Miroslav Macko, CEO and founder of Heliotics, explores the practical business applications of LoRaWAN technology, emphasizing simplicity and effectiveness in industrial environments. Miroslav’s background in lean manufacturing informs Heliotics' mission to streamline complex processes through accessible IoT solutions, providing tangible improvements in efficiency and cost savings.

Getting More Data Out Of The Machines

Miroslav highlights the power of LoRaWAN for industrial monitoring systems. He discusses Heliotics’ successful deployments, from industrial energy monitoring systems that significantly reduce electricity costs, to industrial machine monitoring systems that minimize waste and downtime.

Lean Simplicity Drives Industrial IoT Success

Drawing from lean manufacturing principles, Miroslav advocates keeping IoT platforms straightforward, focusing purely on actionable data. He explains how Heliotics designs intuitive, plug-and-play solutions—“like a HomeKit for industrial companies”—allowing businesses without IoT experience to effortlessly adopt advanced monitoring capabilities.

Real-World Business Applications

Miroslav shares specific examples:

• Industrial temperature monitoring systems deployed without costly wiring.
• Dust particle sensors combined with door sensors to reduce product defects and scrap rates.
• Direct messaging systems providing real-time alerts and action steps for factory managers.

One standout project, the Vodník Fountain in Trenčín, illustrates how logic from industrial monitoring can apply broadly—achieving a 75% reduction in water use and optimized energy consumption through simple weather-responsive controls.

Leveraging Community Networks

Initially inspired by the Helium Network, Miroslav discusses its reliability as either a primary or backup solution. He emphasizes that community networks like Helium, supplemented by additional gateways for redundancy, are viable even in rigorous industrial environments.

Connect with Miroslav Macko

Miroslav Macko - LinkedIn

Heliotics Website

• Helium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!
• Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.
• Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!
• MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it.
• MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.