M2M : Machine 2 Machine

Sensus MI offers Intelligent Remote Applications that continuously analyzes sensor, machine, and building data creating prioritized actionable information. This company offers a hosted platform that allows customers to quickly monitor and control their devices in the field.

http://www.sensusmi.com/

Last year we spoke about the Bridge Collapse in Minnesota and how M2M based senor netowrs for monitoring thebridge woudl have been extremly crucial in helpiong prevent this disaster. So now the new replacement bridge is in place and has been wired up with 300+ sensors to meassure strain, temperature, accelerometrs and more..

We will see more of these new connected structures being built. As data transmission costs go down we will see more M2M / Smart service type applications that constantly monitor the physical asset and report problems.

Came across this snippet about the work being done by M2M Communication in Boise Idaho
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For example, M2M Communications in Boise is using technology to remotely monitor and control energy use at irrigation pump sites. During the summer, as much as one third of power consumption in rural areas is devoted to irrigation systems. Rocky Mountain Power utilizes M2M’s sophisticated program to shift energy from irrigation pumps to power more than 40,000 homes during times of peak energy demand. M2M’s technology reduces customer energy bills, the strain on power plants and transmission, air pollution and electricity prices.

The SmartTrash(TM) System time-stamps, records and analyzes activity on trash compactors and wirelessly transmits vital data such as energy utilization, directional valve shifts, safety door switches and unit logistics to the ATM data center. By selecting the Aeris network, SmartTrash(TM) benefits from pre-activation service at the factory and lower operating costs via improved network intelligence and notifications on unusual device activity.

The Te c h n o l o g y American Trash Management’s (AT M ) Smart Trash™ hardware is installed on the compactor’s control panel. The SmartTrash System timestamps, re c o rds and analyzes all compactor activity: energy utilization, directional valve shifts, safety door switches and the pickup and re t u rn of the unit.Then all this data is relayed wirelessly from anywhere in the world to AT M ’s Data Center. No phone lines or linesharing devices are necessary.The Service Compactor data from SmartTrash™ is relayed to ATM’s Data Center where it’s processed and evaluated by a trained technician. SmartTrash™ requires a human interface between compactor and hauler, because no algorithm can consistently project a compactor’s optimal pickup time. There are too many data anomalies, unforeseen events and, too many outside factors such as holidays, sales, weather, and hauling re q u i rements.
That’s why ATM combines the latest in technology with the best “computer” in the world—the human brain—to make the final compactor pickup decision. Once a decision is made,AT M ’s technician contacts the hauler by phone, email or fax to schedule the pull. This same technician is available via toll-free number to troubleshoot problems, dispatch repair services, audit bills and shop for lower waste hauling rates. The Result Putting advanced data telemetry systems in the hands of a trained technician enables SmartTrash™ to reduce compactor pickups without causing “pack-outs” or other hauling problems. Add in all the additional services AT M ’s technicians provide, and the result is the most sophisticated moneysaving and hassle-reducing trash management service available today

SmartTrash™ System: Benefits
• Reduced hauling costs
• Less wear-and-tear on your property
• More efficient operations by better scheduling of services and by avoiding pack-outs
• Lower labor costs by reducing your employees responsibilities for trash
• Minimizes hauler interface for your staff
• Higher return on capital investment
• Cleaner environment—less air pollution, due to reduced truck traffic

For applications designed to operate in potentially explosive industrial environments, Wavecom has developed the WMP120 Wireless Microprocessor, said to be the world’s first ATEX-approved GSM/GPRS solution for wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.

ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosive) is the European Directive for certifying products for use in environments where there may be a risk of explosions from exposure to volatile chemicals, liquids or gases. The WMP120 is certified for ATEX equipment category 1 and 3, which allows its use in zone 0, 1 and 2.

The same GSM/GPRS platform can be used for both gas meters and metering gateways, with a common software architecture. On the meter, a WMP120 can simply be added to an existing sensor part and used as a GSM/GPRS datalogger. On the gateway, a 100% software and hardware compatible WMP100 can manage network technologies such as ZigBee, proprietary RF or PLC in addition to the GSM/GPRS communication.

The WMP120 can operate as a smart modem, as a shared processor with a host CPU, or as a standalone CPU natively executing the customer’s application. It supports three programming models: host AT commands, standard C executable and Lua scripting. It also supports the Open AT realtime operating system and the full range of Open AT plug-ins including Internet, security and GPS in addition to the IDS (intelligent device services) scalable platform for securely delivering upgrades and diagnostics over-the-air.