Smart access company igloohome recently sent eight purpose-built Space Edition Smart Padlocks to 33 kilometres above sea level via a bespoke launch vehicle suspended by a high-altitude hydrogen balloon to celebrate its eighth anniversary.
The Singaporean startup iterated more than 500 prototypes, designing them in line with seven MIL-STD 810H reliability standards to create what it calls the toughest smart padlock in the world. According to the Co-Founder and CEO Anthony Chow, padlocks’ journey to space is the perfect metaphor for his journey as an entrepreneur.
In this interview, Chow discusses the objectives behind the padlock’s Space journey, the technology behind it, and the challenges the team faced.
Excerpts:
Can you take us through the journey of developing the World’s First Smart Padlock for Space? What were the key challenges you faced during the iteration process?
While the earth’s outdoor conditions can be challenging, Space takes it to a whole new level. Imagine sending a lock 33 kilometres above the surface, where challenges like -65°C temperatures, intense UV radiation, and thin air density become significant hurdles. Our mission was to ensure Padlock 2 not only survives but thrives in these extreme conditions.
Could you elaborate on the technology behind the Space Edition Smart Padlock? What makes it uniquely suited for space applications?
The Padlock 2 has been coated with a heat-cured sandstone powder coating that boasts exceptional resilience against environmental stressors. This coating substantiates its capability to perform even in the most demanding conditions.
Also Read: igloohome raises US$15M afresh to expand its smart access solutions to real estate
Furthermore, the electronic components have been meticulously redesigned for the space edition to facilitate operation within a temperature range spanning from -50°C to 50°C, further attesting to its suitability for a broad spectrum of environments.
Tell us about the significance of reaching 33 kilometres above sea level with your purpose-built Space Edition Smart Padlocks. How does this achievement open up new possibilities for your technology?
This achievement demonstrates the robustness and resilience of our technology in the harshest conditions, affirming its capability to perform exceptionally even in extreme environments. With this, it opens up new horizons for applications, such as remote and challenging terrains where reliable access is paramount — think North America, Canada, the Middle East, the Nordics and many places with extreme temperature swings.
For example, we are working with large enterprises in these areas, which require us to deploy our enterprise software platform iglooworks, to manage thousands of these smart padlocks in remote sites.
These can be enterprises from the telco industry, mining companies, critical infrastructure installations and more, where they have tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of facilities spread out remotely across the country that require access to by staff, contractors, managers and more. A highly robust, reliable and resilient hardware + intelligent software solution will completely change the game for them in terms of access management.
Developing over 500 prototypes is quite a feat. What were the major breakthroughs or pivotal moments that led to the successful creation of the Space Edition Smart Padlock?
The inception of the Padlock 2 platform commenced over 1.5 years ago. We’ve embarked on a journey to redefine the concept of a smart padlock, crafting a product of unparalleled durability and dependability. Our relentless pursuit led us to subject the product to rigorous trials, including 7x US Military grade reliability assessments encompassing physical shock, exposure to saline water, and extreme temperature variations.
Following these tests, we conducted more than 300 user trials from consumers to businesses, distributing samples across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia for extensive real-world evaluation. Through numerous iterations and meticulous refinement, we have reached the design that stands before you today.
Could you walk us through the launch process? How did you ensure the secure attachment and functionality of the padlocks during the high-altitude balloon journey?
The locks were secured with a bespoke 3D-printed bracket, which clamped around the shackle, along with a discreet wire tether in case the lock became separated in a turbulent landing.
It is also worthwhile to note that this is done in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. No debris was left in Space, and everything was recovered, including the padlocks that went to Space!
For the hydrogen balloon, undyed natural latex balloons for our flights. These are biodegradable, breaking down at the same rate as an oak leaf, leaving no harmful chemicals where they land. Because of their unique design, the majority of the balloon material remains with our spacecraft and is recovered by the launch team.
Beyond space applications, how do you see the Space Edition Smart Padlocks technology influencing or benefiting other industries or everyday use cases?
The technology behind the Space Edition Smart Padlocks goes beyond space exploration, promising a significant impact on various industries and daily scenarios. The same durability that withstood the harsh conditions of Space can translate into applications such as securing high-value assets or enhancing security in remote areas.
Moreover, the technology’s resilience and smart capabilities can contribute to creating more secure and convenient access experiences in sectors like facilities management, critical infrastructure management, property management, and beyond.
One example will be helping a large kayak rental company in the Nordics (where temperatures can drop precipitously low during winter) do unmanned kayak rental with our Smart Padlock and smart access sharing software platform. We have helped them scale quickly with little manpower due to the durability and reliability of this hardware.
Another example is a large retail chain in Germany using our Smart Padlocks to secure click-and-collect locations for self-pick-up of products bought online. Temperatures in Germany can be harsh during winter, and the Smart Padlock needs to stand up to the test of snow, ice, rain and extremities of the German weather!
You might also see customers using our Smart Padlock 2 to secure their work sheds or garage next to their homes (especially in the US) or a parcel dropoff box placed outside the home porch to allow delivery people to drop off e-commerce packages. This can help change e-commerce deliveries completely!
Collaboration must have played a role in achieving this milestone. Can you tell us any key partnerships or alliances instrumental in making this project a reality?
We partnered with Sent Into Space. Sent Into Space is the world’s leading provider of commercial Near Space launches.
Founded in Sheffield in 2011, Sent Into Space has conducted over 1,000 flights to the upper stratosphere, combining cutting-edge aerospace engineering with video production and marketing expertise to create incredible campaigns.
Their engineers worked with igloo engineers to ensure the set-up was thoroughly tested before embarking on the flight.
Looking ahead, what exciting prospects does this achievement unlock for igloo? Can you share any upcoming projects or advancements in the pipeline with us?
We’re excited about upcoming projects that will harness the technology’s potential to provide even greater convenience, security, and peace of mind to people across the globe.
One example of an enterprise partner we are working with within the United States in the self-storage space manages over 500,000 storage units across the country, with many of them in remote places exposed to the weather elements of snow, rain, typhoons and temperature swings.
Our smart access enterprise software, coupled with our Smart Padlock 2, is starting to help them change how they manage access into one that is much more seamless, secure, efficient and transparent.
In addition to our smart padlocks, we offer an array of smart locks tailored for the residential market, particularly in regions like Singapore.
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Image Credit: igloohome.
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