Semtech LoRa® Technology Precisely Controls Temperature to Ensure Food Safety

Deployment of LoRa-based sensors provides real-time temperature data to meet food safety requirements and save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually

Semtech Corporation, a leading supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products and advanced algorithms, announced that Axino Solutions, an innovative software and system integrator specializing in planning and implementing comprehensive IT solutions, has integrated Semtech's LoRa® devices and wireless radio frequency technology (LoRa Technology) into its smart refrigeration solutions to track food temperature in the food retail industry. Axino's LoRa-based solutions have been deployed globally, including by Migros, the largest supermarket chain in Switzerland. Since deploying the LoRa-based solution, Migros has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

 “Semtech’s LoRa Technology is an enabling platform that provides us with truly flexible wireless coverage to launch new solutions. LoRa Technology provides us with a completely plug-and-play feature that makes it easier for us to deploy and maintain the solution, which makes this solution very attractive to potential customers,” said Ihab Hourani, Chief Technology Officer of Axino Solutions. “For the smart refrigeration solution, LoRa Technology enables accurate and consistent monitoring of temperature data. Axino’s artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms use this data to predict the core temperature of different food types and automatically adjust temperature levels to comply with safety regulations. As a result, customers reduce the amount of wasted product and increase their return on investment.”

In the food retail industry, food must be carefully monitored to ensure that shelf life is maximized and that it is always safe to eat. In addition, food transportation usually involves a long process, including transportation to supermarkets by refrigerated trucks, transfer from temperature-controlled warehouses to the final shelves. Many factors in this process can affect the safety and quality of food, including improper handling by personnel and inaccurate refrigerator adjustments. Axino's LoRa-based temperature sensors can be quickly deployed into refrigeration infrastructure via magnets without the need for external wiring. The sensors monitor core temperature data in real time and are accurate to 1 degree Celsius. By pre-programming the sensors, the temperature of individual refrigeration units can be adjusted to maintain consistent temperatures and keep food safe. Real-time data evaluation and automatic refrigeration adjustments help eliminate human errors, extend food shelf life and save customers money.

 “LoRa-based solutions such as those provided by Axino are simple and easy to deploy, with the ability to accurately and continuously track data for years once deployed,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President of IoT in Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “The smart supply chain and logistics IoT market is forecasted to be worth as much as $6.3 Trillion by 2025. LoRa Technology’s ease of deployment, scalability and cost savings make it the de facto leader in IoT and well positioned to lead the way.”