UNILODE AND ONASSET DEPLOY WORLD’S FIRST AIRBORNE IOT NETWORK

Unilode Aviation Solutions and OnAsset Intelligence have jointly developed an extensive network upgrade, introducing cutting-edge in-flight tracking capabilities. Unilode boasts ownership and operation of the world’s largest digitally enabled unit load device (ULD) fleet, in excess of 120,000 digital ULDs. This is made possible through the integration of OnAsset’s Sentry IoT (Internet of Things) gateways, strategically deployed at airports, repair stations, freight forwarder warehouses and trucks worldwide. Significantly, this upgrade marks a pioneering achievement, as the IoT network now extends seamlessly to the aircraft, revolutionising in-flight tracking possibilities for ULDs – a first-of-its-kind innovation.

“Everything in the supply chain is becoming connected, and Unilode is leading the charge” said Adam Crossno, OnAsset Intelligence CEO. “Extending real-time visibility to the aircraft itself, during flight and ground operations, is a real game changer because we can provide critical operational visibility at the very edge where it counts most. We can now deliver seamless location, status and chain-of-custody visibility across all aspects of the aviation supply chain, and that’s never been possible before.

“This is an evolution two decades in the making. The key to digital enablement is a great network, and that is what we’ve built in partnership with Unilode. This network supports digitised ULDs, intelligent warehouses, piece-level cargo tracking, ground support equipment tracking and thirdrdparty devices via our managed interoperability offering. We are able to support the industry at large, with visibility in all phases of the process and we are eager to continue our long legacy of innovation together.”

The ongoing successful multi-year project aimed at digitally enabling Unilode’s entire ULD fleet continues with the rollout of OnAsset’s state-of-the-art Sentry 600 FlightSafe gateway. Already in progress, this cutting-edge gateway stands out as the world’s most powerful IoT device, equipped with a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi and LoRa. Alongside these features, it boasts GPS capabilities, a complete sensor suite, and an e-paper screen and keypad.

The Sentry 600 has been engineered to streamline the process of capturing data from tens of thousands of sensor tags in a single scan cycle, paving the way for a future where all assets and shipments within the aviation supply chain can be seamlessly connected digitally. To ensure compliance with aviation regulations for installation on aircraft, the Sentry 600 is equipped with a rechargeable battery and OnAsset’s patented FlightSafe technology, making it the only device of its kind to meet these stringent aviation standards. With these advancements, Unilode and OnAsset Intelligence are taking significant strides towards creating a fully interconnected aviation ecosystem that promises enhanced efficiency, transparency and security throughout the industry, says a company statement.

Ross Marino, Unilode Aviation Solutions CEO said: “We are excited to upgrade Unilode’s ULD reader network to the new Sentry 600 gateway which will allow us to enhance our global network reach and reliability, and enable us and our customers to reap all the benefits of our digital solutions in the years to come.

“Unilode is committed to improving the data capture to promote more efficient operations and increase asset availability by reducing missing, lost, and idle ULDs which drive up inefficiencies and costs, and to enable airlines to realise additional revenue stream opportunities.

“All of Unilode’s ULD management customers receive these upgrades free of charge as part of our continued focus on improving our ULD service levels and delivering on our digital promises.”

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes physical objects (or groups of such objects) with sensors, processing ability, software and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks. The IoT falls under the electronics and communication and computer science engineering and is now considered a misnomer because devices do not need to be connected to the public internet; they only need to be connected to a network, and be individually addressable.

The field has evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, including ubiquitous computing, commodity sensors, increasingly powerful embedded systems as well as machine learning. Traditional fields of embedded systems, wireless sensor networks, control systems, automation (including home and building automation), independently and collectively also play a role in the Internet of Things.