Internet of Things: 3 Companies to Watch

November 21, 2023

In the ever-evolving realm of the Internet of Things (IoT), numerous trailblazing companies are spearheading advancements that merge the physical and digital universes, promising unprecedented changes to everyday life and the broader technological landscape.

This article delves deep into three such pivotal players, shedding light on their recent endeavours, groundbreaking technologies, and the potential they hold to redefine the way we interact with our surroundings. From smart automotive solutions to enhanced indoor air quality and seamless in-building connectivity, join us as we journey through their innovative feats that are set to shape the future of IoT.

Jidu Automobile

Chinese smart electric car manufacturer Jidu Automobile has raised £294.82 million since its inception in 2021, primarily from a Series A round from Geely and Baidu on January 26th 2022. Previously, the company was formed as a joint venture between Geely and Baidu for over $300 million in March 2021.

Earlier this year, the company unveiled its first two models, the Robo-01 and the Robo-02. The Robo-01 is an electric SUV featuring dual electric drives, generating a total of 400 kW, and a 100 kWh CATL battery. This setup is expected to deliver a range of 600 km based on Chinese standards.

On the other hand, the Robo-02 is an electric sedan, and while its specific technical details are yet to be revealed, it might surpass the SUV’s range if it adopts the same drive mechanism, thanks to its improved aerodynamics.

As the names suggest, the vehicles are supposed to be robot cars. While Geely’s SEA hardware platform powers the electric drive, the emphasis is on the advanced driving features and connectivity software that Baidu is integrating. For example, unlike the Robo-01, the Robo-02 ditches traditional door handles, instead opting to have the doors open through voice commands or a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.

R-zero

R-zero raised $104.5 million of Series C venture funding in a deal led by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec on May 10th 2022. These funds were allocated to expand the use of its UV-C technology and IoT-connected hardware and sensors in response to an increasing health concern: purifying the air we breathe indoors.

This deal took R-Zero’s cumulative capital raised to over $170 million. The Series C proceeds will support the company in scaling its disinfection and risk analysis technology implementations, catering to the rising demand in both public and private domains such as K-12 schools, universities, business complexes, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, recreational areas, and other governmental buildings. R-Zero’s disinfection solution benefits people’s health by eliminating 99.99% of harmful microbes in the indoor air we inhale. Additionally, it contributes to environmental preservation by reducing energy use and waste generation.

“We spend 90% of our time indoors, but there has been a lack of innovation around improving indoor air health,” said Jennifer Nuckles, CEO of R-Zero. “R-Zero is setting the new standard for indoor air, offering a sustainable solution that removes customers’ reliance on harsh chemicals and HVAC systems that cause harm to humans and the environment.”

Tillman Digital Cities

Tillman Digital Cities (TDC) specialises in creating, funding, constructing, and managing systems essential for in-building connectivity. This empowers clients to improve indoor commercial services, facilitate 5G and IoT implementations, and establish private enterprise networks. Operating in over 20 countries and having developed more than 6,000 mobile towers, the company is a world leader in the communications infrastructure industry.

Their technology has been implemented across several sectors, including healthcare, as in August 2022, TDC installed their latest in-building connectivity system at Concord Hospital in Concord, N.H. TDC’s approach employs cutting-edge in-building technology to equip the hospital with the neutral host (5G + LTE) wireless infrastructure essential for long-term service to its community. This adaptable solution is designed to collaborate with all mobile network providers, ensuring improved wireless coverage and bandwidth for the hospital’s staff, doctors, emergency personnel, visitors, and guests.

More recently, TDC also partnered with Penn Entertainment in May 2023. This partnership intends to enhance LTE and 5G cellular coverage and bandwidth inside Penn Entertainment’s casinos, hotels, and gaming establishments. It is safe to say that more partnerships like this are likely in the future, as TDC continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Published on 21-11-2023