We talk IoT – The Internet of Things Business Podcast

In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of IoT technology and railway infrastructure with Oliver von Sperber, Managing Director at AXO Track, a German startup transforming railway switch maintenance. Twenty per cent of train delays stem from switch malfunctions, costing operators millions and frustrating passengers worldwide. Oliver and his team address this challenge through IoT sensors that monitor railway switches in real time, detecting problems before they cause expensive breakdowns. Oliver brings unique expertise to this problem. He founded AXO Track after running both an investment bank and a sensor technology company. He even completed training as a railway switch mechanic to understand the technical challenges firsthand. We discuss the journey from manual maintenance to predictive maintenance, the technical challenges of deploying sensors in critical infrastructure, and how smartphone technology has made railway IoT economically viable.   #railway #IoT #predictivemaintenance #infrastructure #sensors #transportation #digitalisation #switches #wetalkiot #smartinfrastructure   Summary of this week's episode: 01:38 Meet AXO Track and the railway delay problem 03:45 Understanding railway switches and failure modes 07:15 Why this technology didn't exist before - smartphone revolution 09:20 IoT sensor technology: vibrations, temperature, and humidity 11:45 Technical challenges: deployment, power, and data processing 14:30 Digitalisation drivers: Green Deal and skilled worker shortage 18:15 European market challenges and infrastructure investment 21:20 Predictive maintenance benefits and efficiency gains 24:45 Research project with Fraunhofer IVI and Eisenbahn-Bundesamt 27:30 Future plans and European expansion strategy 30:15 Role of artificial intelligence in predictive maintenance 32:45 Future of railway IoT technology   Show notes: Oliver von Sperber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-von-sperber/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-von-sperber/] AXO Track: https://axotrack.de/en/ [https://axotrack.de/en/] AXO Track Blog: https://axotrack.de/en/blog/ [https://axotrack.de/en/blog/]   Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp]   About Avnet Silica: This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution. You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/]. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com [http://www.avnet-silica.com].

In this episode, we explore the future of computer vision with Tommaso Scuccato and Marco Bergamin from Videam, an Italian startup that brings AI-powered vision systems to the edge. Videam tackles diverse challenges from ski pass fraud detection to traffic monitoring using custom-built cameras that process AI algorithms locally. Their patented technology avoids facial recognition, instead analysing patterns and features that work even when people wear goggles or face coverings. Tommaso and Marco discuss their journey from aerospace and automotive engineering to developing polarised sensors that see through windscreen reflections, enabling applications from catching distracted drivers to industrial quality control. We explore why they chose edge processing over cloud solutions and how their partnership with Avnet accelerates hardware development. Tune in to discover how intelligent cameras transform everyday problems into solved challenges – one frame at a time. #computervision #ai #edgecomputing #iot #wetalkiot   Summary of this week's episode: 02:15 Meet Videam and the team 03:30 Ski pass fraud detection solution 08:45 Company founding story and patent development 10:20 Aerospace and automotive backgrounds 12:40 Patented algorithm without facial recognition 15:15 Why edge AI beats cloud processing 19:30 Custom camera hardware development 22:45 Polarised sensors and windscreen applications 25:20 Traffic monitoring and industrial use cases 28:10 Backwards compatibility and system integration 29:50 Partnership with Avnet and STM32 development 32:15 Future opportunities in AI vision 34:20 Advice for aspiring developers 35:45 Design considerations for smart cameras   Show notes: Tommaso Scuccato: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso-scuccato-0029a6118/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommaso-scuccato-0029a6118/] Marco Bergamin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-bergamin-82806753/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-bergamin-82806753/] Videam: https://videam.it/ [https://videam.it/]   Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp]   About Avnet Silica: This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution. You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/]. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com [http://www.avnet-silica.com].

In this episode, we conclude our special series on the Advanced Electronics Challenge with the winners themselves: Johannes Büker, CEO, and Paul Werner, CTO of Hydronauten GmbH. Their innovative solution addresses a significant hidden energy drain – pumps consume approximately 30% of the EU's electricity. Hydronauten addresses two critical challenges simultaneously: reducing harmful vibrations that damage infrastructure and residents' quality of life while dramatically improving energy efficiency. Their "quiet hydro technology" applies noise-cancelling principles to pump systems, enabling 20-30% energy savings and opening new possibilities for grid stabilisation. Johannes and Paul explain how their technology transforms existing pump installations into smart, efficient systems that can help stabilise renewable energy grids. The conversation reveals how pump-based grid stabilisation could have prevented recent power outages in Spain and Portugal and why this overlooked technology represents a crucial piece of the renewable energy puzzle. #pumptechnology #energyefficiency #gridstability #renewableenergy #iot #wetalkiot #noisecancelling #smartgrid   Summary of this week's episode: 02:15 Meet Hydronauten: From University Research to Commercial Success 04:30 The Dual Problem: Vibrations and Energy Waste in Pump Systems 06:45 How Noise-Cancelling Technology Works in Hydraulic Systems 09:20 Advanced Electronics Challenge: Miniaturising Signal Processing 12:10 AI and Data Analytics: Optimising Pump Performance 15:30 Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure: Plug-and-Play Solutions 17:45 Grid Stabilisation: Using Pumps to Balance Renewable Energy 21:30 Real-World Impact: Wastewater Treatment Success Story 24:15 The Spain-Portugal Grid Crisis: How Pumps Could Have Helped 26:40 Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring Capabilities   Show notes: Johannes Büker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-johannes-b%C3%BCker-9800b9126/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-johannes-b%C3%BCker-9800b9126/] Paul Werner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-werner-b163162b1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-werner-b163162b1/] Hydronauten: https://hydronauten.de/ [https://hydronauten.de/] Advanced Electronics Challenge 2025: https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/ [https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/]   Previous Advanced Electronics Challenge episodes: * CiX Greentech (Water Purification): https://we-talk-iot.podbean.eu/e/diamonds-are-forever-pfas-not-how-cix-greentech-purifies-water-%e2%80%93-we-talk-iot-66/ * Belle Health (Women's Health Technology): https://we-talk-iot.podbean.eu/e/cycle-breakers-how-belle-healths-smart-ring-is-transforming-womens-health-%e2%80%93-we-talk-iot-67/ [https://we-talk-iot.podbean.eu/e/cycle-breakers-how-belle-healths-smart-ring-is-transforming-womens-health-%E2%80%93-we-talk-iot-67/] Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp]   About Avnet Silica: This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution. You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/]. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com [http://www.avnet-silica.com].

