1. Usage Based Insurance:
Insurance companies are now
utilizing IoT technology and 0G networks to monitor connected objects, such as
e-scooters, in cities. Scooter operators can now install a sensor on their
scooters to track real-time information when a user starts and stops a trip.
This data is then transmitted to the cloud where it can be stored and utilized
if the need arises to process and approve a claim. This application ensures the
company is only paying for insurance when the asset is being used and has
reduced costs from $10 to a few cents per transaction.
2. Waste Management Collection
Utilizing sensors and a 0G
network, cities have implemented a complete solution that optimizes the
operation and maintenance cost of waste collection in residential, commercial
and industrial environments. The solution utilizes data from garbage bin
sensors to optimize truck routes by eliminating unnecessary stops. Now, trucks
only stop at bins that are actually confirmed as full. This solution has also
help detect vandalism in the area and has resulted in a 25% cost reduction for
the city.
3. Air Quality Monitoring
The city of Leon, France
saw a large increase in its population and is now the second largest community
in the country. Due to this increase, city officials decided to start
monitoring the air quality. They utilize 0G and sensor nodes placed on trains
and buses to collect air quality information throughout the city and can be
alerted if a situation becomes critical.
4. Sewage Monitoring
Cities have many manual
tasks that must be executed to ensure safety and quality in the area. However,
due to the manual nature of these tasks, they can result in high costs and a
heavy burden. One such task is sewage monitoring. Normal networks are unable to
reach underground to track water levels and other relevant information. However,
using sensors and the long range, low powered 0G network, cities are now able
to place sensors underground in sewers to monitor the water. This completely
eliminates manual testing and reduces city costs.
5. Smart Metering
Another manual task that is
managed by cities is checking the water meter usage for residential and
commercial buildings. A 0G application that implements sensors in residential
buildings and businesses now allows cities to remotely monitor water
consumption and to provide insights as to when a meter needs to be serviced or
has failed.
Not only did this solution
reduce costs by eliminating the traditional manual checks, but it also discovered
that users were underpaying for their water by 15-20% around the city.
6. Infrastructure Strain Monitoring
Another problem faced by
cities are infrastructure improvement costs. For example, bridges often need to
be updated to meet safety requirements, however, it is very costly. Some cities
started using drone detection to monitor and detect areas of bridges that
needed to be fixed. However, this solution resulted in high costs and was limited
to visual capabilities. Now, using Sigfox 0G technology and sensor kits placed
on the bridges, cities are able to sense any structural changes in the bridges
that need to be addressed.
7. Connected Street Sign
Something as simple as a
connected street sign can help improve safety and security in cities. Connected
street signs use sensors and 0G to determine when a school is in session or
pedestrians are a walk way and then lights up and adjusts the speed to alert
passing vehicles.
8. Manhole Monitoring
In conjunction with smart metering and
sewage monitoring, manhole monitoring is another manual task taken on by
cities. Manhole covers are manually checked and sealed when there are parades,
marathons or other events in an area to ensure there is no activity underground
during those times. Cities are now implementing an anti-tamper device that will
alert a city operating center if a manhole cover is tampered with. Again, this
technology is made possible by using a low battery pull and long range 0G
network underground.
As seen
through these examples, IoT applications using 0G networks are improving cities
around the world through cost reduction, resiliency, and enhanced services and
security.