Krabo has adopted the CC2652RSIP multi-protocol 2.4GHz SimpleLink™ wireless MCU from Texas Instruments in the development of their connected bolts. These components serve as the core of Krabo's connected bolt technology, benefiting from Texas Instruments' deep expertise in wired and wireless connectivity solutions accumulated over more than two decades, along with their engineering support to ensure reliable and seamless designs.
The Texas Instruments SimpleLink wireless MCU series, particularly its system-in-package wireless modules, offer low power consumption that extends battery life and utilize the Zigbee® protocol, significantly enhancing usability. This technology from Texas Instruments meets the small size design requirements of bolt heads.
Krabo users can access bolt data and monitor their tension status anytime, anywhere. This data is then transmitted to a local gateway via communication standards like Zigbee® or Bluetooth®. Zigbee, being based on a mesh network, is not only user-friendly but also boasts cross-network compatibility. These industry standards ensure communication distances of 10 to 100 meters. The gateway connects to the internet via Wi-Fi® or cellular networks. All data eventually reaches the Krabo central cloud for viewing by users on laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Predictive maintenance through remote data access can lead to significant cost savings. For instance, in routine maintenance of infrastructure in major city bridges alone, annual savings of up to $20 to $30 million can be achieved.
Paolo Redaelli, Krabo project manager, stated, "Meeting the challenges of size, power consumption, and reliable connectivity requirements in constructing various infrastructure posed numerous challenges for engineers. By adopting Texas Instruments' SimpleLink devices, we obtained an ultra-compact solution with very low power consumption that seamlessly integrates into the Zigbee ecosystem, allowing us to send reliable data directly from these infrastructures to the gateway, instilling confidence in our clients about their designs."
Krabo aims to drive innovation in emerging markets, where miniaturization of components will facilitate large-scale production and achieve higher security and lower maintenance costs in traditionally expensive infrastructure.
Krabo has now launched connected bolts suitable for large-scale industrial production. By incorporating Texas Instruments' wireless technology into their products, the company not only meets stringent size requirements but also enables enterprises to access data at all times, staying informed about when critical updates are needed. Looking ahead, Krabo plans to develop even smaller bolts to expand this technology into more applications such as the automotive sector.