In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge intersection of femtech and medical innovation with Victoria Schoeffel and Rafael Schaider from Belle Health, the second-place winners of the Advanced Electronics Challenge at embedded world. Belle Health tackles one of the most overlooked areas of healthcare: the impact of hormonal fluctuations on women's health. Their solution combines a therapy app with a smart ring to track physiological data, helping women understand and manage premenstrual symptoms, including the severe condition PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Victoria and Rafael discuss the shocking 12-year average diagnostic delay for PMDD, how their technology can reduce this to months, and why women's physiology remains an afterthought in both medicine and electronics development. They explain how their evidence-based approach brings together psychological interventions with real-time physiological monitoring. Tune in to discover how this German startup is pioneering a data-driven approach to women's health that could transform diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for millions of women worldwide. #femtech #womenhealth #smartwearables #iot #wetalkiot #PMDD #hormonehealth   Summary of this week's episode: 02:04 Understanding the Problem: Premenstrual Symptoms and PMDD 05:05 The Evolution of Femtech and Recognizing Female Health as Hormonal Health 07:22 Historical Testing Gap: Medical Research Focused on Men 09:20 The Impact of PMDD: Suicidal Ideation and Misdiagnosis 11:12 Belle Health's Solution: App and Smart Ring Technology 14:48 Analysing Female Data Based on Menstrual Cycles vs. Calendar Days 16:31 Current Sensing Technology and Future Hormone Measurement Goals 18:04 Heart Rate Variability Across the Menstrual Cycle 20:47 Reducing the 12-Year Diagnostic Delay for PMDD 23:18 Data-Driven Approach to Treatment Selection 25:48 Digital Health Access in Remote Areas 29:57 Vision for the Future: AI and Personalized Healthcare 33:23 Why Belle Health Joined the Advanced Electronics Challenge   Show notes: Victoria Schoeffel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-schoeffel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-schoeffel/] Rafael Schaider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-schaider/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-schaider/] Belle Health: https://bellehealth.co/ [https://bellehealth.co/] An example of a period pain simulator: https://youtu.be/PuiWm2Lb-hk?si=it0kRhe1406_shR_ [https://youtu.be/PuiWm2Lb-hk?si=it0kRhe1406_shR_] Advanced Electronics Challenge 2025: https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/ [https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/]   Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp]   About Avnet Silica: This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution. You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/]. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com [http://www.avnet-silica.com].

In this episode, we explore the future of water purification with Timo Fromm and Rudolf Borchardt from CiX Greentech, a German startup tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. CiX has developed a smart, ready-to-use purification module that uses diamond electrodes and electricity to eliminate micropollutants such as pharmaceutical residues, hormones, bacteria, viruses – and persistent chemicals like PFAS. Timo and Rudolf discuss their journey from nanotechnology research to winning third place in the Advanced Electronics Challenge at embedded world 2025. We discuss the science behind their solution, potential industrial applications, and how their technology helps protect water systems and public health. Tune in to learn how deep tech and hardware innovation can drive real impact – one drop at a time. #water #purification #pfas #iot #wetalkiot   Summary of this week's episode: 01:38 Meet Six Green Tech 03:11 Understanding PFAS and Water Pollution 03:49 The Journey of Six Green Tech 05:07 Advanced Electronics Challenge 07:47 How the Water Purification Module Works 11:39 Importance of Removing Micro Contaminants 22:23 Future Plans and Applications   Show notes: Rudolf Borchardt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolfborchardt/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolfborchardt/] Timo Fromm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timofromm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timofromm/] CiX Greentech: https://cixgreentech.de/ [https://cixgreentech.de/] Advanced Electronics Challenge 2025: https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/ [https://my.avnet.com/silica/resources/training-and-events/event/baystartup-challenge-advanced-electronics-2025/] Listen to the "We Talk IoT "Soundtrack on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05MOV4OV2MH2in2txsAGtG?si=ad08112cb8d443f4] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-NvQ6VJYtE&list=PLLqgVFfZhDRVYmpEqbgajzDvGL4kACRDp]   About Avnet Silica: This podcast is brought to you by Avnet Silica—the Engineers of Evolution. You can connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/silica-an-avnet-company/]. Or find us at www.avnet-silica.com [http://www.avnet-silica.com].