A Pioneer in IoT and Low Power Cellular SCADA Systems – Achim Kraus

Achim Kraus is a name that resonates within the world of the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly in the realms of protocol development. Over the past 10 years, Kraus has made significant contributions to the growth and evolution of IoT, helping shape the communication standards that underpin a connected world. Known for his expertise in reliable, scalable, secure, and energy-efficient IoT systems, Kraus has worked on improving the usage of low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) with CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol) and DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security). All vital components in the functioning of modern smart cities, healthcare systems, and industrial automation.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Kraus’s journey into the world of technology began with his academic background in computer science. He earned his Diplom-Informatiker (Master’s in Computer Science) from the University of Stuttgart, a solid foundation that propelled him into the world of software development. His early career at Art of Bits GmbH, where he worked between 1997 and 2001, saw him take on various roles in software development. Here, he honed his skills in Java and C, gaining valuable experience in building and testing software. It was during these formative years that Kraus’s passion for technology and problem-solving began to take shape.

Transition to Distributed Device Systems

Kraus’s transition into the realm of distributed device systems began when he started working as a freelancer in 2001. This period marked the beginning of his focus on protocols like IP and RS485, which are essential for communication within IoT networks. His expertise in Java and embedded C enabled him to contribute significantly to embedded device systems, where devices need to operate within constrained environments. These early experiences laid the groundwork for Kraus’s future work in low-power IoT systems, where he would soon become an advocate for CoAP and DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security).

Shaping IoT at Bosch.IO GmbH

From 2014 to 2022, Kraus served as a Senior Software Developer at Bosch.IO GmbH, where he worked on scalable solutions for IoT communication. This role was pivotal in his development as an expert in CoAP and DTLS, both of which are crucial for secure and efficient communication in IoT environments. His work contributed to the advancement of CoAP as a standard for constrained devices, allowing them to exchange data securely and efficiently. One of his notable achievements was his involvement in the co-authorship of IETF RFC 9146, a key document that advanced the security protocols for IoT devices.

Independent Work and Open Source Contributions

In 2022, Kraus made a significant transition in his career, dedicating himself to the development of open-source solutions. He focused on designing SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems that cater to the needs of industrial applications. By leveraging low-power cellular devices, Kraus developed innovative solutions for monitoring systems, including bee-hive scale monitoring, car battery tracking, and refrigerator monitoring. These projects demonstrated how IoT systems could operate efficiently with low-power devices for extended periods, even when deployed in remote locations with limited connectivity.

A standout achievement during this period was Kraus’s open-source demonstration using the #Thingy:91, a cellular modem by Nordic Semiconductor. By using CoAP and DTLS 1.2 CID, Kraus created an energy-efficient system capable of sending data once an hour for an entire year. Despite the challenges of weak radio signals, the system proved highly reliable, with minimal message loss. This demonstration set the stage for future development in low-power cellular IoT systems.

Consultancy Role at melita.io

In 2024, Kraus took on a new role as a consultant for melita.io, a position that allows him to continue driving innovation in the IoT space. Through his work with melita.io and the company’s acquisition of Crout, Kraus is helping to shape the future of low-power cellular IoT systems. His expertise in cellular communication and low-power technology is helping melita.io expand its IoT solutions and improve their efficiency and scalability.

Low-Power Cellular SCADA Systems

Kraus’s current focus is on advancing low-power cellular SCADA systems, which are vital for industries looking to monitor and control their operations efficiently. His work in this area aims to make these systems more accessible, allowing system builders to get up and running quickly—sometimes within just a few afternoons. With a clear emphasis on practical applications, Kraus’s solutions, such as the monitoring of beehives or car batteries, show how IoT can be applied across a range of industries, from agriculture to transportation.

Achim Kraus is a true pioneer in the IoT space whose work has shaped the way we think about device communication, security, and energy efficiency. From his early career in software development to his groundbreaking work on low-power cellular IoT systems, Kraus’s contributions continue to have a lasting impact on the industry. His commitment to open-source projects and his drive to create efficient, scalable IoT systems have made him a respected figure in the field. As IoT technology continues to evolve, Kraus remains at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Transform your #IoT ambitions into reality with the expertise of Achim Kraus and the experience of melita.io. From pioneering low-power cellular #SCADA systems to implementing scalable, secure, and energy-efficient IoT solutions, our team is ready to guide you. Contact us today to leverage cutting-edge technology and global IoT connectivity for your next big innovation.