Energous, Identiv advance real-time cold chain tracking
Energous Corporation is combining its RF-based wireless technology with Identiv’s ID-Pixels tags in a partnership they say delivers real-time asset tracking to cold chain logistics using “accurate and reliable sensor measurements.”
The joint solution aims to deliver more reliable, consistent power than disposable batteries and charging cables to the thousands of IoT sensors deployed across the logistics industry, resulting in less maintenance, lower costs, and shorter setup times, while also establishing greater precision, safety and ease of use, the companies maintained.
“For logistics companies carrying temperature-sensitive goods, accurate reporting from IoT sensors is paramount, and this can only be accomplished if the sensors are consistently and reliably powered,” Giampaolo Marino, Energous vice president of marketing and business development, said in a news release.
“This partnership incorporates Energous’ PowerBridge technology and facilitates a constant source of wireless power to each of Identiv’s ID-Pixels tags without the need for additional maintenance.”
Cold chain tracking
The adoption of IoT solutions in the logistics industry has expanded in the past five years and is expected to be valued at $63.7 billion by 2026, according to one market forecast. The increasing number of IoT devices deployed across logistics brings with it a growing need to ensure they are reliably and consistently powered. This is especially critical in cold chain logistics, where accurate temperature sensing can inform businesses if goods have overheated or spoiled prior to final delivery, reducing waste and avoiding potentially lost revenue.
Historically, IoT deployments in the supply chain industry have been powered by disposable batteries and charging cords, both of which create costly maintenance burdens and safety concerns for IT teams tasked with recharging sensors in often rugged and inaccessible locations. Energous and Identiv’s collaboration aims to deliver a joint wirelessly charged IoT sensor solution to cold chain logistics companies transporting everything from perishable food to medication.
The joint solution will pair Identiv’s RF tags which are capable of measuring temperature and humidity with Energous’ PowerBridge, which sends RF-based wireless power over the air. Together, this enables cold chain companies to not only track and report the temperature inside cooling trucks, but also deliver improved performance in normally restrictive environments.
“This partnership offers logistics companies a solution that not only increases the overall efficiency of IoT sensors, as there is less downtime due to no battery drainage, but also lowers the total cost and increases ROI,” Marino added.
Wirelessly powered IoT solution
Energous’ wireless charging not only addresses the broad cold chain challenges but also zeroes in on the specific needs of refrigerated transport, a critical aspect for companies that operate extensive fleets of reefers. In the logistics of perishable goods, maintaining an even, optimal temperature throughout the entire length of a refrigerated trailer is a significant challenge. Energous and Identiv’s joint wireless charging solution enables continuous, real-time temperature monitoring throughout different sections of a reefer, the companies said.
These sensors can ensure temperature-sensitive goods are transported under consistently ideal conditions, a vital capability for preserving the integrity of perishables like food, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive products.
“Our partnership with Energous seeks to create a solution that will bring greater accuracy and reliability to cold chain applications in the logistics industry,” said Amir Khoshniyati, Identiv VP and general manager of IoT business. “Together, we are developing a wirelessly powered IoT solution that can be deployed within hours instead of days.
“With no additional hardware costs or specialized training required, logistics companies can save both money and time.”
