Saft Groupe SA

06/14/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Reframing IoT: A closer look at Sensing

The number of smart sensors being deployed, to measure all kinds of data, is growing fast. But what does the future hold for the IoT Sensing market?

Late in 2023, we considered the use of the overarching term 'IoT' and sought to make sense of it as a catchall term for numerous different subsections, each with their own characteristics.

Broadly speaking, at Saft we filter IoT applications into one of four areas: tracking, sensing, automation and industrial.

We don't see IoT as a homogenous idea precisely because we understand the value of maintaining the distinction of those sub-sections and developing products that support the diverse requirements.

Here, we'll take a closer look at how IoT applications are being deployed for sensing, and how we tailor our batteries for these devices.

A growing market

IoT sensors gather information - like water levels, air temperature, traffic patterns etc. -and transmit it to the cloud via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, LPWAN, LoRaWAN or other communication networks. That data can then be read by the user to determine the best course of action.

Smart sensors are being deployed in more and more environments - they're vital for industries looking to make smart decisions, they're a key component of smart cities and buildings, and they're becoming more commonplace for use by individuals (in doorbells, cars, kitchen appliances, wearable devices and more).

As a result, the IoT Sensors market is expected to grow quickly, from $16 billion in 2024 to $70.1 billion in 2029. It is becoming a gigantic market in itself.

What's next for sensing?

The market will grow quickly due to the sheer volume of devices being developed and deployed. But that's not all that we expect to change in the field of sensing.

There will be even greater demand on IoT applications to provide customers with more complex data, and for more 'all-inclusive' services that provide real-time analysis of said data. This will become even more important as networks of devices become linked and overlap, and feed into multiple sources.

Devices will also be required to transmit to one another, 'talking' directly to other devices as well as reporting to a central hub. There'll also be a shift as more and more devices feed into machine learning IoT infrastructure as organizations look to supercharge their ability to glean insight from data.

Those expected changes are just one of the reasons we like to consider Sensing as a core subsector of IoT. The need for more complex data and more regular transmissions will mean developers require batteries with more energy and power, without compromising on operational lifespan.

Getting to grips with sensing

But what is different about IoT devices used for sensing?

These devices, for the most part, are used to transmit small amounts of specific data on a regular basis.

They also require reliability over the course of a long lifespan to avoid the need for maintenance or replacement.

When a customer comes to us with a new sensing device, we often point them towards Saft's LS, LSH and LSP cylindrical primary lithium cells ranges. These cells are based on Lithium-Thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) chemistry that perfectly suits high-energy and high- voltage requirements.

The LS range is particularly popular for sensors. It's bobbin construction, and low self-discharge, allows for consistency over years of data pulses.

There are other considerations too, of course. Some sensors are deployed in particularly harsh environments (extreme temperature, ATEX zones etc.). Here, we might look towards Saft's LSH range. The cell has a spiral construction and includes specific models that can operate at the very high temperatures found in oil and gas applications, or offshore and geomonitoring applications, for example.

Whatever the device, it is important to acknowledge that not all sensors have the same needs. That's why we work to help developers find the right battery for their device.