3 mins read
Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The issue is a global one but is particularly acute in the US, where half of all adults are living with such a condition. That’s the same number as those living with cardiovascular or chronic respiratory diseases combined!
One cause of these conditions is workplace injury. Particularly at risk are those doing work that involves repetitive but unpredictable heavy lifting – just the kind of tasks done by those employed in warehouses or healthcare.
Why is BICS talking about musculoskeletal conditions? Because we’ve worked with another industry pioneer, the world’s first robot-as-a-service provider German Bionic, to launch and power a new solution designed to mitigate injuries and drive productivity for businesses.
The collaboration highlights the diversity of IoT applications and industries that BICS supports and demonstrates how our SIM for Things® is powering the next generation of smart industry and augmented industry workforces.
Intrigued? Read on for an overview of the partnership, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more about our SIM for Things® and how we’re unlocking opportunities for businesses within or entering the Internet of Things.
What is Cray-X?
Cray-X is the first connected asset from German Bionic and marks the first instance of a European manufacturer developing, producing and deploying smart exoskeletons for use in industrial production. The suit, worn on the body like a backpack, combines human intelligence with machine power. It supports and enhances the wearer’s movements, reducing the risk of accidents and excessive strain.
Embedded sensors and built-in IoT connectivity enable ongoing improvement and integration with smart factory systems.
How is BICS’s powering the IoT solution?
German Bionic chose BICS’ SIM for Things® to embed IoT connectivity within Cray X, enabling data to be transmitted from sensors in the suit to smart factory systems and software. Thanks to machine learning capabilities, Cray X automatically adjusts to suit each individual’s needs and movements.
SIM for Things® integrates with existing back-end IT, with and smart factory and cloud-based industry 4.0 management systems. German Bionic’s end-user business customers are therefore able to quickly and easily deploy Cray X in a work environment, and then analyze employees’ lifting behavior and identify where improvements should be made.
The company can also monetize its IoT asset by shipping it worldwide and ensuring it’s out-of-the-box ready. Thanks to our global network and reach, SIM for Things® enables devices to reliably and securely connect to 700 networks in more than 200 countries, meaning Cray X can benefit manufacturing, healthcare and logistics players the world over.
Why has BICS long been supporting the IoT?
The global IoT market is predicted to reach $520 billion by 2021, double what it was worth just a couple of years ago, meaning the opportunities for mobile carriers are huge. The millions of sensors and connected devices (such as cars, industrial robots, patient monitors, energy monitors etc.) will all require connectivity. And the success of a business wanting either to digitalize and launch into the IoT space, or to expand operations globally, will be dependent on ensuring its connected assets remain connected wherever in the world they are.
BICS’ global IoT offering combines global connectivity, SIM management, API integration and a flexible pay-as-you-grow business model. It’s perfectly suited to any enterprise looking for a global IoT SIM, any global enterprise wanting to become a full MVNO for their connected business, and all M2M or IoT players with their own core network.
So, whether you’re a watch manufacturer, a logistics company, an IT integrator – or a robot specialist – we can support you to connect to the world and connect to new IoT opportunities. Get in touch today!