The IoT Adds a Human ‘Safety Net’ to the Internet

Safety is always important in daily life, be it at home, in the office or on the move. Smart IoT solutions can confront some of these dangers, as these examples from practice demonstrate.

On October 8, 1958, Swedish engineer Arne Larsson became the world’s first human to receive an implanted cardiac pacemaker. Manufactured by Siemens-Elema, it was cast in epoxy resin and contained a condenser, two transistors and a rechargeable battery. Technology has since progressed and Biotronik pacemakers, for example, incorporate a built-in wireless chip that regularly transmits data on both the condition of the patient’s heart and that of the device to a CardioMessenger.

This little IoT box relays the readings to the Cloud, thereby enabling the attending physician to access the patient’s relevant information online. Biotronik, a leading manufacturer of medical devices, was looking for a transmission partner to provide a reliable global mobile network. The Berlin-based German company found one in Deutsche Telekom, which has connected the Biotronik data boxes to its IoT network. CardioMessengers with a Telekom IoT SIM card are currently active in over 100 countries. The global cellular footprint of Telekom and its 600 roaming partners ensures smooth and secure data transmission, including across borders  when travel is involved. The Internet of Things thereby contributes globally toward the safety of patients.

Timely notification is especially important in cases of specific danger such as fire. That is why the LUPUS Electronics smart smoke alarm is linked to the Cloud via the cellular network. In the event of smoke emission it not only sounds the alarm to warn people in the building; it also sends smoke alarm warnings to smart phones, an emergency call center or the building management system. Networking additionally facilitates fully automatic remote maintenance of devices, eliminating the annual maintenance cost factor. There are no limits to deployment of the smoke alarm. Its batteries last for ten years and it requires neither a gateway nor local internet nor a separate power supply. Thanks to the NB-IoT network technology standard the alarm also transmits reliably from basements.

Two Telekom partners use the IoT to develop systems to warn people of extreme weather risks. The solution developed by the startup Divirod continuously collects global water level data in rivers and dams, tidal data and data on snow, ice and rainfall, strong wave activity and possible coastal erosion. Measurements are relayed to the authorities via Telekom’s LTE-M network.

Spekter’s innovative heavy rainfall early warning system works in much the same way. IoT sensors measure rainfall and water levels continuously. Data is transmitted in real time to the Cloud via Telekom’s NB-IoT network. If rainfall increases to an extreme extent and exceeds previously defined critical levels an app sends warnings to emergency workers and the general public.

Transmitting data that, depending on the application, may be highly sensitive and doing it securely and GDPR-compliant is part of Deutsche Telekom’s DNA. IoT technologies like LTE-M and NB-IoT, for example, use the licensed frequency range based on the security standards set by the 3GPP global initiative. In respect of security mobile standards thereby differ decisively from other conventional communication technologies like Bluetooth, LoRaWAN or WLAN.

LTE-M and NB-IoT use SIM cards and standardized security protocols that provide improved protection of personal data. Authentication and encryption at the network level afford protection from unauthorized access and data manipulation, which technologies that use open networks do not always ensure.

Telekom promotes responsible handling of data, especially against the background of rising numbers of cyberattacks on IoT devices. Clear authentication and the option to implement security features such as end-to-end encryption indicate commitment to data protection and an ethical approach to technology. Users can rely on their data being protected.