KRABO® networking bolts with TI connectivity
Case study summary
Krabo, sister company of Fontana Gruppo, is a company focused on internet-connected fasteners, that has a system for remotely surveying bolted joints in critical infrastructures such as stadiums, wind turbines, railways, vehicles and bridges. These innovative bolts are based on sensors that are fully integrated into the bolts, able to measure the clamp load and send the data wirelessly to system monitors at any given second using connectivity technology from Texas Instruments. The technology in the bolts is able to monitor the bolted joint at any time and identify issues before they become a problem. These predictive maintenance capabilities help enhance safety and reduce maintenance costs.
In developing their networking bolts, Krabo used TI’s CC2652RSIP multiprotocol 2.4-GHz SimpleLink™ wireless MCU. These components are integral to the KRABO® networking bolt technology, and TI's expertise in wired and wireless connectivity solutions for more than two decades as well as engineering support of their product was essential to achieving a reliable and seamless design.
Challenge
Krabo needed reliable wireless communication technology capable of achieving accurate measurements, low power, energy efficiency and small enough to fit the dimensions of a bolt head.
Solution
TI's SimpleLink wireless MCU family, specifically the system-in-package wireless module, offers low power consumption with extended battery life and operates on the Zigbee® protocol, making it easier to use. This TI technology meets the small-size design requirement of a bolt head.
Results
Krabo now offers connected bolts that are available for massive production on an industrial scale. They have implemented TI’s wireless technology into their product because it was able to fit the size requirements and enables companies to have access to data at any time so they know when critical updates need to be made. In the future, Krabo plans to develop even smaller bolts to extend this technology to more applications such as automotive.
KRABO IoT bolts with TI devices
KRABO users may access the data from the bolt from any place in the world at any time and monitor the tension status, which is then sent to a local gateway using a communication standard such as Zigbee® or Bluetooth®. Zigbee is based on a mesh network which is not only easy to use but compatible across networks. These industry standards can guarantee communication distances of 10 to 100 meters. The gateway connects to the internet via Wi-Fi® or cellular connectivity. All data reaches the central KRABO cloud and can be visualized using a laptop, tablet or a smartphone. With the predictive maintenance capabilities in remotely accessing data, savings can amount up to $20-$30 million dollars annually for simple routine maintenance of bridge infrastructures in major cities, for example.
“When building various infrastructures, size, power consumption and reliable connectivity pose numerous challenges for engineers,” said Paolo Redaelli, project manager at Krabo. “By using TI’s SimpleLink devices which offer ultra-compact solutions with minimal power consumption and easy integration in the Zigbee ecosystem, we are able to send reliable data from these infrastructures straight to the gateway so that our customers feel confident in their designs.”
Krabo aims to foster innovation in a newly emerging market, where device miniaturization will open to mass production and enable enhanced safety and lower maintenance costs across historically expensive infrastructures.
About Krabo
Krabo’s adventure started in 2018 from a vision of Fontana Fasteners R.D., a Fontana Gruppo company, leading in the field of fasteners, production of bolts, nuts, and hardware devices for mechanical joins.
Krabo’s mission is to provide a platform where fasteners are connected and controlled in real-time through wireless technology to allow an easy survey of infrastructure from remote locations.
Krabo aims to transform “bolts” into “Networking bolts.” Any loosening or abnormal status can be detected in real time and notified with an alert. The KRABO technology is wireless and energy self-sufficient. No cables have to reach the bolts. The mechanical properties of the bolts and their compliance to the standards are not affected.
All this is feasible in mass production with a robust and sustainable industrial process. KRABO bolts are a real alternative to standard bolts, able to reduce inspection effort and improve safety. There are countless applications for Krabo technology: buildings, roads, railways, vehicles, machines and other infrastructure scenarios where safety is a crucial factor.
KRABO is a registered trademark of Fontana Gruppo.
For more information, see www.krabo.it.
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