The SmartSilo bag. Photo: Wiagro

Globalstar has signed a deal with Argentinian agtech startup Wiagro to supply IoT transmitters to be used to remotely monitor crops stored in silos.  

Globalstar announced Wednesday it will provide 2,500 ST100 satellite modem transmitters for Wiagro’s Smart Silobag product, which remotely monitors the condition of grain stored in silo bags. Deployment is estimated to take place through the end of 2024. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

The Smart Silobag product uses IoT devices in silo bags to monitor inter-grain humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels, and it can detect if a bag is ripped by an animal or vandalism. Using satellite connectivity, the devices can be connected in remote locations and deliver data to a web-based platform that can forecast declines in quality. 

“Through the implementation of satellite technology, we’ve delivered optimization of field operations through the real-time monitoring of crops. Our innovation has supported producers, collectors, and transporters in reducing the margin of error by providing precise visibility on the status of each batch. Through increased visibility, we can guarantee our customers that the quality and quantity of the harvest is not compromised during the process,” said Ariel Ismirlian, founding partner of Wiagro.

This deal expands Globalstar into the Argentine market, as the company already has a presence in Brazil. Juan Porras, Globalstar Latin America general manager said the agriculture industry is quickly adopting IoT technology in Latin America.