Looking Ahead: New Tech Brings a New Set of Barriers to Consider

17 November 2020 – Increased investment in IoT is paving the way for a new phase of fully digitalized supply chain management. The trend was largely influenced by the pandemic-related workforce layoffs and mandatory state lockdowns. Smart logistic solutions are economically resilient and effective. They not only offer an entirely new level of flexibility and efficiency, but require less human capital to supervise and maintain operations.

Although with a lot of potential use cases, Vincentas Grinius, CEO at IPXO (right), notes a few vulnerabilities concerning the technology, which should be addressed before upgrading to IoT-driven supply chain management – to avoid leaving any open doors for external threats.

External Security Gaps

Each IoT device needs an IP address to access the organization’s network, for instance, to send or receive relevant information concerning in-stock, machine operability, and other crucial information. However, IoTs are usually set up on public IP addresses, and are therefore visible to all Internet users. This could lead to a serious external data breach, which in turn, may potentially take down an entire supply chain structure.

“Each IP address needs to be validated by an encrypted certificate, either LOA or ROA. The difference between them is that the latter is digital, hence, more secure and tamper-proof,” explains Grinius. “However, the majority of IPs in the industry are still under LOA certificate, thus for IoTs operating on LOA-verified IP addresses, the risk of breach becomes significantly higher.”

“ROA is crucial in terms of preventing IP hijacking and securing network integrity,” he continues, “and should become common practice, as it could better protect the entire infrastructure.”

Robust Network Perimeter

Controlling a large number of IoT devices requires setting up a robust network perimeter. As malware is becoming more and more technologically sophisticated, Mr Grinius emphasizes the importance of regular security protocol updates. Timely upgrades are key to detecting any new red-flags.

“The IoT industry is still evolving, therefore we may not even be aware of some of the associated threats. Building a robust network perimeter, as well as making sure all of the security policies are up-to-date remains vital to prevent outside attacks,” explains V. Grinius.

Traffic Monitoring

Tracking IoT-related traffic may be the difference between catching a threat just-in-time or a little too late. Being able to distinguish any abnormalities is relevant to long-term security, as previously deemed suspicious traffic would be red flagged on the spot.

“Sometimes real-time data is not enough. Analysing historic data enables to dive deep into network forensics and make deductions if an intruder has been trying to knock-down your defences and reiterate accordingly. Isolating patterns, previously identified as malicious, allows to not fall victim to recurring threats, and keep a watchful eye on any new malware that might be emerging.”

IoT offers a great deal of manufacturing flexibility, and, if all security shortcomings are timely addressed, will bring supply chain management up to an entirely new level of efficiency, helping businesses recover and thrive in the post-pandemic economy.

Source: IPXO

SOTI Invests $20m to Fund New Aerospace Division, SOTI Aerospace

16 November 2020 – SOTI, a well trusted provider of mobility and IoT management solutions, today announced the launch of its new aerospace division, SOTI Aerospace. The division will focus on advanced aerial drone and robotics research. Working with industry-leading researchers, scientists, engineers, and academia from around the world, SOTI will initially invest $20 million (USD) to fund its new aerospace division.

The new division will focus its research on vision systems for indoor environments, including self-learning, situational understanding, automatic location of people and objects, self-navigation, and smart avoidance. Initial applications will be focused on the medical sector and search & rescue operations.

As part of its commitment to innovation, SOTI is also announcing a multi-year collaboration with Ryerson University. This initiative will bring together SOTI’s top talent and Ryerson’s world-class researchers to focus on advancing aerospace research. Ryerson's aerospace expertise will support SOTI's research and development of aerial drone technology. SOTI will support a research chair in this field and provide real-world experience in applied aerospace technology for Ryerson students.

“SOTI Aerospace represents an exciting new era for the company and continues our commitment to invest in Canada’s technology ecosystem and work with the best and brightest minds around the world in aerial technology,” says Carl Rodrigues (above), President and CEO, SOTI. “Ryerson University is an ideal collaborator. Together, we aim to nurture talent and entrepreneurship, and ultimately leverage technology for good. We look forward to working together to develop aerospace innovations that enhance student education while also bringing new technology to market.”

“Ryerson University is pleased to join with SOTI to advance innovative aerospace research and technology in Canada,” comments Mohamed Lachemi, Ryerson University President and Vice-Chancellor. “This collaboration unites leading aerospace researchers and industry experts, to accelerate the development of aerial drone research through dedicated funding. The agreement will also create new opportunities for our students to work on cutting-edge projects through enriched learning experiences, internships and scholarships.”

For over two decades, SOTI has been at the forefront of the mobile revolution. The new aerospace division will lean heavily on SOTI’s management team’s extensive engineering experience, as well as bring together the best and brightest from around the globe to reimagine how technology can be used to transform the world.

