Inmarsat and Orbcomm have extended and enhanced their collaboration to provide internet-of-things (IoT) data solutions worldwide
Connectivity from their individual constellations will be used to provide next-generation IoT satellite services, telematics devices and end-to-end solutions. These provide high bandwidth data packets with low-cost terminals for industries requiring remote asset and equipment monitoring.
Orbcomm and Inmarsat’s agreement will extend their strategic partnership through at least to 2035.
Together they have developed OGx services with data rates that are 40-times faster than the current IsatData Pro (IDP) service to enable larger messages and faster transmission from IoT networks.
Both partners expect OGx services to be available in 2022, enabling service providers to build their own offerings.
These services will be supported by Inmarsat’s L-band constellations. IDP services currently use the I-4 constellation and will incorporate Inmarsat’s sixth generation (I-6) constellation once that is commissioned.
Inmarsat will also distribute Orbcomm’s portfolio of OGx telematics devices globally through its sales channels, targeting original equipment manufacturers and value-added resellers. Orbcomm provides IoT telematics through its own constellation of satellites, which also provide vessel tracking services using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) messages.
IoT solutions will include global wireless connectivity, hardware and advanced, cloud-based reporting and analytics platforms in multiple vertical markets.
Inmarsat and Orbcomm will develop small terminals with minimal battery power for remote monitoring and environmental sensing applications.
“Through our enduring strategic partnership with Orbcomm, we are seeing an extensive global market opportunity for our L-band IoT services, which enable increased business value to industries with remote operations,” said Inmarsat chief executive Rupert Pearce.
“As the digital world continues to evolve, together we will play a pivotal role in providing network connectivity and IoT solutions that will enable nearly every type of industrial asset to be smart and remotely connected.” Inmarsat provides IoT services to shipping through its Fleet Data service.
Orbcomm chief executive Marc Eisenberg expects high demand for the higher data rates and power-efficient OGx services and terminals. “We will continue to leverage our synergies and innovation in collaboration with Inmarsat to deliver IoT products, services and solutions to an even broader customer base around the world,” he said.
Earlier in October, Inmarsat announced the shortlist of entries to its open innovation challenge for crew safety, health and wellbeing launched earlier this year in collaboration with Shell Shipping & Maritime and digital consultancy Thetius.
This challenge is aimed at start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises for entries in four areas of innovation spanning deck safety, fatigue, administration reduction and overall wellbeing. It attracted 49 written submissions, which have been whittled down to three. Those shortlisted are:
The Canary Sentinel and Workrest intelligent fatigue management and rest coaching platform – to manage shift work using real-time health tracking, profiling and fatigue prediction based on sleep quality.
The Kaiko Systems’ guided survey tool for reliable and faster data collection to enable standard survey routines including picture taking.
The MedAssist online tool to deliver augmented reality-assisted and step-by-step medical help and training to seafarers remotely, with a ‘Heart App’ capable of producing hospital-quality electrocardiograms on a tablet.
The winning entry, to be announced on 12 November, will secure a £10,000 (US$12,850) grant to fund proof of concept trials on board a vessel supported by Shell Shipping & Maritime and Inmarsat.
IoT, digitalisation, crew welfare and ship communications will be discussed in depth during Riviera’s Webinar Weeks and Virtual Conferences in Q4 2020 and Q1 2021 - use this link for further details and to register for key events