Devices using Internet of Things (IoT) technology are often associated with commercial wireless applications in 5G networks, but the Dutch Army is showing that IoT can prove battleworthy as well. Defense contractor Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (Marshall ADG), as part of a contract with the Dutch Army for ruggedized containers and services for those containers, will supply containers with secure IoT capabilities based on technology from AT&T Business.
When equipped with this IoT technology, Marshall can remotely monitor the location, condition, and temperature of the containers for its end customers, such as the Dutch Army, using wireless communications links with the IoT devices built into the containers (see figure). Monitoring will be simplified and automated thanks to AT&T’s control center platforms.
IoT technology in league with wireless networks makes it possible to track the whereabouts of secure military containers around the world. (Courtesy of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group)
Marshall expects to deliver more than 1,400 of the IoT-connected containers over the next five years. The containers include command and control and medical container systems, workshops, containers with controlled atmospheres, and basic storage units. By having containers accessible using wireless networks with access to the internet, military commanders will know the whereabouts of equipment at any time. The contract was awarded to Marshall by the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) at the end of 2018.
“Being able to track and monitor the containers added another dimension to this important contract for the Dutch Army,” said Steve Nokes, Project Director DVOW at Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group. “We are delighted to be delivering these container systems as a result of a rapid development and manufacturing program, and to offer this enhanced service to our customer thanks to the global solution delivered by the team at AT&T.”
