For example, the Apple Watch features a “crash detection” functionality that can alert emergency services when needed. Drones are capable of transporting medications and organs to remote regions, thereby helping to save lives. Since 2016, Tesla’s “Autopilot” mode has also proven its worth.
These examples are undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many people around the world. Objenious invites you to discover these innovations in Spain, Germany, and the United States, which contribute to shaping the world of tomorrow thanks to cellular IoT. This will give you the opportunity to explore the advantages of cellular IoT and find the inspiration you need for your next innovations.
1. Protecting crops from frost
This first IoT innovation takes us to the United States, a country characterized by picturesque landscapes, including vast continental plains, but also sometimes ruthless winters. This extremely harsh climate can pose real challenges for farmers, depending on the regions concerned.
Challenges
Frosts pose a major risk to crops, vineyards, and orchards, potentially compromising an entire season’s production in just a few hours. An illustrative example occurred in France during the inclement weather and frost in April 2021, resulting in a loss of about 30% of the wine harvests and 60% of apricot productions. This concerning phenomenon is widespread around the world, with frost episodes typically occurring at night, when farmers enjoy a few hours of rest.
Solution
Current weather stations play a crucial role in monitoring temperature fluctuations and alerting farmers in case of frost risk, thanks to notifications via SMS or email. However, to take this system even further and avoid having farmers travel in the middle of the night, IoT offers the possibility to program the automatic activation of frost protection devices. Thus, farmers can benefit from a system that operates autonomously, based on real-time data, to protect their crops from the harmful effects of frost.
This solution is offered by the company G2Controls RW, which develops the Digi Connect® Sensor+ sensors and the Digi Remote Manager® management platform. It allows farmers to remotely control fan parameters or battery status via the 4G network. The connected fans operate on a simple principle: they turn on and off according to temperatures and bring the warm air down to the ground. A few degrees can make a difference and protect the crops.
2. Fires: Seeing clearly even through smoke
Let’s stay in the United States, specifically in San Francisco, for another IoT innovation. Let’s focus on the first response operations of firefighters. Emergency services and firefighters are already equipped with various innovations using different cellular technologies, including 5G: artificial intelligence, virtual reality helmets, drones… but there are other applications.
Challenges
Navigating through a burning building engulfed in smoke is highly complex. Progress is sometimes made in a very opaque environment, complicating the search for people who need to be rescued.
Solution
Firefighters benefit from connected IoT devices, such as connected helmets, which offer them an additional visual advantage in situations where they can no longer rely on their own eyes. These tools become essential when the traditional method of following the walls is no longer sufficient to ensure their safety during movements.
The C-Thru technology (by Qwake) combines thermal imaging, infrared detection, and 5G technology in an augmented reality helmet. It allows firefighters to see in all circumstances. Thanks to this helmet, they can not only quickly locate victims but also avoid potential hazards such as holes in the floor and debris. Although Qwake’s initial project was to offer this technology to volcanologists, the Californian startup quickly realized that it could meet a critical need among firefighters.
3. Facilitating the passage of emergency and first response vehicles
Continuing our exploration alongside emergency services, this time, let’s go to Europe, specifically Germany. When it comes to responding to emergencies, speed is of the utmost importance, especially in urban environments. A city recently experimented with an innovative road application that deserves spotlighting.
Challenges
Every minute counts when it comes to saving lives. The survival rate of accident victims can be improved by 40% if they are cared for just four minutes earlier. These figures perfectly illustrate the importance of clearing the way, smoothing traffic flow, and maintaining the speed of emergency vehicles.
The German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport has therefore addressed the issue, with the support of companies, universities, and the test city of Aix-la-Chapelle in France.
Solution
In this context, Ford has created connected traffic lights that automatically turn green when they detect firefighters, paramedics, and police vehicles.
Thus, with a specific prototype for vehicles known as C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything), working with 4G and 5G, routes are more fluid. Emergency vehicles communicate with road infrastructure to simplify the course and adapt the speed. As a result, the traffic light turns green at the right moment, without any abrupt acceleration or braking.
4. The V-16 beacon for safely signaling an accidented vehicle
To conclude our journey around the world, let’s focus on another traffic issue, this time in Spain. Starting January 1, 2026, a new regulation will require Spanish motorists to replace the warning triangle with a V-16 beacon, which will be mandatory.
Challenges
Getting out of your distressed vehicle to place the warning triangle is particularly risky. In France, the life expectancy of a person on the emergency lane is estimated at 20 minutes. Even after the triangle is set up, the accidented vehicles can still surprise other road users.
There is a safer alternative: signaling the immobilization of the vehicle on the road while remaining inside the vehicle. This method allows rescue teams to quickly and accurately locate the vehicle using geolocation, thus preserving safety while facilitating the intervention of the emergency services.
Solution
The V-16 Beacon SignalOFlash has been specifically developed to meet these challenges. The device is placed on the roof of the vehicle, making it visible from a distance due to intense light. Using NB-IoT technology, it immediately transmits the position of the distressed vehicle to breakdown and rescue services.
Our journey has come to an end. The use cases for cellular IoT are vast, and the only limit is your imagination. We hope that you have found some interesting discoveries and that the examples presented here will inspire you for your future projects.
Feel free to contact Objenious for your 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT deployment projects.