AT&T and GE are working together to create the next generation of smart energy solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things, helping to improve the way the energy industry works. The companies are jointly working on proof of concepts at the AT&T IoT Foundry in Plano, Texas.
“Our innovations are resulting in a host of new applications, from smart grid solutions to machine-to-machine communications,” said John Lavelle, vice president, GE Digital Energy. “By aligning GE’s leadership in secure wireless technology and utility software solutions with AT&T’s extensive connectivity, we’re propelling our shared vision for a more cohesive energy network. In short, we are connecting brilliant machines to the Industrial internet.”
Merging technology and hardware
Building on the companies’ global alliance agreement announced in 2013, many of GE’s machines and assets, such as locomotives, fleet, aircraft engines and, most recently, smart grid infrastructure, are connected through the AT&T global network. Now, combining advanced solutions from GE with the AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, utilities can seamlessly connect grid assets with critical software applications such as GE’s Grid IQTM Connect or GE’s Predix TM analytics engine. Together, AT&T and GE are simplifying asset connectivity for the grid.
“With its product and wireless technology leadership, GE is an ideal partner and, together, we’re creating a more energy-efficient planet,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T Mobility. “This is a major step forward in connecting machines with wireless technology. With nearly 20 million devices connected to our network, we help provide dependable solutions that make energy management easier. By combining our technologies, we can improve reliability, drive energy efficiency, and reduce costs and emissions, while making customer service and response times better.”
GE and AT&T are putting ideas into action, testing several new technologies, including:
- An advanced meter solution that merges GE’s innovative smart meters and wireless solutions, including jointly developed communications hardware, with AT&T’s secure cellular technology. The solution is being piloted with two North American renewable energy customers.
- Intelligent lighting solutions that combine GE Lighting control systems and advance GE Wireless solutions. This combined solution will enable cities to remotely monitor and control lighting on public roadways. A web-based interface linked to the lighting controls allows municipalities to instantly identify usage and performance of street lights in specific locations.
GE and AT&T will look to market and sell these solutions to customers in 2015. Smart grid solutions will use GE’s Grid IQ SaaS platform to deliver system intelligence, GE Wireless solutions for asset connectivity, and the AT&T network for secure and seamless data transport – each working in tandem to enable easy integration of advanced applications.
“We are continuing to innovate, find new ways to work together and bring opportunities to the marketplace,” Penrose said. “We see our pilot projects as just a precursor for what’s to come.”
For more information on AT&T M2M solutions, visit: https://www.att.com/m2m.
For more information on GE Digital Energy solutions, visit: http://www.gedigitalenergy.com/.
