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

Aug 23, 2024 • 35min
EP 207 - Battery-Free IoT: Exploring Ultra-Low Power Innovations
In this episode, we sit down with Paul Davis, VP of Product Management and Marketing at Atmosic Technologies, to discuss cutting-edge advancements in ultra-low-power and batteryless solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT). Atmosic is pioneering energy-efficient wireless solutions that can drastically reduce the need for batteries in connected devices, making a significant impact on sustainability and the future of IoT. We explore the latest developments in energy harvesting, Atmosic's adoption of Thread and Matter protocols, and the growing importance of tiny-ML and edge AI applications. Key Topics Discussed: • Innovations in energy harvesting, including printed photovoltaic cells for device casing. • Adoption of Thread and Matter protocols for smarter, more connected homes. • Industry adoption trends in retail, asset tracking, and sustainability efforts. • The future of ultra-low-power AI with Tiny-ML and edge computing. Connect with Paul Davis: • Website: https://atmosic.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-davis-2a749 IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/

Aug 12, 2024 • 45min
EP 206 - AI and the Future of Invention: A Legal Perspective
In this episode of the Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast, we spoke with Robert Plotkin, Founding Partner of Blueshift IP and author of AI Armor: Securing the Future of Your AI Company With Strategic Intellectual Property. We delved into the evolving landscape of AI and intellectual property, discussing how AI is revolutionizing innovation and the patent process. Robert shared his expertise on developing systematic IP strategies for AI-driven companies, highlighting the importance of protecting AI-generated content and navigating the complexities of patent law in the AI era. Key Topics: • Systematic IP Strategy for AI: How to create a comprehensive patent strategy that maximizes the value of AI-driven innovations. • AI's Impact on Innovation: Exploring the ways AI is automating research and development, and its implications for inventors and companies. • Patent Rights for AI-Generated Content: Understanding the legal landscape around patenting technologies, algorithms, and content created by AI. • Defending Against Patent Workarounds: Strategies to broaden patent scope and protect innovations from clever loopholes. • AI Litigation: How smaller players can defend themselves against larger competitors in court. • Trade Secrets vs. Patents: When it might be better to protect intellectual property as a trade secret instead of pursuing a patent. Connect with Robert Plotkin: • Website: https://blueshiftip.com/ • Book: AI Armor: Securing the Future of Your AI Company With Strategic Intellectual Property • LinkedIn: Robert Plotkin IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/

Aug 5, 2024 • 37min
EP 205 - Al and IoT: Building Trustworthy Time-Series Data
In this episode of the Industrial IoT Spotlight Podcast, we interviewed Bert Baeck, Co-founder and CEO of Timeseer.AI. Timeseer.AI is revolutionizing time-series data operations by automating data orchestration across organizations. Bert shared his journey from a background in data science to becoming a serial entrepreneur, with successful ventures like TrendMiner and now Timeseer.AI. We discussed the impacts of data downtime and strategies to ensure data quality, empowering data teams to detect, prioritize, and investigate data quality issues before they affect operations. Key Discussion Points: The critical role of data quality in industrial IoT and OT environments. How to establish metrics for measuring data quality. Real-world examples where data quality significantly impacts business operations. Timeseer.AI's philosophy of scanning data where it resides, whether on the edge, in storage units, or in the cloud. The interplay between IT and OT teams in ensuring data quality. To learn more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://www.timeseer.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertbaeck/?originalSubdomain=be

May 28, 2024 • 35min
EP 204 - Transforming Industrial Operations: The Power of Edge Computing
In this episode, we spoke with David Puron, CEO of Barbara. Barbara specializes in secure edge computing platforms designed to enhance industrial operations. David shared insights on how edge computing enables real-time decision-making, improves data security, and optimizes network efficiency in various industrial applications. During our discussion, we delved into the practical strategies and real-world implementations that are shaping the future of industrial IoT through edge computing. Key Discussion Points: 💡 What practical applications are revolutionizing industrial operations through edge computing? 💡 How does edge computing enhance real-time decision-making on the factory floor? 💡 What are the key benefits of edge computing for data security in industrial settings? 💡 How does Barbara optimize network efficiency in industrial IoT environments? 💡 How is Barbara prepared for ongoing advancements in edge computing and data processing? Connect with David Puron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpuron/ Barbara: https://www.barbara.tech/ IoT ONE database: https://www.iotone.com/case-studies Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast is produced by Asia Growth Partners (AGP): https://asiagrowthpartners.com/

Apr 11, 2024 • 43min
EP 203 - Scaling AI: Revolutionizing Manufacturing Operations
In today's episode, we're joined by Nikunj Mehta, Founder and CEO of Falkonry, a company revolutionizing plant operations with AI-driven insights. We explore the evolution of AI from project-based work to scalable software solutions, discussing the role of generative AI in automating data processing and simplifying output delivery. Nikunj shares insights on building trust in AI systems and leveraging wearables for real-time insights on the shop floor. Key Discussion Points: Falkonry's platform analyzes industrial equipment data to identify issues and trends. Software-based AI reduces implementation time and resources for companies. Challenges in AI adoption include building trust in AI systems and integrating diverse data sources. To learn more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://falkonry.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrmehta/

Mar 22, 2024 • 40min
EP 202 - Navigating IoT Solutions: A Dive into Digi's Evolution and Future
Ron Konezny from Digi discusses the evolution of IoT, emphasizing the shift to recurring revenue models and comprehensive solutions. Topics include the importance of holistic systems, challenges in managing IoT solutions, AI in data analysis, technologies like 5G and LoRa, and the venture into vertical integration with SmartSense for condition monitoring.

