Jul 09, 2020Presented here are news announcements made during the past week regarding the following organizations: Smartrac, Silicon Craft, Extronics, Sigfox, Phoenix Fund, Tuya, the Zigbee Alliance, Microsoft, CyberX, the Industrial Internet Consortium, and Digi International.
Smartrac Unveils Inlays for Secure Product Authentication
Smartrac, an Avery Dennison company, has announced the introduction of its Circus Tamper Loop Pro inlays and tags, which are designed to combine tamper detection and secure product authentication in a single Near Field Communication (NFC) product. As the company's first offering based on the SIC43NT chip from Silicon Craft, the new inlays and tags are part of Smartrac's Pro series for one-time-password product authentication.
The Circus Tamper Loop Pro products are built to extend the tamper detection and authentication features of the company's Circus Tamper Loop tags, with cryptographic capabilities provided by the Pro-level IC. Typical applications areas include the authentication of pharmaceutical products and luxury goods, ranging from liquors to watches. The SIC43NT chip uses a secure MICKEY V1 Stream cipher-algorithm to create one-time-password values for real-time tag and message authentication. The system targets an array of NFC-based applications in secure product authentication and brand protection, as well as consumer engagement, customer loyalty programs and protected content distribution.
The product's tamper-loop design enables digital seal functionality for smart packaging and brand protection. It exhibits one of two conditions: a closed loop shows that the packaging is sealed, while an open loop indicates an open package. Moreover, the tamper loop status is irreversibly stored in the IC memory and can be checked at the tap of a smartphone via a programmed on-chip URL. Secure authentication can be set to start creating one-time-password values either before or after the loop has been tampered with. The Circus Tamper Loop Pro comes with 144 bytes of user memory with password protection, works with all NFC reading devices. It is compliant with both the NFC Forum Type 2 specifications and the ISO 14 443 A standard.
"By combining a digital seal functionality and advanced cryptographic capabilities," said Dr. Juha Virtanen, Avery Dennison's R&D head for intelligent labels, in a prepared statement, "the new Circus Tamper Loop Pro inlays and tags meet the requirements of many customers looking for highly secure product authentication and brand protection, consumer engagement, customer loyalty programs or protected content distribution."
Extronics Offers RTLS Solution for Process Industry
Extronics has announced the launch of the iTAG X30, which provides a site-wide real-time location system (RTLS) solution for process industry environments. Process industries have a range of variable physical environments and complex operational challenges to overcome, the company reports. The iTAG X30, according to Extronics, combines GPS, BLE, LF RFID and Wi-Fi on a single tag.
"We have worked very closely with our customers over the past fifteen years and listened to the challenges they face," said John Hartley, Extronics' CEO, in a prepared statement. "With worker safety becoming an ever-increasing focus for many businesses operating within process industries, we wanted to deliver a solution that allows our customers to achieve high levels of location accuracy across their entire site without the need for dense Wi-Fi infrastructure in open areas. The iTAG X30 delivers upon that goal and we are excited to see it come to market."
"The iTAG X30 meets the needs of the modern processing site," added Becky Reeves, the company's product manager, in the prepared statement. "Extronics specializes in developing and manufacturing ATEX-, IECEx- and North American-certified equipment for use in hazardous areas. The iTAG X30 represents the next evolution in our RTLS product range, providing a practical solution for true site-wide location tracking."
Sigfox, Phoenix Fund Provide Internet of Things Service in Puerto Rico
Private equity company The Phoenix Fund, in conjunction with Sigfox USA, has announced its acquisition of the Sigfox Technological Platform for the island of Puerto Rico. The newly created Sigfox Puerto Rico will use ultra-long coverage base stations to create a 0G network. With collaboration from Sigfox, a global 0G network operator and Internet of Things (IoT) service provider, the network will provide full coverage for the island, the company reports.
"As the newest member of the Sigfox global ecosystem, Puerto Rico will now have the necessary infrastructure for massive and cost-effective IoT connectivity, allowing it to become the next smart country," said Jose Rodriguez, the CEO of Sigfox Puerto Rico, in a prepared statement. "The arrival of this network is a catalyst for the local creation of new businesses, emergent technology jobs and connected solutions, which will in turn lead to a positive economic multiplier effect for the island. The use cases and verticals for government, enterprise and consumers are endless. From family pets, to diesel generators, refrigerated cargo and utilities, anything can be interconnected. The future is now."
