Globestar, Toppan, Ceva: RFID Journal News Roundup

Published: December 14, 2023

Globestar releases GSatSolar IoT Device, Toppan breaks ground on barrier film plant, Ceva refocuses its technology on Edge AI

Globestar Releases GSatSolar IoT Device

 Globalstar, Inc. has released a new IoT product —known as GSatSolar—in partnership with Global Satellite Engineering (GSE), for satellite powered IoT tracking.

The device is designed to be small, rugged and at a low-cost for real-time tracking of assets in remote or outdoor areas to provide location data in the field, improving efficiency, and allowing for true remote IoT autonomous data collection, the companies report.

Coming with a solar panel and internal battery, GSatSolar can provide location data with accelerometer and Bluetooth sensor options. Data can be forwarded either to Globalstar’s Spot My Globalstar data management and mapping platform, or directly to a value-added resellers (VAR’s) back office or customer endpoint.

Toppan Breaks Ground on Barrier Film Plant

Toppan has launched construction of its new factory in Most, Czechoslovakia. The new plant will manufacture GL Barrier, a transparent barrier film developed and built for eco-friendly packaging to meet an increasing demand around the world.

The barrier film is used by companies that make RFID and IoT packaging and labels. The barrier film is designed as a sustainable and recyclable product.

During the opening ceremony, Toppan’s managing executive officer Masahiko Tatewaki said that establishing a European base for the GL BARRIER business has been a goal dating back more than 15 years when the company found European demand for transparent barrier packaging materials increase.

“I believe that by being able to come to the Czech Republic, we will be able to make an even bigger leap forward in this business,” Tatewaki said. The construction is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2024.

Ceva Refocuses its Technology on Edge AI

Ceva has expanded its portfolio with a focus trained on low power Edge AI device solutions. In that effort, the company released a new logo, web domain and visual identity to deliver solutions for smart edge devices. Ceva reports that the market is increasingly seeking edge computing as part of IoT installations.

The Maryland-based technology company offers wireless communications, sensing and Edge AI technologies with a portfolio that includes Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband and 5G.  The company will additionally sharpen its focus on Edge AI NPU IPs, sensor fusion processors and embedded application software, to make devices smarter so that IoT data can be processed on the edge.

“Our goal… is to deliver the silicon and software IP to enable a smarter, safer, and more interconnected world,” says Amir Panush, Ceva’s CEO. Edge-based solutions can make an IoT installation lower-power, with faster response, to seamlessly interpret and enhance how users work, play, learn, protect and care for each other, the company says.