What to Expect When You're Connecting

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In this episode of What to Expect When You're Connecting, host Ryan Carlson sits down with Chris Iveson, CEO and co-founder of FourJaw, to explore how plug-and-play IoT hardware is transforming factory productivity. Chris shares the journey from complex PLC integration to a beautifully simple power-clamp approach that works on any machine — from a multimillion-pound CNC to an office kettle. They discuss why most manufacturers overestimate their machine uptime, how a simple current clamp delivers 90% of the value at a fraction of the cost, the connectivity headaches that led FourJaw to Soracom, and why starting with the problem — not the technology — is the key to building something customers actually want.

Topics Covered

• What FourJaw does — Plug-and-play IoT hardware that monitors machine energy consumption and productivity, paired with tablet computers for operators. Works on any machine regardless of age, type, or brand.
• From PLC integration to current clamps — How FourJaw pivoted from complex control-system integration (too slow, too expensive, too inconsistent) to simple current clamps that deliver the 90% of value customers actually want: "When is my machine making me money?"
• Power monitoring insights — Why on/off status and power spikes are the "check engine light" of manufacturing. How a single variable — power draw — reveals uptime, downtime, and anomalies.
• Connectivity growing pains — The WiFi nightmare: daily battles with dropped connections, third-party IT systems, and finger-pointing. How Soracom SIM cards in routers solved the problem by providing independent, reliable 24/7 connectivity.
• ROI and case studies — At ~£180/machine/month, FourJaw pays for itself within the first month. Case study: Lister Windows now produces 250 additional PVC windows per week.
• "Aha" moments — Nearly every customer overestimates their productivity. One manufacturer thought they were running at 50% capacity — they were actually at 20%. That gap is opportunity, not a problem.
• Free energy tip — Put a timer on your factory compressor and auto-switch it off when the factory isn't running. You'll save thousands a year — no FourJaw required.
• People over technology — Why "What's your AI strategy?" is the wrong question. Start with the problem, then reverse-engineer the technology. Chris draws a parallel to Steve Jobs and Apple's philosophy.
• Sensor everything vs. simple — The AMRC's "Full Monty" project equipped a single CNC machine with ~1,000 sensors. Great for research, but not for delivering customer value. FourJaw's philosophy: remove complexity, get to the value with simplicity.
• Cloud hosting and security — FourJaw's platform runs on AWS with the ability to spin up regional servers for data sovereignty compliance. Ryan highlights Soracom's Virtual Private Gateway for secure, isolated cellular data traffic via VPC peering with AWS.
• Why the name "FourJaw" — A four-jaw chuck holds square material in a lathe or milling machine (a three-jaw chuck holds round material). It roots the company in manufacturing without being too prescriptive. And fourjaw.com was available.
• What's next — FourJaw is moving from analytics (what happened) to planning (what's going to happen), integrating with ERP systems to orchestrate jobs across machines. Industry benchmarking is also on the roadmap.

Key Quotes

Links & Resources

• FourJaw: fourjaw.com
• Soracom: soracom.io
• Soracom Virtual Private Gateway — One-click private network for secure cellular data via VPC peering with AWS
• Soracom On-Demand Remote Access — Secure SSH to any Soracom-connected router
• Soracom On-Demand Packet Capture — PCAP logging for Wireshark diagnostics

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Host Ryan Carlson talks with Conrad Clemson, CEO of EdgeBeam Wireless, about using broadcast TV (ATSC) signals to deliver large downstream data payloads as efficient multicast—sending one transmission to reach many endpoints—while using 4G/5G with a Soracom eSIM for control, acknowledgments, retransmits, and security. Conrad contrasts broadcast tower coverage and capital efficiency with cellular’s dense tower topology, emphasizing applications where many devices need the same content: digital signage fleets, software/map updates for cars, video distribution, LLM/model updates, and RTK GPS correction data for higher-precision navigation. Use of dual-radio M.2-style card presents as standard IP to host devices, supports common internet protocols, and can provide an “air-gapped” path for secure environments. The episode also covers scale economics (per-endpoint transmission cost approaching zero), flat-rate outcome-based pricing, and why Soracom’s cloud-native, carrier-grade platform helps EdgeBeam launch faster.

