3 Ways the Internet of Things Is Changing Global Shipping (Sponsored)

American International Group (AIG), the global insurance provider with a passion for the Internet of Things (IoT), continues its work studying the impact of the IoT on companies across all industries. In the first White Paper, AIG covered the risks of the rapid advancement of tech and the global integration of millions of sensors into the Internet of Things. In their second White Paper, entitled “IoT Case Studies: Companies Leading the Connected Economy”, AIG introduced the companies driving the global economy into the future. We discussed cooperative tech advancements from Amec Foster Wheeler, U.S. Bank, and John Deere. Today, we re-visit that White Paper and explore how the Internet of Things is changing the face of shipping around the globe with Ericsson, Daimler, and ABB Group.

Ericsson, a Swedish communications company celebrating 140 years of service, is changing the way the world ships products across the oceans. With their information and communications technology (ICT), they are enabling ships around the world to send critical information to producers and transporters, allowing efficient and accurate monitoring of products throughout the supply chain. This is all done through Ericsson’s Maritime ICT Cloud, which is driven by the IoT. The sensors in play monitor vessel location and speed, temperature of refrigerated cargo containers, and other real-time data which keeps all of the stakeholders abreast of critical information regarding their products.

Daimler, the German auto manufacturer, is shaping its own portion of the shipping economy: overland trucking. Using augmented vehicles and assisted driving, Daimler has a vision to eliminate roadside fatalities. The tech they’ve already put into play includes improvements to proximity control and brake assist technology, 3D maps, and even tools to help the driver stay in their lane. These monitoring systems include stereo cameras and radar sensors, which provide greater accuracy and faster response times. Daimler is currently developing a “Highway Pilot System” which will relieve long-distance truckers from the fatigue that is involved in so many accidents around the world. The features of the system don’t end with safety, though. Automated trucks could one day communicate with infrastructure to reduce traffic and improve fuel economy, helping to further reduce the cost of shipping.

Swiss leader in automation technologies ABB Group, is finding its own traction in the world of shipping. The equipment they install worldwide includes motors, drives, robots, and control systems. These are connected to transformers, high- and low-voltage breakers, and other low-voltage equipment. With these devices, especially robots, ABB is finding ways to reduce downtime from upgrades and repairs. But they’ve found other amazing uses for their monitors. After adding monitors to hybrid engines, they found they could monitor the efficiency of not just the electronic components, but also the engines. With these monitors, they have been able to optimize fuel efficiency in real time.

According to AIG:
“ABB’s willingness to adjust toward new strategies and services can provide a great model for other companies looking for ways to improve their own IoT innovations.”

It is clear, that any of these companies are a shining example of what happens when industries embrace tech in new and surprising ways. With food, products, and services being transported by the billions every day, shipping services shape the worldwide economy in more ways that we understand. Thanks to the Internet of Things, though, we’re starting to know things we’ve never dreamed of before. Download the White Paper from AIG to see all eleven of the case studies in their entirety, or head over to the Innovative Technology page to see more from the minds at AIG. Plus you can join in the conversation on Twitter with #InnovativeTech.

This article is the product of a partnership between GeekDad and member companies of American International Group, Inc. Although this post is sponsored, the information and opinions expressed in the article constitute only my own beliefs.

//