In June, headlines around the world touted the European Commission’s adoption of two proposals that will ensure all European vehicles are equipped with emergency calling technology by October 2015. Here, Bertrand Knopf of Gemalto M2M looks at the implications for M2M.
eCall calls attention to M2M
The emergency “eCall” system is designed to automatically dial “112” in the event of a car crash. The system establishes a connection over cellular networks with the nearest emergency call centre and sends details of the accident to rescue services, including the time of incident, location of the vehicle, direction of travel and other data. The eCall is made even if the driver is unconscious or unable to communicate and can be triggered manually by pushing a button in the car.
The European Commission estimates that eCall will speed up emergency services response times by 40% in urban areas and 50% in the countryside. When fully deployed, it’s projected that eCall will save up to 2,500 lives a year and alleviate the severity of road injuries1. When integrated with other Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) including smart road signs and connected car solutions, it can also help ease traffic congestion, reduce secondary accidents and help drivers find alternate routes to their destination.
The eCall programme is on track to meet the 2015 deadline, in large part due to the success of the Harmonised European eCall pilot programme, otherwise known as HeERO. Launched in 2011 by ERTICO, Europe’s ITS trade organisation, HeERO developed an interoperable Pan-European eCall programme that seamlessly links 15 participating EU member states synchronising systems across country and network borders.
The programme heavily relies on advanced Gemalto Cinterion®machine-to-machine (M2M) modules inside the eCall devices to automatically establish two-way emergency calls between vehicles and the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Gemalto, the global leader in digital security and M2M technology, has been a major contributor to the HeERO programme and an active member of ERTICO.
The automotive industry: An early M2M adopter
eCall is exciting for drivers and enterprises alike, enabling improved safety as well as economic benefits for carmakers, M2M technology providers, mobile operators and public safety participants. The same M2M technology that powers eCall can also enable value added services such as stolen vehicle tracking, pay-as-you-drive auto insurance, reservation services for truck parking – and it’s just the beginning.
The automotive industry has always been ahead of the curve in innovation and it is among the first adopters of leading edge M2M technologies including solderable Machine Identification Modules (MIMs), remote subscription management
and embedded 4G connectivity. These solutions are leading the way toward the future and expanding the Internet of Things (IoT).
The latest innovations, such as the Gemalto Cinterion LTE solution used in Audi’s industry-first LTE connected car solution, allow drivers and passengers to enjoy advanced 4G features including simultaneous voice and data services,
optimised navigation with street level imagery streamed to the vehicle, multimedia streaming and downloads, plus a mobile Wi-Fi hot spot.
A new end-to-end model for M2M
It takes more than just a connectivity solution to bring advanced M2M applications to life. Strict auto manufacturing specifications, longevity requirements, privacy and data security concerns plus the complexities of enabling a constantly moving high-speed wireless setting pose many more mobility obstacles than a typical industrial wireless solution.
To meet these requirements, Gemalto has streamlined what was once a complex value chain, offering a unique blend of end-to-end solutions and services that simplify and speed development. Gemalto’s range of compatible technologies
includes advanced M2M wireless modules to enable reliable communications, a suite of ruggedised MIMs™ for secure connectivity to mobile networks, flexible subscription management services, and an enhanced cloud-based platform for
application enablement that can easily connect assets and enterprises anywhere in the world.
Gemalto Cinterion M2M modules are specifically designed to deliver top performance and low latency in rugged conditions typical of M2M applications. A complete line of advanced automotive products are optimised for the extreme environments of temperature, moisture and vibration unique to conditions on the road. All are pre-certified by global mobile operators to help expedite the approval process during development and improve cost efficiency. An intelligent evolution platform design allows easy forward migration without expensive redesigns and an embedded Java
strategy simplifies edge-to-enterprise computing, allowing remote assets to seamlessly connect with backend systems. The portfolio also includes the industry’s first multi-mode modules allowing communications on GSM, CDMA networks,
enabling OEMs to develop one universal application that can operate anywhere in the world, simplifying manufacturing and logistics while speeding time to market.
Similar to a SIM, Gemalto Cinterion MIM smart cards secure a machine’s identity and encrypt its wireless communications. Ruggedised for the challenges of M2M environments, MIMs combine robust chips with a specialised operating system that ensures longevity and offers a long lifespan, which is compatible to the requirements and
product life cycles of the automotive industry. MIMs are designed in an array of form factors with a range of features including embedded Java and, as required by the automotive industry, production plants are certified according to ISO TS 16949 for unrivalled quality assurances and traceable production processes.
Gemalto enables its clients around the world to offer trusted and convenient digital services to billions of individuals. By extending this expertise to the M2M marketplace, Gemalto is revolutionising the value chain and accelerating the growth of the Internet of Things. Gemalto’s proven services – including flexible subscription management, security consulting and analysis, secure service enablement and value added engineering consulting and support – help speed time to market while improving flexibility and scalability for new applications.
Standards-based device management solutions provide audit capabilities, anti-fraud and diagnostic monitoring, which are increasingly important due to the long lifespan expected from M2M solutions. Gemalto security consulting services help customers carefully consider an end-to-end security architecture to protect M2M implementations from threats. Value added engineering services help OEMs review schematics, analyse circuit board layout, optimise power design to offer stronger solutions and quickly launch state-of-the-art applications.
Gemalto’s cloud-based Cinterion SensorLogic application enablement platform works seamlessly with M2M modules and sensors and serves as the hub connecting data in the field with backend systems. The device-agnostic SensorLogic Platform transforms data from any sensor into normalised, actionable intelligence that can be securely integrated into backend systems. The SensorLogic Platform utilises a complex event processing engine to evaluate data then send real-time alerts via email or text message when critical thresholds for heat, humidity, shock, vibration or tilt are reached. This action allows supervisors and dispatchers to respond in real time with commands to make required adjustments.
Modules + MIMs + Services + Cloud computing = Simplified, secure M2M
M2M technology is at the heart of the rapidly expanding Internet of Things. From automotive applications like eCall and Smart Car solutions to mHealth devices and cold chain monitoring solutions, Gemalto’s leading edge M2M solutions and services are helping enterprises, governments and industries leverage our rapidly evolving digital society to optimise operations, increase productivity, simplify processes and ultimately, improve the bottom line.