00:00 EdgeBeam Wireless Interview with Conrad Clemson

00:27 Broadcast Connectivity Intro

01:33 Why Broadcast Beats Towers

03:15 Multicast for Massive Updates

04:44 Smart Signs and Kiosks

08:08 Hybrid Device Two Radios

09:59 Security and Air Gapping

12:03 Bandwidth and Scale Math

15:09 Costs BOM and Car TCO

18:30 Business Model Outcomes

19:39 Sell Outcomes Not Savings

20:55 Multicast Hardware Onboarding

21:53 Flat Rate Pricing Model

24:33 New Signage Content Plays

26:38 Edge Computing Meets Multicast

28:24 Best Fit Use Cases

29:40 Enhanced GPS Corrections

32:16 Why Soracom Partnership

35:59 Wrap Up And Next Steps

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RTLS at Scale: Lamplight Logistics on Bluetooth, Multi-Tech Asset Tracking, and Cellular Deployments

Ryan interviews Kurt Nehrenz, CEO and co-founder of Lamplight Logistics, about RTLS (real time location systems) for tracking assets, people, or machines across outdoor GNSS and centimeter-accurate indoor environments. Kurt explains that Bluetooth’s widespread adoption has reduced tag costs enough to track tens of thousands to millions of assets, including single-use stickers, while UWB, 5G, and AI/ML make large-scale data practical. Lamplight takes a software-first, “no silver bullet” approach, choosing among RFID, Bluetooth, UWB, and cameras based on accuracy, update frequency, and asset value, then unifying data streams into business outcomes. Automotive returnable containers are highlighted as a key use case to prevent loss and diagnose supply-chain bottlenecks. Success depends on integrating into systems like SAP/ERP, iterative discovery with stakeholders, and cellular “plug-and-play” gateways via Soracom for simpler deployment, predictable cost, security controls, and remote debugging; Cassia Bluetooth gateways enable long range, remote management, and tag commands like blinking for identification.

00:00 Meet Lamplight CEO
00:34 RTLS Explained Fast
01:38 Why RTLS Scales Now
03:14 Choosing the Right Tech
05:29 Cameras and Validation
06:36 Software First Strategy
07:18 Automotive Returnables ROI
09:53 Beyond Dashboards to ERP
12:17 Discovery and Iteration
16:57 Cellular as Deployment Hack
18:55 Bluetooth Gateways at Scale
20:46 Remote Debug and Find My
23:36 Soracom Trust and APIs
25:10 Locking Down Connectivity
27:50 Wrap Up and Contact Info
29:26 No More Dark Spots

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In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson chats with Satender Yadav from Skylo, the Director of Global Sales Engineering. They discuss the intricacies and advancements in non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite technology, which enables seamless connectivity for IoT devices no matter their location. Satender explains the challenges of connecting products and services to satellites, the ease of transitioning from cellular to satellite networks using Skylo’s modules, and the flexibility offered by Skylo’s solutions. The episode also explores use cases such as asset tracking in remote areas, cold chain management, and lone worker safety. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of efficient data protocols and power management in optimizing IoT device performance on satellite networks. Satender also shares personal anecdotes about working closely with Soracom, emphasizing the collaborative spirit in advancing IoT connectivity. The episode serves as an insightful guide for IoT professionals looking to enhance their devices' global connectivity.

00:00 From Cell Towers to Skylo: Connecting IoT Over Satellite with Cellular Radios
00:32 Introduction to Skylo and NTN Satellite
01:29 Simplifying Satellite Connectivity
02:40 Latency and Speed in Satellite Networks
05:18 Availability of Satellite-Compatible Modules
09:07 Use Cases for Satellite Connectivity
13:32 Asset Tracking and Cold Chain Management
22:43 Technical Considerations for Satellite IoT
24:20  Challenges with TCP/IP in NB-IoT
24:54 Introduction to Soracom Beam
26:08 Experimenting with Data Transmission
28:10 Power Efficiency in IoT Devices
30:50 Switching Between Cellular and Satellite Networks
32:20 Innovations and Use Cases in IoT
38:56 Simplifying Network Connectivity
44:17 Q: What is Soracom to you?

