Sigfox and CAR-LITE, a Spanish company in the design and manufacture of emergency signalling beacons for cars, has launched a new smart beacon model based on IoT technology and Sigfox 0G network.
The new technology is said to enable automatic alerts to be sent to the relevant road safety authorities and to precisely geolocate damaged vehicles, without the need for an Internet connection, Wi-Fi or SIM cards.
Both companies will collaborate to launch this product throughout Europe (Spain pending approval), according to a press release.
This solution will allow public and assistance services to be alerted so that they can react more quickly to emergencies and warn other drivers by means of real-time road signs.
CAR-LITE devices based on Sigfox technology are battery operated to ensure independence from a rechargeable battery. The device may be compatible with the connected car platforms of the various competent authorities in each country.
According to the firms, the approach of this solution is specifically designed for the Internet of Things: its data and energy consumption are very low. In addition, both the cost of the Sigfox-based communications device and the cost of communications over the life of the beacon are lower than those of technological solutions used in the past.
The model created by CAR-LITE is a small round beacon that emits a light visible up to one kilometre away when attached to the roof of the damaged car. The solution does not require getting out of the vehicle to place it, which is safer than traditional warning triangles and will help reduce fatalities in the event of accidents while connecting people, roads, authorities and vehicles.
