- Iridium Communications new Iridium Edge Pro is a solution for asset management, tracking and recovery
- It is based on Java-based software tools and uses two-way network for truly global coverage
- Other features include BLE connectivity and CANbus protocol integration
Iridium Communications Inc. in collaboration with development partner MetOcean Telematics has announced the commercial availability of its newest standalone asset management device, the Iridium Edge Pro. This latest addition to the company’s Iridium Edge family of products is a programmable solution for asset management, tracking and recovery. Using best in class two-way network for truly global coverage, the new device enables Iridium’s partners to create customisable end-to-end monitoring solutions for vessels, vehicles and remote equipment.
MicroEJ’s Java-based software development tools allow IoT customers to quickly create new end-user applications and test them virtually, which can reduce the time to produce a fielded solution. The built-in geofencing and custom messaging tools are convenient building blocks for a wide range of IoT applications like vessel monitoring system (VMS) solutions for fisheries, cathodic protection, long-haul vehicle telematics, refrigerated container monitoring, electric generator (genset) management and more. Through powerful Java programming, the Iridium Edge Pro collects and processes data based on operational requirements, including exception-only reporting that minimises operational costs.
Rich Features
The device comes with:
- Built-in Bluetooth/BLE
- CANbus and Modbus interfaces
- GPS
- Accelerometer
- Digital and analogue input/output ports.
Customers also have the flexibility to make over-the-air configuration and report updates to deployed devices using the network’s two-way communications, thus giving users confidence of full control and visibility of their assets from anywhere in the world.
“With Iridium Edge Pro we now have a trio of out-of-the-box asset management products that serve a wide range of customer needs and applications,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Iridium. “As a programmable device with features like BLE connectivity, Java programming and CANbus protocol integration, we have created a smarter, more innovative and developer-friendly device than anything in the market today. Add in our truly global coverage with real-time two-way communications and it’s clear a new standard has been set for the industry.”
The combination of CANbus and traditional Modbus powers newfound flexibility from a satellite IoT device. For example, in the oil and gas industry Iridium Edge Pro’s Modbus protocol interfaces with Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) like flow meters. With CANbus, the device is ideal for integration with gensets that may be deployed for oil and gas, construction, mining and other remote heavy equipment applications. Users can also take advantage of Iridium Edge Pro’s BLE connectivity to pair the device with Bluetooth sensors that collect vital information and also to connect smartphones, tablets and laptops to ensure, effective onsite maintenance.
As of the second quarter of 2020, Iridium commercial IoT subscribers grew by 20 per cent from the year-ago period to 863,000 customers, strengthening the company’s place as an excellent satellite IoT company. Iridium plans to begin commercial shipping of the Iridium Edge Pro in Q4 2020.
