Dot Ai Unveils ZiM, a Next-Gen IoT Tracking Technology

ZiM is designed to offer an innovative asset management solution by securely gathering data at the edge of the enterprise. It can read both passive (battery free transponders) and active (battery powered beacons) to provide data for supervisory systems. The bridge can operate with its own battery power when mounted on moving racks or pallets or be hardwired to power for fixed installation in aisles or doorways. Up to four general purpose I/O pins are available to connect the bridge to external sensors or signaling devices to enhance workflows. It also has integrated bright signaling LEDs to direct workers in common tasks.

Iridium Transforms Satellite IoT with the Launch of Revolutionary Iridium Certus 9704 Module

The Iridium Certus 9704 architecture simplifies data transfer requirements for use cases like predictive maintenance, diagnostics, telemetry monitoring, remote asset tracking, and command and control for uncrewed aircraft, vehicles and vessels. The module’s larger-sized data messages are also ideal for remote sensing applications protecting wildlife, detecting wildfires and flooding, and enable a new generation of purpose-built satellite messengers and personal safety devices.

Thingy:91 X is a battery-operated device that leverages Nordic’s new, award-winning nRF9151 System-in-Package (SiP). The nRF9151 is the most compact cellular IoT SiP for battery-powered and global locationing applications. It boasts a 20 percent reduction in footprint compared to Nordic’s nRF9160 and nRF9161 SiPs, is exempt from US tariffs, and is certified for global operation. The nRF9151 SiP supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, GNSS, and DECT NR+ technology.

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Editor's Desk by Kirsten Campbell

Tech the Halls: How IoT Saved Christmas 🎅🎁

It was Christmas Eve, and the North Pole was buzzing. Elves hurried about, checking the last of the toys, polishing sleigh bells, and singing carols. But then, just as Santa was gearing up for the big night, disaster struck.

A fierce snowstorm rolled in. Not just any storm—this was the kind of blizzard that made even Rudolph squint. The reindeer couldn’t fly safely, and the sleigh’s traditional magic couldn’t navigate through such unpredictable conditions. Christmas was in jeopardy.

Santa called an emergency meeting. “We’ve faced storms before,” he said, pacing in his red boots, “but this one’s different. We need a backup plan.”

That’s when Holly, the head of the tech elves, spoke up. “I think IoT can save Christmas.”

The IoT Deployment

Holly had been experimenting with IoT systems in the workshop for years. She had a plan: embed IoT sensors in the sleigh, connect them to a network of weather stations worldwide, and use real-time data to navigate the storm.

“But that’s not all,” Holly said. “We’ll also outfit the reindeer with wearable sensors to monitor their vitals and energy levels. If they need a break, we’ll know before they do.”

The elves got to work. Tiny embedded boards were installed in the sleigh, linked to a control dashboard Holly had designed. A fleet of drone scouts—also IoT-enabled—was deployed to test potential flight paths. Even the toy sack got an upgrade: sensors tracked each gift’s destination, ensuring no house was missed.

Testing the System

By early evening, the sleigh was ready for a test run. Holly climbed aboard with Santa to demonstrate the upgrades. “Watch this,” she said, pointing to a holographic map projected on the dashboard. It displayed a safe route through the storm, highlighted by the drones’ data.

Santa was impressed. “This is incredible, Holly! But what about the chimney drops? I can’t let IoT take away my personal touch.”

“Don’t worry,” Holly reassured him. “The tech supports you—it doesn’t replace you. IoT will guide you to the chimney, but the magic is still yours.”

A Christmas Miracle

As the clock struck midnight, the IoT-powered sleigh took off. The storm howled, but Santa and his team flew smoothly, following the optimized route. Whenever the wind threatened to blow them off course, the embedded boards recalibrated the sleigh’s trajectory in real time.

Meanwhile, back at the workshop, the elves monitored the operation from Holly’s command center. They cheered as the sleigh delivered gifts faster than ever before, thanks to the efficient route planning and the smart toy sack.

By the time Santa returned to the North Pole, the storm had eased, and the world was waking up to a perfect Christmas morning. ☃️🎄

***

Thank you for being part of the Circuit Cellar community. Wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday season filled with joy, fun and just the right amount of tech magic! ✨

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