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In this episode of What to Expect When You’re Connecting, host Ryan Carlson sits down with Eric Schummer, CEO and founder of Senzary, to explore how modern IoT deployments go beyond prototypes and buzzwords to deliver real business value at scale. Eric shares how Senzary is helping enterprises overcome the technical and organizational barriers that stall digital transformation—by delivering plug-and-play wireless sensing, seamless protocol translation, and a flexible IoT operating system designed to unify OT and IT workflows.

From predictive maintenance and legacy machine integrations to air quality monitoring and leak detection, we unpack how Senzary’s "IoTLOGIQ" platform serves everyone from Fortune 500 factories to municipal water systems. You’ll also hear from Marlena Nickel, a former customer turned team member, who explains why scalable solutions win out over one-off “connected widgets.”

Plus, we talk about how Soracom plays a critical role as a trusted connectivity layer—keeping the data flowing securely and reliably, so Senzary’s customers can focus on results, not reboots.

00:00 The ERP of IoT: How Senzary Turns Data Into Action

01:29 The Origins of Senzary

02:20 Challenges in IoT Implementation

06:04 Bridging IT and OT in Enterprises

08:38 Mobile Gateways and Wireless Solutions

12:30 Predictive Maintenance and Use Cases

13:49 Customer Engagement and Solution Flexibility

15:46 The Role of IT in IoT Projects

17:34 Specialized Solutions and Industry Applications

30:47 The Vision for an IoT Operating System

46:50 Partnership with Soracom

51:53 Vendor Relationships and Customer Support

54:48 The Importance of Flexibility and Partnership

55:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

56:29 What is Soracom to You?

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In this episode of What To Expect When You're Connecting, host Ryan Carlson speaks with Nathan Hoel, Co-founder and CTO of BinSentry, a company in the smart agricultural technology market. They discuss the challenges of ensuring reliable connectivity for IoT devices in rural areas, the importance of customer-centric solutions, and the hurdles BinSentry faced with different IoT connectivity technologies. Key topics include BinSentry's use of time-of-flight sensors for accurate feed inventory in silos, dealing with microfretting in SIM cards, and the impact that a flexible and reliable IoT connectivity partner has on reliability, support, and the impact on cost savings. Nathan shares insights on maintaining focus as a start-up and the significant impact of precise billing models on their business operations.

00:00 Audio Podcast- Full Episode

00:33 Challenges in Animal Feed Management

01:02 BinSentry's Technological Solutions

03:00 Customer-Centric Approach

06:23 Processing the Data of Taking Measurements

09:42 AI and Image Processing

11:45 The AI Training Process

15:44 Inventory Management and Business Impact

18:48 Staying Focused on the Mission and Avoiding Scope Creep

19:55 How saying no is the key to maintaining focus and a winning market strategy

26:29 Digging into Technical Topics for Product Development

26:51 Connectivity and Radio Selection

32:10 Reliability Lessons Learned

32:43 The Vampire Issue: Solar Panel Problems

34:07 Importance of Carrier Relationships in Rural Areas

36:28 Soracom's Proactive Problem-Solving

40:18 Temperature Challenges and Industrial SIM Cards

46:56 Billing Model Innovations with Soracom

59:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections

01:00:08 What is Soracom to You?

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In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson welcomes Felix Zhao, founder and CEO of Cassia Networks, to discuss the evolution and potential of Bluetooth technology in enterprise IoT applications. Felix shares insights about the history of Bluetooth, its challenges in enterprise settings, and how Cassia Networks addresses these issues with advanced Bluetooth gateways and routers. 

The conversation explores technical innovations like increased range, cost-efficiency, and Bluetooth security, making it a viable solution for industrial and healthcare environments. The episode also covers the importance of cellular connectivity in simplifying deployment and reducing costs, with Felix highlighting the partnership with Soracom to enhance their offerings. 

