IoT technology supports reindeer farming
Published: 3.2.2020
In Palojärvi, Rovaniemi, reindeer farming has taken a step forward as Digita and the reindeer owners’ cooperative of Palojärvi started a pilot in which reindeer are tracked using an IoT network. Digita's nationwide IoT network enables lighter and more durable GPS reindeer tracking solutions, enabling the monitoring of the entire lifecycle of reindeer.
Tracking is important to reindeer husbandry, since most reindeer that die in the forest are never found. In addition, it has not been possible to monitor the movements of reindeer as closely as now.
“For us, real-time, reliable information on the movements and disappearance of reindeer is extremely important. We are thrilled that new, lighter technology can finally be used for reindeer tracking. This means that we will be better able to monitor the entire herd, with no dead zones. I think that effective tracking technology will be in high demand throughout the Nordic reindeer economy,” says Seppo Koivisto of the Palojärvi cooperative.
The IoT sensors used with the reindeer are also lighter compared to previous tracking devices.
“Compared to the previous reindeer tracking devices, Digita’s IoT network-based solutions enable lighter and longer-lasting tracking devices, which are also comfortable for the reindeer to carry,” says Ari Kuukka, Director, IoT Services at Digita.
Reindeer sensors will benefit traffic in the future
In addition to reindeer owners, everyone moving around reindeer territory can benefit from this.
“For example, in the future it may be possible to track the movements of reindeer in the neighbourhood of roads and warn motorists about them,” says Ari Kuukka. “Digita’s IoT network has almost limitless potential applications. This reindeer tracking pilot is one example of the new possibilities introduced by IoT technology”.
Digita’s IoT network is based on tall masts and two-way LoRa technology, and its connected devices are cost-efficient and simple to operate. In addition, the battery life of portable devices connected to the IoT network is significantly better than in the case of older technologies.
Figure: Marja Anttonen