Source: SOTI

Cambridge Wireless and Huawei Partner to Build 5G Mobile Private Network in Cambridge

11 November 2020 – Cambridge Wireless (CW), an international community for companies involved in the research, development and application of wireless technologies, has teamed up with the global technology provider Huawei. The collaboration hopes to execute the building and deployment of Cambridge’s first 5G mobile private network within the Cambridge Science Park.

The partnership aims to explore how advanced wireless technology can have a far-reaching impact on both society and the economy. The new set-up will allow Cambridge’s technology community to undertake new digital research and application in key areas such as autonomous vehicles, clean energy and remote surgery.

The 5G testbed will go live in January 2021 and kicks off a three-year partnership between Cambridge Wireless and Huawei, which will involve digital training, business support and joint events. The testbed will be based at Cambridge Science Park, currently owned by Cambridge University – a university home to more than 120 tech companies and scale-ups.

 “We are constantly working to provide value to CW members,” said Simon Mead (above), CEO of CW. “As home to one of the world’s most advanced R&D ecosystems, Cambridge is perfectly positioned for the rollout of next-generation wireless technology and we’re delighted to be driving this initiative with our partners. We hope to bring something unique to the Science Park to accelerate use cases and development of this technology. We invite ambitious businesses to get involved and through this exciting 3-year partnership with Huawei, we will support their 5G innovation journey.”

Huawei Vice-President Victor Zhang described the partnership as a key part of the company's ongoing commitment to the UK. He said: “Huawei’s success is built on a relentless drive for innovation and we are able to keep pushing the boundaries of technology when we partner with those who share this ambition. The Cambridge eco-system is recognised as a global leader in technology and we are excited to work with the talent and vision in this eco-system. We hope to enable Cambridge Wireless members to reach new heights by allowing them access to our state-of-the-art equipment and markets including China and beyond. Our commitment to the UK and industry remains as strong as ever and we will continue to offer our expertise and technology to our partners to promote connections and innovation.”

Additional partnerships with TusPark UK and Freshwave have been developed to acceleratethe digitalisation of The Cambridge Science Park and enable businesses to exploit new capabilities, boost innovation and gain competitive advantage as they shift towards the adoption of 5G.  

“We are looking for organisations who would like to create, accelerate and test out new and innovative applications and products on the CW 5G Testbed,” said Abhi Naha, Chief Commercial Officer at CW.

Source: Cambridge Wireless

DJI Launches DJI Mini 2, the Perfect Drone for All Abilities

5 November 2020 – Today, DJI, a global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, launched DJI Mini 2. The high-performance camera, in the safest drone category, packs impressive new features into a small, portable design, all weighing less than 249 grams.

According to DJI, the Mini 2 is easy to fly and has improved imaging capabilities, powerful flight performance, and enhanced transmission technology for longer and more reliable connection. Supported with a wide array of accessories, DJI Mini 2 users can make the system their own with personalized items and an illuminated display case.

“Mavic Mini was a monumental breakthrough for DJI and for drone pilots across the world, as its unprecedented combination of weight, safety, performance, and overall value became the entry point for countless new drone pilots and fans,” said DJI President, Roger Luo (above). “DJI Mini 2 enhances those key aspects, packing larger drone performance in an approachable, small design in the safest drone category that is perfect for beginners and will also impress more experienced pilots.”

Just like the original Mavic Mini, DJI Mini 2 features a folding design that makes traveling with a drone incredibly easy. In addition, the new drone claims improved flight performance features in comparison to the original version. OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology has now been incorporated. This is responsible for ensuring stable, long distance, and reliable connection between the remote controller and the drone. Dual-frequency technology automatically switches between channels to help against interference.

DJI Mini 2 has a maximum transmission range of 6km, a 200% increase in range compared to that of the original Mavic Mini. Upgraded motors provide 31 minutes of flight time, faster acceleration and speed, along with the ability to withstand winds up to 24mph.

Like all DJI drones, high-grade positioning and vision sensors help Mini 2 hover precisely in place. GPS keeps track of where the drone is while the vision sensors on the bottom map out the ground below it and assist automated landing.

DJI drones offer a range of safety features, including:

• GEO fencing, which keeps drones out of sensitive areas such as airports
• Return to Home, a feature that can be activated so the drone returns to the pilot
• Altitude Lock, an adjustable limit on how high the drone can go.

The new drone is able to capture detailed images with the help of a 1/2.3-inch sensor capable of recording 12-megapixel images and a maximum video resolution of 4K/30fps @100 Mbps. Shake-free, smooth footage is also possible thanks to the 3-axis gimbal, which compensates for drone movement, wind, and more.

DJI Mini 2 is available for purchase today from store.dji.com and from authorized retail partners. For additional info visit: https://store.dji.com/product/mini-2

Source: DJI