

Industrial IoT Spotlight
Peter Rohde-Chen, Erik Walenza
The Industrial IoT Spotlight Podcast shines a light on digital solutions that are impacting businesses today. Our mission is to feature the companies that are building the next generation of enterprise technologies, from architecture design to data management to business model innovation.
Our hosts, Peter Rohde-Chen and Erik Walenza, are friends and entrepreneurs based in Shanghai, China. The Industrial IoT Spotlight is produced by Asia Growth Partners, a group of technology experts and business leaders, who help technology companies and corporates navigate technology development, implementation, and adoption in Asia.
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn @asia-growth-partners-agp or visit our website at https://asiagrowthpartners.com. You can contact Erik directly at erik.walenza@asiagrowthpartners.com
Our hosts, Peter Rohde-Chen and Erik Walenza, are friends and entrepreneurs based in Shanghai, China. The Industrial IoT Spotlight is produced by Asia Growth Partners, a group of technology experts and business leaders, who help technology companies and corporates navigate technology development, implementation, and adoption in Asia.
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn @asia-growth-partners-agp or visit our website at https://asiagrowthpartners.com. You can contact Erik directly at erik.walenza@asiagrowthpartners.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 2, 2020 • 1h 1min
EP062 - Advanced machine vision and deep learning systems - Iain Smith, Managing Director, Fisher Smith
In this episode, we discuss the use of deep learning mechanisms to accomplish tasks that are not possible with traditional rule-based systems. We use two cases to illustrate how deep learning can be used to solve non-traditional and recognition problems within hours. This is part 2 of 2 with Iain Smith on machine vision. Iain Smith is Managing Director and Co-Founder at Fisher Smith. Fisher Smith designs and supplies machine vision systems for automatic inspection and identification of manufactured parts on industrial production lines. https://fishersmith.co.uk IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Mar 23, 2020 • 1h 4min
EP061 - A primer on machine vision: technologies and use cases - Iain Smith, Managing Director, Fisher Smith
In this episode, we give an introduction to machine vision technology, use case adoption trends, and key success factors for an high accuracy solution. We also review decision making process to determine the right tech stack, and cost structure for low and high complexity systems. This is part 1 of 2 with Iain Smith on machine vision. Iain Smith is Managing Director and Co-Founder at Fisher Smith. Fisher Smith designs and supplies machine vision systems for automatic inspection and identification of manufactured parts on industrial production lines. https://fishersmith.co.uk IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Mar 17, 2020 • 42min
EP060 - How to integrate the IT and OT for better IIoT deployments - Keith Higgins, Vice President of Digital Transformation, Rockwell Automation
In this episode, we discuss how to improve the ways a company accesses, processes, and leverages data to make better decisions. We open the question of what digital transformation actually means for industry as opposed to non-industrial sectors. Keith also discusses what the PTC partnership means for IT and OT integration. Keith Higgins is Vice President of Digital Transformation at Rockwell Automation. He previously served as Vice President at FogHorn and CMO at RiskVision until its acquisition in 2017. Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 23,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing The Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com. IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Mar 2, 2020 • 1h 10min
EP058 - A conversation on AI, social responsibility, and future disruptions - Neil Sahota, Master Inventor, IBM
In this episode of the IIoT Spotlight Podcast, we discuss the current state of AI in practice, the integration of AI and IoT, and the importance of new data sources designed for machine use. On a more human angle, we highlight the importance of measuring social impact while deploying disruptive technology. Neil Sahota is an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations Artificial Intelligence subject matter expert, and on the Faculty at UC Irvine. With over twenty years’ experience, Neil works with clients and business partners to create next generation products/solutions powered by emerging technologies. He is also the author of Own the A.I. Revolution, a practical guide to leveraging A.I. for social good and business growth. IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Feb 28, 2020 • 50min
EP059 - Connectivity, processing, and storage trends reshaping the IoT landscape - Ed Kuzemchak, CTO, Software Design Solutions
In this episode of the IIoT Spotlight Podcast, we discuss the improving connectivity, storage, and processing cost structures, and 5G’s relevance or irrelevance for IIoT. Software Design Solutions develops high-quality software for embedded systems. Their areas of expertise include workstation applications, user interface design, and software process improvement. They have developed applications for a variety of industries such as medical, industrial automation and control, audio and image signal processing, transportation, retail, networking, defense, security, and consumer devices. Software Design Solutions was founded in 2003. Ed Kuzemchak is the Chief Technology Officer and Director of IoT and Embedded Systems Engineering at Software Design Solutions, which is an Applied Visions company. Ed founded Software Design Solutions in 2003, focusing the company on embedded systems, machine-to-machine, and IoT software development. IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Feb 13, 2020 • 52min
EP057 - Databases designed for the IoT - Syed Hoda, Chief Commercial Officer, Crate.io
In this episode of the IIoT Spotlight Podcast, we discuss the challenges facing companies when they scale industrial use cases that rely on large complex data streams and trends driving the development of systems at scale by traditional industrials that are expanding their business scope. What is different about data in IoT and why is it harder than other projects? Why do traditional databases and dev-ops methods fail in IoT projects? How do consumer application development trends interact with, and drive, the development of industrial applications? Syed Hoda is the Chief Commercial Officer and President North America at Crate.io, which develops IIoT data management solutions for customers around the world. An IoT industry veteran, Hoda most recently served as CMO of digital manufacturing platform company Sight Machine, and previously had been CMO of ParStream, the IoT analytics company acquired by Cisco Systems Inc. He lives in Palo Alto, California. https://crate.io/products/crate-iot-data-platform/ IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Dec 9, 2019 • 44min
EP056 - Airbnb for telecommunications - Frank Mong, COO, Helium
In this episode of the IIoT Spotlight Podcast, we discuss how Helium is providing universal and affordable connectivity for IoT devices, provided by people, and secured through a blockchain. How do you provide connectivity where there is no infrastructure? How do you incentivize people to contribute to an open-source connectivity ecosystem? What are the connectivity challenges facing IoT device manufacturers today? Frank Mong is COO at Helium, where he is leading the global go-to-market strategy for the company. He is responsible for sales, marketing and business development at Helium. Before Helium, Mong spent 20 years in cybersecurity including CMO at Hortonworks, SVP of Marketing at Palo Alto Networks, and VP/GM of security at HP. frank@helium.com Helium is building the world’s first peer-to-peer wireless network designed specifically for IoT devices. Helium's technology will help spark a wave of innovation by enabling a new generation of small, mobile, low-powered IoT devices that include remote wildfire and agricultural sensors, micro-mobility trackers, and more. helium.com Use cases: Helium.com/enterprise Developer resources (software, hardware, firmware, connectivity documentation): helium.com/developers Buy Helium Hotspot: helium.com/store IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Dec 2, 2019 • 39min
EP055 - How to cut 20 minutes off an emergency 911 response with data - Michael Martin, CEO, RapidSOS
In this episode of the IIoT Spotlight Podcast, we discuss the challenges facing 911 IT systems, the impact of data on emergency outcomes, and the role of IoT devices in enabling first time responders and predictive alerts. How much data does a 911 center have? How do we know which data is useful to a 911 first responder for deciding actions to take? How can software and device companies use their data to increase the safety of their products and services? Michael is co-founder and CEO of RapidSOS, an advanced emergency tech company, commercializing technology to predict and preempt emergencies before they occur, dynamically warn people in harm's way, and provide a rich data link from any device directly to first responders globally. He brings extensive experience in start-up commercialization, financing, and strategy to RapidSOS. In the course of his principal investing activities and advisory work, Michael assisted nearly 50 companies commercialize their technologies, helping them secure in excess of $2 billion of capital. RapidSOS partners with tech companies and the public safety community to transform emergency response. With the mission to connect the world to public safety, RapidSOS works with Apple, Google, Uber, and other mobile app, wearable, smart home, connected car, and connected building companies to seamlessly send user and device data to local authorities during emergencies, providing a lifeline to users during difficult moments. Over 3,500 9-1-1 agencies nationwide, representing more than 90% of the U.S. population, currently receive data from hundreds of millions of devices through RapidSOS. rapidsos.com IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com

