M2M : Machine 2 Machine

Read an article on the changes taking place in the Controls Industry. One of the key phrases that caught my eye was

Connectivity + Convergence + Confluence = Change

How does this work out in the M2M arena? Over the last few years as technology options increased there have been new M2M solutions cropping up.

Agriculture
* Low Power Wireless Sensors + Satellite Weather Data + Analytics = Need based Plant Watering / fertilizers/ pesticides Applications. You end up reducing wasteful water, pesticides and fertilizer applications – saving the environment and lowering your cost of growing food. Read More

Vineyard – Microclimate Monitoring
* Wireless Mesh Sensor + Historical micro climate Data + Analytics = Higher yield and Quality. As the vineyard matures, gather data, make adjustments, and receive alerts for the best possible yield and quality of the harvest. Read More

Demand Side Management
* Powerline Networks + Real time utility Rates + User call to Action = Lowering Peak Utility Loads. Ambient device shows color coded cost energy at that time of day. Red = Electricity is expensive shift usage to other times of the day. This allows the user to consciously make a decision on his power usage and reduce the load on the grid. Read More

Synapse provides ZigBee based full-custom hardware, firmware, and software solutions for remote monitoring and control

The Synapse Network Evaluation Kit allows potential customers to evaluate Synapse’s solution (receive sensor data, monitor processes, drive relays and switches, etc.). Included in the kit are one Synapse Coordinator, three Synapse End Devices, and a free starter version of the intuitive Synapse Portal PC-based network administration and configuration software.

Company

Harbor Research has published another report that tries to capture the M2M device growth both wireless and wireline systems.

The report also covers the higher level service revenues derived through intelligent device networking, including both Network related – of particular interest to telecom carriers, mobile operators (MNOs) and virtual network operators (VNOs, MVNOs) – and Managed Service related – of particular interest to adopters, service providers, solution providers, integrators and VARs.

You can download the white paper here

Report from ABI research on the M2M Market Growth –
ABI Research forecasts that revenues for cellular M2M communication services will rise from approximately $2 billion in 2006 to more than $8 billion in 2012.
A new study by the firm describes a landscape of cellular M2M service providers that shows increasing variety in its business models. Senior analyst Sam Lucero says the research identifies three classes of providers, each offering a different mix of capabilities. “Traditional mobile network operators (MNOs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), and a small number of specialized M2M mobile operators (MMOs) all face specific challenges and opportunities in delivering this emerging technology.”

An M2M experiment launched in Florida to control peak energy demands in. I woudl not be surprised as more services of this nature are rolled out.

A Florida utility wants it customers to use remote managed thermostats. They offer it for free and even provide free installation. This allows customers to control the temperature from any internet enabled device.
Florida Power & Light Company will provide Internet-ready programmable thermostat, a remote control device that can be used when you’re at home, at work, or on vacation.
Along with not charging for the thermostat, FPL will install it for free. In return, the customer agrees to let FPL occasionally cycle the air conditioner for short periods of time, only when necessary, to conserve energy during heavy demand. However, the customer always has the ability to override the utility’s remote control over the air conditioner via the internet or by calling a toll-free number provided by FPL. FPL will also offer devices to control Pool pumps and Heaters.

So whats in it for the consumer?
The consumer will get access to these cool gadgets and credits on their utility bill. This allows FPL to cycle off these devices for brief periods, if needed. In return, participating customers receive monthly credits from FPL on their electric bills. Called On Call, this program means the utility can better manage overall electricity demand and that ensures reliability. For customers participating in the thermostat pilot program, On Call credits will only be offered for the pool pump and the water heater.