Innovative 2mm thin form factor and printed battery enables new logistics use cases.

Pod Group^*, in partnership with SODAQ and Lufthansa Industry Solutions (LHIND), has announced the launch of a paper thin tracking device in the form of a Smart Label, which will revolutionize the logistics industry by allowing tracking of small and lightweight items, which has not previously been possible using traditional tracking devices.

The Smart Label uses low-power cellular 5G connectivity standard (LTE CAT-M) to send data regarding device location and temperature back to a centralized dashboard, enabling logistics companies to track valuable goods which could be as small and light as an envelope containing important documents or as large as a full-sized oil painting. The powerful middleware platform provided by LHIND enables the use of geofences with notifications that can be set to alert the user when the package enters or leaves key points along the supply chain.

The printed battery keeps the label as light as possible, while the use of low-power connectivity ensures that battery life is optimized and can last up to 6 months. The label could be used multiple times, depending on the frequency of the transmission. The alkaline battery is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lithium batteries, and the materials used are recyclable.

“The Smart Label is the result of the combined expertise of the various partners involved in its production to deliver a unique industry leading solution, from SODAQ’s innovative hardware with its unique form factor and recyclable materials, to LHIND’s powerful centralized dashboard and Pod Group’s secure, reliable global connectivity,” commented Sam Colley from Pod Group. “We are proud to showcase such cutting-edge technology as a team at CES, and we invite attendees to visit our booth to experience the full benefits of the Smart Label.”

Vice President of Business Development at LHIND, Ingo Pietruska commented; “Smart Mobile Devices will play an increasing role in the digital transformation across all industries. Because of its form factor and its unique technology, the Smart Label enables a series of new Use Cases. LHIND is proud to be part of the adventure of creating the first Smart Label with LTE-M connectivity for a fast growing number of countries.”

Ollie Smeenk from SODAQ commented;

“With the Smart Label, companies with complex supply chains can track their goods efficiently, reducing spoilage and theft. The state of the art low-power cellular communication technology can now reliably send near real time positions, temperature and shock alerts from a recyclable ultra-thin device.”

“As SODAQ we are excited to be the first in the world to make this a commercially viable solution, together with our partners Pod Group and Lufthansa Industry Solutions.”

The Smart Label will be showcased at CES in Las Vegas (5th–8th January 2023) on the Pod Group booth 11055 in LVCC (North Hall) in the IoT Pavilion.

^* Pod Group, a Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) company and the world’s first Enterprise Network Operator (ENO)