Key Takeaways
- Emergent Connext, in partnership with Microsoft’s Airband initiative, is expanding LoRaWAN networks in rural US farms for better data access.
- PLAATO is providing brewery operators with a unified platform to monitor production using existing programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- Both projects emphasize practical IoT solutions tailored to their specific environments while addressing data ownership concerns.
IoT Solutions in Agriculture and Brewing
The Internet of Things (IoT) is finding unique applications in niche sectors beyond traditional smart homes and cities. Recent initiatives in the agricultural and brewing industries illustrate how IoT technology can effectively address specific operational challenges.
In rural areas, such as California, Ohio, and the Mississippi Delta, access to reliable internet is a critical barrier for farmers. Emergent Connext is collaborating with Microsoft’s Airband initiative to expand LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) coverage across these farming communities. LoRaWAN is a low-power, long-range wireless protocol ideal for connecting devices over vast distances, making it a suitable choice for regions where conventional internet infrastructure is lacking.
This partnership aims to solve the issue of stable and affordable data network access for farmers. By implementing LoRaWAN, farmers can gather real-time sensor data—such as soil moisture levels and temperature fluctuations—without relying on expensive mobile networks. Microsoft’s investment through its Airband program is designed to improve internet access in underserved areas, with Emergent Connext leveraging relationships with cooperatives and wireless providers to facilitate deployment.
On the other hand, breweries, such as those working with the startup PLAATO, face challenges related to monitoring production processes. PLAATO is partnering with Telenor IoT to create a seamless dashboard that aggregates data from programmable logic controllers (PLCs)—common in industrial settings—to enhance monitoring capabilities for brewers. This system allows brewers to efficiently manage fermentation processes and troubleshoot issues, all without needing new machinery or extensive retrofitting.
Both initiatives underscore that effective IoT deployment often relies on using appropriate technologies tailored to different environments. In agriculture, LoRaWAN excels in expansive areas with limited power and bandwidth, making it ideal for remote farming. Conversely, breweries benefit from PLCs, which provide a straightforward solution in densely packed industrial setups.
Market trends reflect growing interest in these sectors. The beer brewing production system market is projected to reach approximately $3.4 billion by 2025, while home brewing could grow to $38 billion this year. The agricultural IoT market is also on the rise as more farmers seek to minimize waste and optimize yields. This growth indicates a demand for user-friendly tools that can operate effectively within real-world constraints.
Data ownership remains a crucial concern as more devices come online. Farmers often hesitate to share data with external platforms due to privacy concerns, with many preferring local storage solutions. Breweries face similar challenges, as production data can reveal sensitive insights about their operations. Both Emergent Connext and PLAATO strive to provide systems that maintain user control over data handling.
While these projects started with modest goals, they are designed for scalability. Emergent Connext plans to broaden its network coverage, while PLAATO aims to enhance features to accommodate various fermentation processes. These examples illustrate that effective IoT solutions don’t need to be complex or extensive; what matters is that the technology integratively addresses existing problems in its operational landscape.
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