Nov 6, 2019 • 58min
EP 054 - How removing the battery from sensors can enable a trillion sensor world - Bob Nunn, CEO, Everactive
In this episode of the IIoT Spotlight Podcast, we discuss the battery problems in IoT that hinder deployments and value creation today, and how innovations in ultra low power circuit design and wireless communications that allow sensors to operate solely on energy harvested from the surrounding environment. Are we trading one problem for another with IoT sensors? How do we create a sensor the size of a stamp with larger range and compute ability than the average sensor today? How accurate are consultancy forecasts about the size of the IoT market? Bob Nunn is the CEO of Everactive. Everactive produces data intelligence for the physical world. Operating without batteries, the company’s always-on wireless sensor networks deliver continuous cloud-based analytics at a scale not possible with battery-powered devices. Everactive’s end-to-end solutions are built upon groundbreaking advances in ultra-low-power circuit design and wireless communication that allow the company to power its Eversensors exclusively from harvested energy. For additional information, visit www.everactive.com.

Oct 28, 2019 • 59min
EP053 - The first iteration of cybernetic workers - Gabe Grifoni, CEO, Rufus Labs
In this episode of the IIoT Spotlight podcast, we discuss the evolution of warehouse for commerce, and modern solutions and flexible service based business models to support the new business and competitive challenges in logistics. What is driving the development of industrial wearables? How do you sell Hardware-as-a-Service? What are the disruptive technologies to come in the IIoT? Gabe Grifoni is the CEO of Rufus Labs. Rufus Labs’ WorkHero is the most advanced connected operator platform for enterprise. Comprised of machine learning software, rugged wearable technology, and superhuman support, WorkHero is a complete Productivity as a Service solution for the evolving workplace (Industry 4.0). Compatible with existing WMS/ERP systems, it connects workers to each other and to automation, allowing for optimal coordination between humans & machines. WorkHero provides our logistics, e-commerce, and fulfillment customers superhuman efficiency gains, safety enhancements, and zero downtime, while providing management with robust, actionable, visibility & analytics into their teams and facilities. For info and demo: getrufus.com or enterprise@rufuslabs.com Accelerating the Industrial Internet of Things. IoT ONE is an insight and advisory firm focused on helping companies manage the threats and opportunities presented by the Internet of Things. https://www.iotone.com