Mr. Hengstler, what are the main application scenarios for the new radar sensors for level measurement?

Clemens Hengstler: The stand-alone sensors based on our 80 GHz radar technology can be installed quickly via plug-and-play - regardless of whether they are used in mobile containers for liquids or bulk goods, IBC containers, transportable silos or tanks. Or stationary and remote containers, such as cisterns, catch basins and decentralized supply tanks, where no sensors were previously used because the installation and wiring costs were too high.

Why does the market need a new solution?

Today, there are still many containers in which the fill level is not recorded because it was previously too time-consuming and costly. Our sensors create transparency and make it possible to optimize processes, workflows and logistics. Cyclical processes can be designed to meet demand and consumption. This reduces costs and saves resources. Availability and security of supply are increased.

Summarized in a few sentences: What is special about the sensors?

The 'Vegapuls Air' sensors are battery-operated and can be installed in just a few simple steps. No cabling is required. The measured values are transmitted wirelessly. The user does not have to worry about the infrastructure: install the sensor, switch it on - done. Thanks to the integrated battery, runtimes of more than ten years can be achieved.

What measured values do the sensors record?

The self-sufficient devices record the fill level, temperature, GPS position, orientation and battery status in each container several times a day and transmit them wirelessly to the cloud.

How is communication regulated and how is the data transmitted?
Communication takes place via low-power wireless standards that have been specially designed for IoT sensors: firstly via LoRa, a standard that is currently used in smart cities. It allows the sensors to be integrated into a local LoRa network. There is also a mobile radio version. It uses NB-IoT or LTE-M, both of which are integrated into 4G and 5G. They are optimized for high range and penetration so that network coverage can be achieved even in the basements of buildings.

What about data security?

Security - a good keyword! We paid particular attention to this during development. The devices have end-to-end encryption in addition to the standard encryption of the wireless standards. Maximum security is guaranteed.