Mar 11, 2024 • 37min
EP 201 - Tap, Pay, and Play: The NFC Forum's Guide to Contactless Technology
In this episode of the Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast, Erik Walenza of IoT ONE hosts Mike McCamon from the NFC Forum to explore the future of NFC technology. We explore how IoT device manufacturers are collaborating to drive the rapid development of NFC standards and technical capabilities. These efforts led to the NFC Forum's recent release of its next gen technology development roadmap, which includes power harvesting, range extension, device-to- device connectivity, multi-tap use cases, and digital product passports for sustainability. Mike shares his vision for the potential of NFC beyond payments, such as in access control for building and data sharing between IoT devices. He also shares critical challenges yet to overcome, such as the need for improved user experience and range to simplify the design process for OEMs. Five elements of the NFC Forum's technology development roadmap: power harvesting, range extension, device-to-device connectivity, multi-tap use cases, and digital product passports Potential applications of NFC technology beyond payment transactions, including access control, digital keys, and business card exchanges NFC's role in car connectivity and potential use in tracking high-value items through blockchain technology Disruption of QR code-based payment systems by NFC technology in retail environments About Mike McCamon Mike McCamon is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience in the tech industry. He is currently the Executive Director of the NFC Forum, an industry association dedicated to advancing NFC, standards and use cases. Under his leadership, the NFC Forum has grown to include over 300 member companies from all over the world. Demonstrating a wide range of skills and passions he has been both the inaugural executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and later on the executive team that launched Water.org. He also led high-growth teams at Apple, Iomega, Intel and several startups. He is a frequent speaker and author on technology and social impact topics. About the NFC Forum The NFC Forum, established in 2004, is a non-profit industry association comprised of leading mobile communications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics companies. Its mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability, and educating the market about NFC technology. The NFC Forum's global member companies share skills, technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop specifications and protocols for interoperable data exchange, device-independent service delivery, and device capability. Forum's supporting certification program and user marks enhance and promote a consistent, reliable, seamless and secure NFC user experience. To learn more about joining the Forum, visit https://nfc-forum.org/

Mar 5, 2024 • 38min
EP 200 - How Can Generative AI Revolutionize IoT Applications?
In this episode of the Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast, Kenta Yasukawa, CTO of Soracom, and Erik Walenza, CEO of IoT ONE, discuss the integration of generative AI with IoT. Kenta highlights how gen AI lowers the barrier to entry for AI and IoT solutions, enabling a broader audience to leverage machine learning without extensive data collection or model building. He outlines Soracom's platform capabilities, including secure connectivity and application integration, and its role in facilitating innovation for diverse organizations. They explore the value of IoT data in various applications and the importance of human involvement in AI decision-making. The episode emphasizes Soracom's commitment to customer-driven platform evolution and the potential of AI and IoT to revolutionize industrial connectivity. Tune in to learn: • Potential applications of generative AI (gen AI) in IoT • Soracom's efforts in incorporating gen AI into its IoT platform • Challenges and opportunities in the collaboration between humans and AI in IoT scenarios • Use of gen AI to streamline processes and aid in logo design • Potential value of IoT data and its incremental value to different stakeholders • Bottom-up nature of AI solutions and its potential for driving innovation and connectivity in the industrial IoT space

Jan 18, 2024 • 34min
EP 199 - Bring Real-Time Tracking Costs Down, and Scalability Up
Today, we have Samuel Van de Velde, the Chief Technology Officer at Pozyx, as our guest. Pozyx stands out as a top-notch supplier of real-time location systems and cutting-edge tracking solutions designed to ensure the durability of asset tracking, both indoors and outdoors. In this episode we discussed the utilization of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, examining its role in enhancing scalability and adaptability within asset tracking scenarios. Additionally, we investigate the pivotal role of location tracking in supplying data to artificial intelligence algorithms, enabling detailed analytics on asset health and predictions of behavioral patterns. Key Discussion Points: What specific use cases does your solution address in tracking cows' locations in optimizing dairy production? How does Pozyx facilitate the large-scale deployment of tracking systems for its customers? What innovations we expect from your business in the near future? To learn more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://www.pozyx.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelvandevelde

Jan 12, 2024 • 45min
EP 198 - Rethink Database Design for the AI Era
Today, we have Eric Daimler, the CEO and co-founder of Conexus AI. Conexus AI serves as a hybrid generative AI platform, facilitating reliable and rapid digital modernization, empowering enterprises to seamlessly migrate, integrate, and transform their IT systems. In this episode, we delve into the utilization of category algebra to implement a domain-driven approach to interoperability. This approach focuses on computing the optimal data model rather than relying on manual design. Additionally, we explore the common issue of architects misunderstanding the practical structure of databases, leading to the failure of IT programs, as opposed to adhering to their originally intended structures. Key Discussion Points: What key concepts, such as data mesh and strategies, should companies consider when building the right architecture to effectively leverage their data assets? How does Conexus AI help companies facing decentralized data challenges? What does the before-and-after scenario look like in terms of data usage and outcomes? To learn more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://conexus.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdaimler/


