Swiss firm Astrocast is working with Singapore-based UnaBiz to develop and deploy end-to-end IoT for asset tracking and monitoring.

Astrocast runs a global nanosatellite IoT network. Its partnership with massive IoT service provider UnaBiz combines Astrocast’s connectivity technologies with UnaBiz’s custom design expertise in IoT sensors and data platform services.

UnaBiz will extend its UnaInside services to Astrocast’s customers, providing them with a quick turnaround platform for their hardware requirements, such as product design, fast prototyping services and mass production.

Astrocast will provide its direct-to-satellite data service offering, as well as hardware and consulting services to UnaBiz, which will facilitate the on-boarding of Astrocast-enabled devices on UnaConnect, an ISO27001 certified IoT device management data platform that manages close to a million IoT devices.

Further, the jointly developed custom-designed asset tracking and monitoring caters for multiple applications, including, satellite-only applications and hybrid applications, where data can be transmitted via Astrocast’s direct-to-satellite network and other LPWA networks.

All hybrid offerings will be seamlessly integrated on UnaConnect to provide businesses with a secure, cost-effective and scalable way of managing multiple-sensor technology globally. The pair expects prototype development, proof of concept and field-testing to reach completion by spring, with a view to going to market towards the end of the year.

“UnaBiz is a perfect partner to join our fast-growing ecosystem of providers,” said Fabien Jordan, CEO of Astrocast. “We are excited to extend the reach of our satellite IoT services to a wider market in multiple verticals across Asia Pacific, Europe and South Africa, enabling more businesses in these regions to benefit from a disruptive technology that opens so many possibilities.”

Henri Bong, co-CEO of UnaBiz, added: “The satellite-IoT market is growing rapidly. UnaBiz is pleased to partner with Astrocast and leverage its cost-effective, low-power, bidirectional direct-to-satellite services to complement existing LPWAN projects that we are currently driving in the market.”

The Astrocast network lets companies monitor, track, assess and communicate with critical remote assets from anywhere in the world. In partnership with Airbus, CEA/LETI, the European Space Agency and Thuraya, Astrocast developed Astronode S, a module featuring low profile L-band antenna, low power consumption and a small form factor. Founded in 2014, Astrocast designs, builds and tests all its products in-house, from the satellites to the terminals.

Based in Singapore, Taiwan and Japan, UnaBiz has deployed over a million sensors globally in 28 countries, focusing on smart cities applications such as smart metering, facilities management, asset management and asset tracking.