The Phoenix Fund provides financing to local companies to foster economic development. Its underwriting criteria focuses on creating employment and income in Puerto Rico. The Sigfox 0G network will help customers create effective and efficient business processes, the company reports; decision making can be accomplished faster and with greater accuracy, while corporations that operate internationally can use Sigfox's network across 71 countries and regions without requiring expensive and complicated roaming systems.
"IoT connectivity will allow for improved intelligent data management and efficiencies that translate into enhanced profitability for our companies, while creating new value and higher returns for our investors," added The Phoenix Fund's Francisco J. Rivera in the prepared statement. "The IoT has the potential to impact every aspect of our lives… Phoenix, alongside Sigfox, will strive to create synergies and cross-pollination opportunities between our portfolio companies and newcomers in our quest to create a New Puerto Rico."
"We are thrilled about our alliance with The Phoenix Fund for the island of Puerto Rico," said Jeremy Prince, the president of Sigfox USA, in the prepared statement. "By choosing Sigfox, the island has become part of an international network that allows them to monitor and track goods and services from anywhere in the world. Customers will have access to a worldwide ecosystem providing best-in-class Internet of Things technology, sensors and connectivity for myriad use cases."
Tuya Joins Zigbee Alliance Board of Directors
The Zigbee Alliance, an organization comprising hundreds of companies that create, maintain and deliver open, global standards for the Internet of Things (IoT), has announced that IoT platform provider Tuya has joined its Board of Directors. According to the Zigbee Alliance, the addition of Tuya at the Board level, and as a key promoter of the Connected Home over IP project, is part of the Alliance's transformation into a multi-technology organization fueling various areas of connected intelligence.
Tuya helps consumer electronics brands add IoT control and connectivity to electronic devices for smart control and monitoring. With headquarters in the United States, India, Germany, Japan and China, Tuya helps clients create smart home security, lighting and healthcare products using Tuya's cloud, connectivity and mobile-application services.
"It's important at Tuya to have roots in many regions around the world so we can maximize global collaboration and efficiency," said Alex Yang, Tuya's cofounder and COO, in a prepared statement. "Being part of the Zigbee Alliance Board of Directors aligns with our commitment to help power platforms and build IoT systems effortlessly at any point on earth, and gives us the opportunity to work alongside other insightful companies setting the future course of the Internet of Things. After joining the Board of Directors, Tuya will be continuously dedicated to promoting Zigbee Alliance standards within diverse product solutions to offer more options in global smart home markets."
Manufacturers, brands, OEMs and retail chains can partner with Tuya to access its AI + IoT (AIoT) platforms. Tuya's wireless modules are designed to be integrated with existing objects and connect to the company's cloud platform, while the Tuya Smart application enables smart product control via mobile devices. The company serves more than 180,000 partners throughout more than 190 countries in such categories as lighting, appliances, environmental equipment and surveillance systems.
"Through the Alliance, our members continually work to improve and build on leading IoT technologies to drive the market in the right direction and fuel interoperability for smarter products and a better end-user experience," added Tobin Richardson, the Zigbee Alliance's president and CEO, in the prepared statement. "Tuya brings a strong commitment to this mission and marks an important step forward for our members at an important turning point for our industry. Tuya's global footprint and insight are a perfect complement and addition to our Board and the global projects we have ahead of us."
Microsoft Acquires IIoT Security Startup CyberX
Microsoft has announced plans to acquire industrial cybersecurity startup CyberX so that it can strengthen the security features in its Azure Internet of Things (IoT) platform. The software company has not disclosed the financial terms of the deal.
One of the largest hurdles in deploying IoT devices involves making sure they are secure, Microsoft explains. The company provides multi-layer IoT security monitoring in Azure, which thousands of customers are currently using, but several companies have reported challenges with regard to the visibility and security of their existing IoT devices due to the many custom protocols involved. To address such challenges, Microsoft decided to acquire CyberX so its customers could manage their existing IoT assets and improve the devices' security.
Users can view a digital map showing thousands of devices throughout a factory or within a building, as well as gather asset-profile information and learn about vulnerabilities. Such visibility is critical in recognizing and mitigating security risks, the company explains, and is vital for enabling smart manufacturing, smart grids and other use cases at production facilities and throughout the supply chain.
