collaboration will focus on delivering “new and advanced robotic solutions” for retailers, automating tasks such as inventory management to increase productivity, efficiency and visibility.

"We're thrilled to further our partnership with Dane Technologies and bring the next generation of inventory scanning retail solutions to market," said John Black, senior vice president of Strategy. "Retail is a rapidly evolving business with large opportunities, and this collaboration is focused squarely on delivering robotic solutions able to consistently make retailer's lives easier, elevate their customer's experiences and ensure their stores run even more efficiently."

Credit: Brain Corp