Hubble Network and InPlay Inc are collaborating on a global asset tracking service that can deliver a sub-$1 cost without passive RFID.
InPlay’s IN100 NanoBeacon chip will be paired with Hubble Networks’ 95 million gateways from its satellite-powered Bluetooth network. This will allow users to gain item-level sensor and location data on a massive scale, the companies said.
The IN100 NanoBeacon is a plug-and-play device that can be embedded into smart labels, wearables and small internet of things (IoT) trackers. Deployed with Hubble firmware, devices connect instantly to Hubble’s network with zero infrastructure costs or hardware setup. This allows for the transmitting of sensor data from the first time it is connected.
As part of the collaboration, the companies will pursue joint use case efforts like:
- Smart labels
- Cold chain monitoring
- Returnable transport items
- Wearables
“RFID makes you build infrastructure around every tag. Hubble is like an API layer for monitoring the physical world without needing your own physical scanning infrastructure,” said Alex Haro, CEO and co-founder of Hubble Network. “Combined with InPlay’s chips, which are small, ultra low-power, and built to scale, we’re making global tracking possible at a price that puts item-level visibility within reach for any business.”
