A smart meter proof of concept project to launch at Munich Airport will demonstrate the viability of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), to increase the possibilities for sensors.
The smart meter proof of concept project will be developed by Huawei and Telefónica Germany, utilising smart camera technology created by IoT company Q-Cloud to record meter readings on traditional analogue meters, interpret the images to recognised displayed meter readings through integrated software.
The system will then utilise Telefónica’s NB-IoT network to transfer the data to Huawei’s OceanConnect IoT platform. This enables airport staff to quickly access and analyse meter data, and bypasses concerns which have prevented Munich Airport from taking advantage of IoT solutions in the past.
How will this impact Munich Airport?
Previously, the lack of wireless signals in and around the Munich Airport has meant that the installation of sensors for smart applications and the implementation of communication between devices to facilitate the development of an internet of things has been limited.
Further, technology must be carefully selected to ensure that it does not interfere with vital air traffic control communications, and must cover a broad area; Munich Airport spans a total area of 1,575 hectares.
If the smart meter proof of concept project proves successful, it could provide the framework to aid the airport in installing sensors and devices for a wide variety of applications, and pushing forward its aim to become a smarter, technologically enabled transport hub.
What have airport stakeholders said?
Johann Götz, who is responsible for software and infrastructure development at Munich Airport, insisted that the development of IoT is not the final aim of the project, and instead will be used to facilitate improvements in the operation of the airport for everyone who uses it.
He said: “The Internet of Things is not a goal in itself. We want to increase efficiency and enable new services.” The smart meter proof of concept project will address one specific concern in terms of reading electricity meters, but could provide innovative solutions in other areas of the airport.
Götz concluded: “Through digitisation, we’ve experienced dramatic changes in almost all departments. We’re proud that Munich Airport has introduced a new technology like Narrowband IoT.”
