Electronics Weekly
Dracula Technologies, the energy harvesting innovator, and retail tech specialist CoolR Group have hooked up on IoT products for the retail sector.
By integrating Dracula’s LAYER OPV modules into CoolR’s VistaZ cameras, the two companies have created a hybrid offering combining batteries with Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) technology.
The integration advances inventory management by enabling real-time inventory insights with retailers benefiting from product availability on shelves, fewer out-of-stock situations, lower service costs, reduced carbon footprints, enhanced customer satisfaction, and increased sales.
CoolR’s IoT ecosystem is based on its StoreAware platform, which delivers real-time inventory insights, optimises on-shelf availability, streamlines product portfolios, and drives cost savings.
The system uses VistaZ, a wire-free, cellular camera system that turns fridges and vending machines into smart, connected devices.
Initially, VistaZ faced a key challenge: battery-powered sensors performed poorly in cold environments, leading to frequent replacements, increased costs, and environmental concerns. With the integration of OPV technology, these challenges have been overcome. Today, thousands of OPV-powered VistaZ cameras are deployed, delivering sustainability, reduced maintenance and lower operating costs.
Dracula Technologies’ LAYER OPV modules capture ambient light to provide continuous, autonomous power to the cameras, reducing the frequency of battery replacements. These flexible, durable modules are specifically designed to perform in cold, low-light environments like refrigerated coolers and vending machines.
LAYER is designed to power IoT devices sustainably and efficiently. Tailored to specific shapes and sensors, LAYER delivers optimal performance even in sub-200 lux lighting conditions. Its 10-year lifespan eliminates the need for battery replacements and maintenance and improves TCO.
