Managing high value assets securely and efficiently is increasingly challenging for businesses, especially those operating in hard-to-reach areas. Remote Planet offers a single, easy-to-use platform with custom reporting tools for businesses. As part of the project with ESA, the system was tested across three continents and successfully demonstrated a dual-directional command and monitoring capability able to offer exceptional uptime for customers using the service.
The geo-location settings are a key feature of the new service. Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS) provide a location fix down to just 5 metres for accurate visibility. By harnessing a range of space technology and, crucially, the judicious use of data via a global Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) communication network to ensure seamless coverage when GNSS services are unreliable, Remote Planet is able to offer worldwide connectivity. The platform switches seamlessly to and from 4G when connectivity is threatened, resulting in ultra-high uptime levels.
As well as providing geo-location settings, the real time service means that protection settings can be changed according to time, location or status. It allows businesses to react quickly to changing landscapes, and the system also has the capacity to interpret sensor readings and send messages automatically, anticipating unforeseen events which might cause harm.
By developing the software for the new system alongside its proprietary hardware, Secure Innovation Group has been able to develop a smart system that can be quickly and efficiently adapted and refined according to user requirements, without waiting for third party development rollouts and whilst still remaining compatible with mainstream systems. After sales support is a crucial element of the Remote Planet offering, with connectivity and IoT technology sitting alongside the hardware.
Marco Sartori, ESA Technical Officer on the Remote Planet project said “This has been a really interesting project, focusing on developing not only the software but also evolving the proprietary hardware, enabling a full service agile platform with the capacity and flexibility to react quickly to customer requirements.”
The Remote Planet optimised service helps save businesses time by reducing the need for unnecessary site visits which have an impact on the environment, and its enhanced security features mean that it is also cost effective. Now operating in 15 countries across five continents, the platform already protects and monitors thousands of assets daily, valued at over £100 billion. Secure Innovation, based in Cornwall (in the far southwest of the UK) has, through the collaboration with ESA, reinforced its position as a major employer in the area, and is now equipped to expand further.
“As a leading technology business, already securing cash and valuable assets in over 40 countries, Remote Planet has enabled Secure Innovation Group to bring flexible space-based IOT connectivity directly to assets over a wide range of industries across the globe” said Anthony McAndrew, Director of Connectivity at Secure Innovation. “The collaboration with ESA has been a fantastic experience, and it has enabled us to grow our business reach to existing customers in the secure logistics market, as well as adjacent markets. It’s exciting to consider the sheer range of solutions we can now provide to a myriad of customers anywhere on the planet through the Remote Planet platform.”
This call falls under the umbrella of the “Commercial Applications of Space-Enabled Robotics” thematic call for proposals.
This Call for Proposals invites proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects for services that combine the use of satellite technologies and robotics for downstream services for Health and Safety.
Seth Software Sp. z o. o.
Podkarpacki Park Naukowo - Technologiczny
ul. Strefowa 1
36-060 Głogów Małopolski
Poland
This ‘Nature-based Solutions’ opportunity provides funding to teams who would like to develop a service related to nature-based solutions applications. Funding will be provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) for 6-month studies called ‘Kick-Starts’, which can lead onto larger scale Demonstration Projects. Kick-Starts are funded at 75% by ESA for a maximum of €75K per contract. Proposed services must use satellite data or space-based technologies. Please see the ‘Authorisation of Funding’ section below to check whether your team is eligible for funding.
Major industrial ports face multiple challenges around logistics, not only from the cost and delays caused by congested road systems but also the high emissions levels resulting from conventional road transportation methods. The SAMPLIFLY project set out to develop a safe, swift and low carbon alternative using autonomous cargo drones capable of carrying payloads of up to 15 kg over a 60 km distance.
Working with SGS and ESA BASS to develop a safe and workable solution, ADLC has created a comprehensive software platform which can manage the whole operation, from transport request, flight planning and remote drone launch, through to safe delivery of goods. The drone is monitored remotely throughout the flight by a pilot who can take immediate action if required to ensure the highest safety levels throughout the delivery.
Whilst advanced drone technology has the capability to move goods over increasing distances, the transportation of petrochemical samples is subject to very strict safety requirements and any such shipments carried out in an industrial environment must comply with the strictest international aviation regulations. ADLC is the first company in Europe to be approved for the transportation of petrochemical analysis samples by drone and the first in the world to successfully fly petrochemical samples in this way across a non-segregated airspace within a port environment.
Arnaud Runge, lead technical officer from ESA on the SAMPLIFLY project said, “We are delighted with the success of SAMPLIFLY’S first flight this week. This technology has the potential to transform the way ports manage such shipments, offering a swift and cost-effective solution which can greatly reduce the environmental impact of port logistics.”
“We are extremely pleased to have reached this historic milestone and European first today. After more than two years of development and pioneering work, we are now ready to go. In the coming months, this sustainable and cutting-edge drone transport will be fully digitally integrated into our customer services," said Kristof Van Hoecke, Regional Digital, Technology & Innovation Manager at SGS.
Marc Kegelaers, Co-founder and Chairman at ADLC said, “As a young, innovative startup, it is always a challenge to find a partner/customer with the same entrepreneurial mindset. Thanks to the intense collaboration within the SAMPLIFLY project, we have achieved a series of 'firsts'. We are already experiencing international resonance, especially in the maritime and industrial sectors, where rapid deliveries are not only 'nice-to-have' but can significantly contribute to operational efficiency and sustainability goals."
This service launch only marks the beginning of SAMPLIFY’s successful innovations. The project will complete a series of trials at the Port of Antwerp to assess benefits and impacts before expanding into future projects and partnerships with other ports.
