French LoRaWAN specialist Actility has acquired API-K, a startup known for its innovative LoRaWAN tracking systems designed for mountain sports and rescue teams. API-K was co-founded by two of the original inventors of the LoRa protocol, François Sforza and Nicolas Sornin. Sforza and Sornin previously partnered with Cycleo/Nanoscale and Semtech. The acquisition cost was undisclosed.
API-K has developed a proprietary LoRaWAN-based sensor system called “Beacon” that significantly increases the search range for rescue operations. Actility claims that the technology increases the effective search range by two orders of magnitude compared to other IoT solutions. Key components include a geolocation detector used by search and rescue teams, capable of scanning locations up to 10 kilometers away. The system can detect signals from API-K’s Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) carried by skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Notably, the detector weighs less than 100 grams.
The versatility of the technology means it can be installed on both manned and unmanned aircraft, facilitating rescue missions even for people buried under snow. API-K detectors are already being used by the French Mountain Police (PGHM) for aerial rescues. Grenoble-based API-K has been working for many years with Abbeyway, a subsidiary of Actility, to design LoRaWAN equipment for ski resorts.
Actility plans to integrate API-K into its Abeeway portfolio, expanding its reach of patents and location-based technology. The company also plans to license API-K’s PLB technology to leading outdoor brands to equip more rescue organizations and emergency response teams. Actility aims to expand the technology into nature park security, marine rescue and asset recovery.
In a joint statement, Sornin and Sforza praised the technology’s potential: “Since inventing LoRa, we have worked tirelessly to expand our IoT network across the country and even into space. However, emergencies sometimes occur when the network is unavailable. API-K’s peer-to-peer location technology means rescue teams no longer need to spend hours in the air searching for small spots on the ground. Long-range LoRa signals have become a life-saving technology and are one of our most meaningful achievements. We are pleased that Actility wants to develop this technology further.”
Olivier Hersent, CEO of Actility, highlighted the important role the technology plays: “People’s safety is naturally the top priority and every minute counts when it comes to the search and rescue of missing people. In this context, API-K’s ultra-long-range PLB technology enables air rescue teams to pinpoint the location of a beacon carrier even if its last known position is within a 10km radius. We are committed to making API-K technology a new standard not only for outdoor geosecurity but also for air and ground search and rescue more generally.”
Olivier Fabre, head of PGHM, said: “PLB [solution] This allows for very effective detection and location even outside the coverage area of communication networks. Anyone equipped with an API-K/Abeeway PLB in France can now be found by the PGHM when a relative calls 112.”
A statement from the Courchevel ski resort highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “Courchevel is pleased to continue ensuring the safety of ski and car traffic with the technology developed by API-K, and also reserves the possibility to further develop the cooperation to suit the specific needs of the resort.”
