Connected devices:
Are they any of help in dealing with societal issues?

In the industry, and particularly in the electronics sector, connected devices are mainly used to measure and optimize production.

Every steps of the value chain are interconnected and increasingly linked by IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things): from R&D to production, purchasing, transport, distribution, recycling, use and energy consumption.

Data generated by sensors embedded in machines and electronic parts can both enhance quality control and improve resource management. They can also help streamline the supply chain, enhance predictive maintenance and optimize the energy efficiency of industrial processes.

ADEME’s “Transition(s) 2050” study has drawn up 4 possible scenarios to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Two of them focus on reducing our GHG emissions through better demand management. The other two scenarios rely more on new technologies to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment.

There is a strong paradigm shift between the first scenario, called “frugal generation“, and the last one, called “reparative bet“. At LACROIX, our position tends more towards scenarios 2 and 3 (“territorial cooperation” and “green technologies“) to develop collaborative and innovative solutions to societal and environmental challenges.

We support the reindustrialization and local supply chains. We believe in the importance of the circular economy and sustainable technologies to contribute to the common good.

We believe that technology – and connected devices in particular – can play an important role in the environmental transition, provided that their design and final use are well thought-out and beneficial to all.

We are convinced that it is possible to use digital solutions to serve a large number of societal causes more effectively, transform our production methods and reduce the carbon footprint of all sectors of activity.

In its latest report, the IPCC states that “digital technologies can contribute to climate change mitigation & the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” and that “sensors, the Internet of Things, robotics & artificial intelligence can improve energy management in all sectors, increase energy efficiency and promote the adoption of many low-emission technologies“. This call from scientists is in line with our vision of useful technology to participate in the common good and build a more responsible future.

The current challenge for industrial IoT suppliers is to address only theneeds low-tech solutions cannot satisfy. The aim is to focus on essential solutions for specific uses. These products must help save more carbon and energy than it takes to manufacture and operate them.

LACROIX work is to transform cities by adding connected devices to water and energy infrastructures and improve people quality of life. For example, by relying on the power of artificial intelligence, sensors can collect, monitor and analyze data in real time, to guarantee the quality and distribution of drinking water and detect leaks to optimize consumption and ensure more efficient management.

Environment and City activites design and manufacture connected electronic equipment and industrial IoT dedicated to reduce energy and water consumption and optimize flows in urban spaces. Here are two examples of how our experts have solved urban issues:

• PrioV2X is a V2X solution designed for local authorities and public transport operators. Its aim is to give priority to public transport by regulating traffic lights at intersections in real time. Tested on an electric bus line operated by the RATP, the solution cut the journey times by 25%.
• Aquawize is an AI-based software solution. It automatically analyzes and detects water network anomalies in advance. A genuine decision-making tool, it saves hundreds of thousands of m3 of water and delivers significant time and energy savings for drinking water production.