The Week in Review: IoT

Investment
The city of Dresden, Germany, is touting its prospects as a tech hub in the “Silicon Saxony” ecosystem, particularly for Internet of Things technology. Bosch, the German Aerospace Center, GlobalFoundries, Infineon Technologies, and other organizations are planning to invest about €4.5 billion (approximately $5.3 billion) over several years to develop processors, sensors, and 5G mobile communication modules, along with related software tools and IoT platforms.

M&A
Emerson Electric has increased its acquisition bid for Rockwell Automation to $29 billion, offering $225 ($135 in cash and $90 in stock) for each of Rockwell’s shares. Rockwell last month turned down Emerson’s offer of $215 per share, evenly split between cash and Emerson shares. Rockwell said Thursday in a statement that its board of directors would review the new Emerson offer. Both companies are involved in IIoT technology.

Dialog Semiconductor reported completing its $276 million acquisition of Silego Technology, a supplier of configurable mixed-signal ICs. Silego’s shareholders stand to receive up to another $30.6 million.

Connectivity
Komatsu has implemented a cloud-based Industrial IoT analytics platform using Cloudera Enterprise and Microsoft Azure. Komatsu’s JoySmart Solutions platform offers a service enabling customers to optimize machine performance with machine data and analytics.

Deals
Gemalto is collaborating with HiSilicon Technologies, the semiconductor arm of Huawei Technologies, on development of narrowband IoT modules. Gemalto will provide its cybersecurity expertise in crafting those low-power modules. ABI Research forecasts NB-IoT modules will represent more than 20% of all cellular shipments by 2021. Meanwhile, Gemalto introduced the Cinterion PLS62-W IoT Module, which covers all 12 4G LTE frequency bands and can operate on 2G/3G cellular networks if needed. The LTE Cat. 1 module boasts a Java-based embedded system and a library of open-source code and software building blocks for developing code.

Products
Renesas Electronics expanded its RX65N/RX651 line of microcontrollers, offering greater security for applications in building automation, industrial automation, and smart metering. The new MCUs feature Trusted Secure IP, trusted functionality, and human-machine interface technology for industrial and network control systems.

Market Research
The IoT lighting market is forecast to increase to $4.5 billion in 2026, compared with $651.1 million this year, according to Navigant Research. More details are available here.