M2M : Machine 2 Machine

Remote activation of specific in-vehicle functions, such as turning on interior temperature-control and defrosting systems, shows a high likelihood of dramatically raising consumer interest in telematics services in future vehicles, according to a recent study conducted for ATX Group. ATX is the world’s second largest telematics provider to the automotive industry, serving both the North American and European markets.
Remote diagnostics of vehicle performance and automatic owner (parent) notification anytime the vehicle exceeded the owner’s pre-determined speed limit emerged as additional applications consumers preferred in a telematics service package.
Among the five telematics service package offerings included in the analysis (automatic crash notification, the remote access services, GPS location-based services, vehicle information, and satellite radio)*, vehicle owners in the U.S. were more likely to purchase a bundle of telematics services if it included the remote access capability.

M2M, Automation, Telemetry, Remote Monitoring, LBS

The real space for innovation is in remote diagnostics. Kind of like OnStar. We can sell it as an insurance policy. If something goes wrong with a washer, we would have some way to understand it.

But you’re right; people want features that they don’t have to use if they don’t want to. A front-loader washing machine can do almost anything, but most people don’t want all that. And some new things will make life simpler. Imagine a microwave that knows how long, and exactly how, to cook food, which comes with an RFID tag.

M2M, Automation, Telemetry, Remote Monitoring, LBS

A new software package which provides designers, users and maintainers of automation systems with exceptionally powerful and cost-effective remote diagnostics capabilities has been introduced by Festo.

The CPX Web Monitor facilitates on-line retrieval of digital and analogue statistical data from any Ethernet-equipped Festo CPX series valve terminal or I/O module. Capable of handling static and dynamic data, it accommodates a wide variety of process-related functions, including individual pneumatic valve diagnostic and condition monitoring, pressure, temperature and I/O status monitoring, and power supply condition monitoring.

CPX Web Monitor is a low cost, ready-to-run remote diagnostics solution that requires no in-house software expertise and only minimal set-up. Module data is automatically collected, processed and stored locally on the machine by a Festo CPX terminal controller – a high functionality hub with extensive fieldbus protocol support – and transmitted to the internet via a suitable Ethernet-equipped web server. The system is inherently expandable and entirely self-configuring: during power-up, the terminal controller automatically ascertains which valve terminals and control modules are present.

Festo’s CPX Web Monitor software can be installed on any standard PC-based web server, and users can retrieve data via any standard web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox, simply by specifying the IP address of the CPX terminal controller. The web monitor can be accessed directly via the system network, the intranet or the internet, depending upon the user’s IT network configuration. Users with mobile devices that support HTML-based web browsing, such as phones and PDAs, can access the system while on the move, and the system can also be set up to send text messages and email alerts.

All information is presented in an extremely clear and easy-to-understand format. Analogue data is displayed in graphical line chart form, and digital data is shown as a series of on/off bar graphs. The CPX terminal controller also maintains an event history file, enabling users to instantly recall the last 40 error conditions for detailed failure analysis or predictive maintenance. The system also allows users to include HTML links to their own on-line documentation, enabling them to incorporate the diagnostic and monitoring data within their own procedures, says the company.

M2M, Automation, Telemetry, Remote Monitoring, LBS

Leading wireless module specialist will offer local sales and integration support for Sierra Wireless 3G embedded modules

Sierra Wireless and M2M Connectivity, a specialist wireless module distributor for machine-to-machine (M2M) products and applications, today announced they have signed an agreement for the distribution of Sierra Wireless 3G embedded modules in Australia and New Zealand. Under the terms of the agreement, M2M Connectivity will distribute and offer integration and certification support for the full line of Sierra Wireless embedded modules to OEM customers in the region.

M2M Connectivity supplies wireless modules, modems, and value added services to the wireless developer community in Australia and New Zealand and works across wireless technologies including cellular, short range, and satellite. The addition of Sierra Wireless PCI Express Mini Card modules adds a new form factor for the developer community as well as early access to 3G/HSDPA hardware to develop new M2M applications requiring higher bandwidth.

“M2M Connectivity believes this partnership with Sierra Wireless will further strengthen our position as the leading specialist M2M wireless distributor in the region. The Sierra Wireless PCI Express modules for 3G/HSDPA are world leading and will be a key factor in this market to assist developers building new applications designed to take advantage of 3G/HSDPA” said Darren Moroney, General Manager, M2M Connectivity.

M2M, Automation, Telemetry, Remote Monitoring, LBS

POWAY, Calif. — Intelligent Automation Corporation (IAC), a global leader in aviation diagnostic and water security systems, announced today that it has been named to the prestigious 2007 M2M Magazine’s M2M 100 list of the most important and influential companies offering machine-to-machine (M2M) technology solutions. The M2M 100 list provides a snapshot of the market as it exists today and the companies with the greatest impact on its direction.

More than 300 companies were considered for the 2007 M2M 100 by the magazine’s editors and its editorial advisory board. The rigorous selection process includes such criteria as market leadership, business-model strength and execution, and customer references. Previous honorees include Honeywell Corporation, IBM, and General Electric.

IAC was selected for its innovative, cost-effective contributions to aviation machinery diagnostics and water security systems that turn data into information people can act upon. IAC produces affordable, easy to use machinery diagnostic systems that predict and diagnose aircraft mechanical faults. IAC has leveraged its advanced aviation technology into significant ongoing product development in the water security and advanced information systems markets.

IAC Chief Executive Officer Jeff Goodrich explained, “This honor is particularly gratifying because it speaks to our core mission on two fronts. First, it recognizes that IAC provides innovative, proven, mission-critical technology that keeps our nation’s aircraft safe and operational. Equally important is the contribution we have been able to make to the safety of our nation’s water supply with our groundbreaking, aquatic biomonitoring system.”

The IAC 1090 Intelligent Aquatic Biomonitoring System (iABS) achieved worldwide attention for its innovative use of bluegill fish in a computer-based system designed to protect drinking water from contamination and potential terrorist attack. The system is in use in major metropolitan cities and at military installations through the U.S.

According to Goodrich, “Organizations interested in using our advanced automation tools are asking for our help to improve their current processes and make them intelligent and cost efficient. Domestic and international businesses are utilizing IAC’s unique capabilities to remotely acquire, manage, manipulate, and convert large amounts of complex data into usable information and even reprogram our systems, if needed. This enables IAC to provide our customers with what can truly be called intelligent automation. In short, we are providing the right, actionable information at the right time while directly contributing to the bottom line.”

M2M, Automation, Telemetry, Remote Monitoring, LBS