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One giant leap for connectivity

Satellite technology might sound like astronaut business, but one Australian innovator is proving all kinds of industries can benefit from communications technology.
7 min read
Published on 01 Mar, 2021

Dr Alex Grant from Aussie company Myriota is bringing the power of the Internet of Things to businesses via satellite tech.

"In Australia, our communications networks offer really limited geographic coverage outside of cities,' Dr Alex Grant says. "But we have a lot of businesses in industries like agriculture, mining, transport and logistics and energy infrastructure operating in those remote areas."

In 2010, co-founder and CEO of Myriota, Dr Alex Grant was working in satellite communications research at the University of South Australia. It was then he realised the Internet of Things' (IoT) growing importance – and how thousands of Australians might not have access.

More space for connectivity

Myriota is a company that provides satellite connectivity that enables businesses to use the IoT.

Users can send and receive data from anywhere using a small device called a Myriota Module. When deployed, these devices act as small sensors that can measure fuel levels, movement, power use, cargo location and other key pieces of data.

The Modules connect to the internet via seven small satellites – the size of a loaf of bread – floating in space about 600km above earth. These satellites capture hundreds of thousands of pieces of data from Modules all over the planet. Then, the satellites transmit the data back down to a network of stations on the ground. Proprietary cloud software sorts the data instantly, sending it to the end users.

Myriota Expands into the US and Canada, April 2021

Alex says this satellite technology is similar to mobile phone or Wi-Fi connectivity. But unlike Wi-Fi or cellular, which needs towers or routers on the ground, Myriota’s access points are in space and cover the entire globe.

"All those businesses operating in remote regions need data to understand how well their equipment and systems are working, to ensure they're efficient and safe," he says. "The old way of operating was holding them back – we're trying to enable them to do more."

Scaling up access for all

In his free time, Dr Alex Grant likes rock climbing and playing the drums. He says aspects of both overlap with his role as co-founder and CEO of Myriota.

"In both climbing and drumming, you can be more creative in your problem-solving as you get more technically proficient," he says. "I think that's also what we're trying to do at Myriota."

When he's not scaling walls or playing, Alex is trying to solve the world's connectivity problem.

Dr Alex Grant with myriota module

Captured at MYRIOTA by Rosina Possingham.

According to a 2019 UNESCO report, less than 55% of the world's households have internet access. Alex says 90% of the world's surface lacks connectivity, which is limiting for people and businesses.

"Not having that power really excludes you from society and prevents you benefitting from the modern digital world," he says.

More connectivity for less

Alex says being able to access IoT technology can lower costs for business – and customers.

He says one example is monitoring industrial equipment – such as switches, lights, pumps and valves – used in construction, mining or energy generation and transmission.

"With data, you can make this equipment safer and more energy efficient. You can anticipate breakdowns or manage maintenance," he says.

"This lowers operating costs, which in turn can enable more affordable services, which flows down to everybody."

Reducing carbon emissions

Alex says when it comes to sustainability, "you can't manage what you can't measure." He says capturing data about energy use and the environment is key to working more efficiently, which can lower carbon emissions.

For example, connected rain gauges powered by the Myriota Module are being used by the AgTech industry to support farmers gathering rainfall rates and other environmental data. They are able to predict crop yields and determine how much fertiliser is needed to keep paddocks healthy. This information can reduce unnecessary resourcing costs.

Dr Alex Grant myriota

Another example is fuel delivery. Alex says trucks used to visit diesel fuel storage sites periodically to check if they needed topping up. If visits weren't timed correctly, fuel could run out. Trucks were also making unnecessary trips, which was not cost-effective and created unnecessary carbon emissions.

"A little data can transform a whole logistics process," he says. "You can know which tanks are full and which are being used quicker so you don't waste resources."

Myriota Modules require little power and have long lives. While it varies depending on use, some Modules can operate for 10 years without needing a charge. Where possible, batteries can also be charged via solar power.

"It's important to minimise how much energy we're using so there's no secret hidden cost to the environment," Alex says.

A future with IoT access for all

Alex says the Myriota network already has thousands of devices sending millions of pieces of data via its satellites. He hopes it's just the start of more people being able to access the power of IoT.

"We don't want connectivity to be a barrier for anybody to enjoy the benefits of IoT," he says.

"Today people are still learning this can be an option. But we see a future where this technology is ubiquitous, just like Wi-Fi or cellular."

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