The discussion includes practical applications and future advancements in Bluetooth technology, making it an informative listen for IoT professionals.

00:00 Video: Using Bluetooth in Enterprise IoT Deployments
00:27 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:21 The Evolution of Bluetooth Technology
02:29 Bluetooth in Enterprise IoT
06:09 Comparing Bluetooth with Other Technologies
09:06 Security and Power Efficiency of Bluetooth
10:59 About Bluetooth Security and Channel Hopping
13:52 Cassia Networks' Innovations
17:20 Technical Aspects of Cassia's Bluetooth Gateways
19:50 Integration and Application of Cassia's Solutions
23:57 Exploring Cellular Connectivity in Industrial Gateways
24:26 Challenges in Industrial and Medical Environments
25:14 Customer Feedback and Product Evolution
26:28 Cost and Maintenance Benefits of Cellular Gateways
27:02 Success Stories and Real-World Applications
31:20 Innovations in Bluetooth Technology
31:36 Bluetooth Roaming and Medical Applications
35:53 Future of Bluetooth in Industrial Settings 
38:03   Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson interviews Dr. Nagesh Kadaba, founder of RxKeeper. They discuss the innovation behind RxKeeper, a device designed to improve medication compliance through the use of LTE-M cellular smart buttons. The conversation covers the origins of RxKeeper, its development process, and the challenges faced in creating a simple yet effective solution for medication adherence. Learn about the device's ability to track medication usage, the advantages of using LTE-M technology, and how it is making a difference in the healthcare space. Tune in to hear insights on the future of digital health and connected products for IOT professionals.

00:00 RxKeeper with Nagesh Kadaba

00:54 The Inspiration Behind RxKeeper

01:36 Innovative Design of RxKeeper

02:35 Evolution of the Product

03:23 Simplifying Medication Management

08:18 Clinical Trials and Patient Outcome

14:27 Provisioning and Distribution

24:45 Technical Challenges and Solutions

28:06 Transition to AWS Server

28:26 Implementing Funk for Data Integration

28:40 API and Webhook Setup

29:07 Future Plans for Integration

31:29 Soracom Integration and Benefits

34:42 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects

35:32 What is Soracom to You?

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In this episode, we welcome Rosie Amlani, the CEO of ColdChase, to discuss the multifaceted applications of asset tracking, IoT, and connectivity solutions provided by her company. Rosie explains the integrations and custom solutions offered by ColdChase's sub-brands: AssetChase and PaXChase. She delves into the origins and progress of the ColdChase platform, focusing initially on cold chain logistics during the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding to other sectors such as food safety and airport operations. Rosie highlights the importance of simulation in product development from her engineering background and the rigorous testing required for regulatory compliance. We explore how ColdChase leverages connectivity solutions like Soracom to ensure global coverage and robust data transmission, providing a comprehensive and reliable customer experience. The episode also touches on the challenges of technical sales and the importance of understanding customer needs in delivering tailored IoT solutions.

00:00 Introduction to Rosie Amlani and ColdChase

01:43 Origins of ColdChase: Cold Chain Solutions

02:49 Customizing Sensor Solutions

04:54 From Manufacturing to In-House Product Development

06:02 Importance of Simulation in Product Development

08:14 Understanding the Customer and User

12:24 Regulatory Compliance and Business Optimization

16:54 Environmental Considerations and Connectivity Challenges

20:59 Early Tests with Other Carriers

21:30 Testing Connectivity Across Borders

24:16 How ColdChase is Getting it Right: Connectivity as a Customer Experience

25:52 Customer Story

27:25 Importance of Asset Tracking

30:32 Challenges in the Food Industry

39:21 Security and Data Encryption

40:22 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

43:50 Closing

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In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson sits down with Antoine Robillard, Vice President of Health Solutions at Withings. They discuss the power of design in healthcare devices, the evolution of connectivity from Wi-Fi to cellular for seamless patient care, and the importance of ease-of-use in driving user adoption and retention. Discover how Withings' consumer-centric approach has impacted millions of lives and what the future holds for connected health.