"While Microsoft is adding CyberX to our security capabilities, our partnerships with the broad set of security providers in the ecosystem is more important than ever, with many of them providing on-the-ground expertise and integration services," wrote Microsoft's Michal Braverman-Blumenstyk and Sam George in a recent blog post. "We will continue to deliver more value to our customers as CyberX is further integrated with Microsoft's broad portfolio of IoT security offerings in threat protection that span users, endpoints, applications, data and more."
Industrial Internet Consortium Publishes Smart Factory White Paper
The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) has announced the publication of a white paper titled "Usage of Standards in the Smart Factory Web Testbed." This document provides guidance in the deployment of three standards that are essential for the core functionality of the smart factory web (SFW).
The SFW testbed is a network of smart factories that combine their manufacturing capabilities in flexible supply chains. This enables the factories to respond to orders efficiently, the IIC explains. Standards central to the testbed include OPC UA, a multipart standard that defines online data exchange between automation systems; AutomationML, which addresses data exchange in the engineering process of production systems, such as between software tools or to configure software systems; and SensorThings API, an Open Geospatial Consortium standard that provides an open, unified framework to interconnect IoT sensing devices, data and applications over the Internet.
"Open, international standards for data exchange between and within factories enable the Smart Factory Web's order-driven production to be economically sustainable on a large scale," said IIC SFW testbed lead Kym Watson, a principal scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, in a prepared statement. "This standards-based testbed allows factories to develop new business models and win business partners in a platform economy."
"The new white paper describes the application of standards, outcomes and challenges faced by a smart factory at a detailed level that is instructive to practitioners solving real-world problems," added Howard Kradjel, the IIC's VP of Industry Programs and Testbed Working Group Chair, in the prepared statement. "IIC testbeds, such as the SFW, that apply and assess the utility of standards to specific use cases and solutions provide key learnings and improve the industry."
Digi International Intros Router for Industrial, Remote Location Monitoring
Digi International, a provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services, has launched its Digi IX20 industrial router, designed to provide connectivity in industrial infrastructure, location monitoring and unattended retail applications. According to the company, the Digi IX20 offers security and redundancy features for reliable performance in harsh environments.
The Digi IX20 integrates with Digi Remote Manager, an IoT device-monitoring application that provides secure remote monitoring and control, enables automated firmware and software updates, and allows the management of intelligent routers. Digi IX20 uses Digi CORE plug-in modems that provide selectable connectivity while allowing users to change or upgrade connectivity protocols without replacing the router. Its serial interface fits into most deployments without requiring a redesign, according to the company. The device supports applications and use cases ranging from critical industrial monitoring to self-service retail kiosks.
Digi Remote Manager is a compliance and security management application that provides centralized device management and supports easy setup, mass configuration, control and maintenance from a single pane of glass. It provides a real-time view of network and device health and compliance, sending notifications if an alert is triggered, while diagnosing and potentially repairing remote devices without the need to deploy a technician.
In addition to dual SIMs for failover, Digi SureLink maintains cellular connections under adverse conditions and provides reliable uptime for mission-critical applications. Smart load balancing between cellular and Ethernet WANs, dual APNs, and configurable APN search functionalities are intended to simplify deployment and reduce setup time. The Digi IX20 features optional Wi-Fi with serial RS-232 (DB9), Ethernet and cellular LTE CAT-4 connectivity. Customers can add their own edge-computing algorithms, with Python support and native Linux applications.
The integrated Digi TrustFence security framework combines secure boot, protected hardware ports and secure connections with updated encryption protocols. Whether in the factory, in an oilfield or on outdoor digital signage, the Digi IX20 operates at a range of temperatures and is built to withstand harsh environments. The router is IP30-rated and has been tested for operation at -40 degrees to +158 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees to +70 degrees Celsius).
"Industrial IoT applications and unattended retail operations continue to be a priority for Digi," said Brian Kirkendall, Digi International's VP of product management, in a prepared statement. "We remain focused on solutions that bring flexibility, reliability, and security. The IX20 extends that commitment with an industrial-grade router that offers multiple connectivity paths, a secure OS, and edge intelligence." The IX20 is certified and available in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Columbia, with certifications currently in progress for, Mexico, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries.
