A partnership between IoT connectivity firm Digi and Italy’s UR Group aims to deliver intelligent transport system (ITS) services to UK-based organisations.

Digi is a Minnesota-based provider of IoT connectivity and UR Group specialises in ITS, defence, industrial automation and energy markets. The collaboration will focus initially on rail, bus and smart cities.

Rail transit remains an attractive alternative to air travel and personal vehicles in some UK markets, but operators must provide more amenities to attract passengers such as wifi, fare collection and security monitoring. Digi’s smart railways technology can communicate real-time data about a range of asset-monitoring functions, from wagon tracking for rail freight customers to air-conditioning on passenger trains.

The secure technology monitors infrastructure and identifies faults so they can be addressed before they disrupt operations.

“We are honoured to work with a true innovator in the ITS sector,” said Justin Schmid, general manager of cellular at Digi. “UR Group is at the forefront of supporting advanced smart cities and transit systems, such as the world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger trains in the UK. Powered by Digi Remote Manager, our broad range of cellular routers are reliable and easy to deploy, manage and control for the entire product lifecycle from a single command point. Our ability to innovate and deliver recurring value underpins our commitment to the long-term success of our customers’ deployments, which aligns exceptionally well with our burgeoning collaboration.”

Joe Matano, managing director of UR Group, added: “This is an exciting time for organisations like Digi and UR Group to bring innovation to the transportation sector. More than ever, business relationships like the one we are forging are critical to enable integration of new technologies and create scalable solutions that shape the future of transportation and facilitate the transition to green energy.”

Founded in 1996 in Milan, UR Group specialises in enabling global connectivity. The company is a provider of communications systems, subsystems and end-to-end products using sensor, IP networking, wireless, fibre-optics and satellite technologies.