New wildfire detection partnership announced

Dryad Networks, known for ultra-early wildfire detection and forest monitoring, has announced a strategic partnership with Kinéis, a French satellite operator and global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity provider.

As reported by Amthal, this collaboration will integrate Kinéis’s direct-to-satellite capabilities into Dryad’s next-generation Silvanet wildfire sensors, enabling new deployment possibilities.

Dryad’s solar-powered gas sensors use AI to monitor and detect early signs of wildfires by analysing air quality and identifying gas patterns indicative of fires.

With Kinéis’ satellite constellation, the network will overcome terrestrial limitations, ensuring near real-time global connectivity.

This integration enables early detection of wildfires in remote areas without terrestrial network coverage, sending critical alerts to authorities via Kinéis’ 25 satellites, enhancing emergency response capabilities and aiding in the preservation of natural areas and protection of infrastructure.

Protecting critical linear infrastructure

Power line and rail companies face unique wildfire risks due to their assets spanning vast, remote areas.

Deploying comprehensive sensor coverage in these scenarios has been challenging due to limitations in terrestrial network coverage.

Dryad’s integration of Kinéis’s satellite technology addresses this challenge, enabling direct sensor-to-satellite communication for wildfire detection and prevention along critical corridors.

Installations for linear infrastructure such as powerlines or railways, or in difficult terrain like mountainous regions, will benefit from direct-to-satellite connectivity.

The simplified installation process makes Silvanet wildfire sensors more cost-effective.

This ensures continuous, reliable detection in remote areas, crucial for wildfire mitigation efforts.

When combined with Silvanet LoRaWAN Mesh Gateways, which provide additional capabilities, Kinéis’ space IoT connectivity guarantees uninterrupted service even if terrestrial connectivity is disrupted or sensors are placed outside of gateway range.

Dryad and Kinéis plan to deploy hundreds of thousands of these IoT terminals worldwide over the next three years.

A shared vision for environmental protection

Both Dryad and Kinéis have established themselves as leaders in the IoT landscape.

Kinéis offers expertise in satellite-based IoT solutions, providing insights for environmental protection and ecosystem management, including early fire detection.

Dryad Networks is expanding its presence in wildfire detection with its sensor network technology.

The companies’ technologies are built on compatible satellite IoT protocols, ensuring seamless integration.

Leveraging Semtech’s advanced chipsets, which combine terrestrial LoRaWAN and Kinéis’s satellite connectivity into a single solution, users can deploy products with both terrestrial LPWAN and satellite connectivity.

The first products based on this integration are expected to be available before the end of the year.

Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Dryad Networks, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Kinéis, as this partnership not only broadens our technological capabilities but also aligns with our mission to provide comprehensive wildfire protection.

“Integrating Kinéis’s satellite technology with our Silvanet sensors adds a vital layer to our detection ecosystem, especially for linear infrastructure, while reinforcing our commitment to the LoRaWAN mesh networks.”

Alexandre Tisserant, CEO of Kinéis, said: “Dryad Networks is at the forefront of ultra-early fire detection, making them the ideal partner for this expansion.

“By combining our satellite capabilities with Dryad’s innovative sensors, we are creating a truly global, adaptable solution to fight the growing threat of wildfires all over the world.”

Read the IFSJ Exclusive in which Dryad Networks CEO and co-founder Carsten Brinkschulte talks advanced sensor technology and IoT to pioneer early wildfire detection.