Proven HBK Force Measurement Technology goes digital with IO-Link

Global leader in precision measurement solutions, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) is proud to introduce digital connectivity to its trusted U2B and C2 force transducers, now available with an IO-Link interface.

This enhancement makes it easier than ever to integrate tensile and compressive force measurements directly into control systems.

For years, the U2B (tensile and compressive) and C2 (compressive) series have been essential tools in production, monitoring, and testing environments worldwide. With a nominal force range from 500 N to 200 kN, these sensors are known for their reliability and precision.

Now, in addition to analogue outputs (4 – 20 mA and 0 – 10 V), users can opt for a digital output via IO-Link – which ensures smarter data handling and improved system integration.

The IO-Link Integration provides engineers with many benefits:

  • Sensor Health Monitoring: Real-time diagnostics compare applied forces and temperature conditions against sensor limits. If thresholds are exceeded, warnings are issued to help prevent damage.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: Improved measurement precision and integrated temperature sensing.
  • Universal Compatibility: IO-Link is standardised and works seamlessly with all major fieldbus systems.
  • Simplified Integration: HBK provides function blocks to streamline sensor setup within control systems.

HBK also offers IO-Link-enabled sensors for torque and weight, expanding the possibilities for smart, connected measurement solutions.

More information is available on the company’s website: https://www.hbkworld.com/en/products/transducers/force/c2
and https://www.hbkworld.com/en/products/transducers/force/u2b

First Look emporia WATCHjoy Smartwatch

The emporia WATCHjoy Smartwatch is their latest product to hit their portfolio of elder friendly devices and good to see them building a nice ecosystem of products

Not that this is just for those who are already entrenched in their ecosystem anyone can use this watch and can be used with both Android and iOS devices via FitCloudPro app which for me is a familiar simple to use app with no complicated menu structures to endure which is akin to their mobile phones we are also familiar with.

Presentation is nice here and again a simple one but making a statement at the same time, out of the box I like the design and build quality of the Smartwatch and it looks good to in both flavours on offer, for now we will be taking a quick first look and if you have any  questions over the next few weeks feel free to ask and come back for the full hands on review. Check out the unboxing below.

Features

  • Screen size: 1.43-inch AMOLED display
  • Screen resolution 466×466 pixels
  • Battery capacity: 380 mAh
  • Stand-by time: 30 days
  • Runtime: 5-10 days

Practical functions such as training recording, heart rate measurement, high heart rate warning, blood oxygen measurement, sleep monitoring, weather forecast, music control, stopwatch, timer and many more make this smartwatch the ideal everyday companion!

 

  • Chipset: Realtek8763EW-VP
  • Memory: Flash 128 MB
  • Sensors: HX3605
  • The watch strap is removable
  • Can be connected to Android and IOS
  • Companion app for the smartwatch, Infowear available in the Google Play Store and the App Store
  • Gesture control possible
  • Reminder to exercise if you don’t move enough
  • Multi-sport mode for all kinds of outdoor sports such as running, cycling, walking and many more
  • Mobile phone search function to find the misplaced mobile phone
  • Notification of phone calls and messages
  • Do not disturb mode available
  • Bluetooth 5.0

BUY

See our emporia reviews

Unboxing video

Blockchain Analytics: How Cryptocurrency Data Is Transforming Digital Marketing Measurement

In recent years, the cryptocurrency world has grown beyond just tracking digital currencies and CRO price movements. One exciting development is how blockchain technology can change the way we measure digital marketing efforts.

Understanding Blockchain Analytics Basics

When we refer to blockchain analytics, we mean the analysis of data that is recorded on cryptocurrency blockchains. Blockchains record and store data in a way that allows anyone to view that data, cannot be manipulated, and does not need centralized controls.

The blockchain record contains useful transaction data, timestamps, wallet addresses, and transfer amounts. The analysis of this information can highlight patterns, identify trends, track the movement of funds, and understand the behavior of users throughout the network. For digital marketers, this can lead to some interesting scenarios.

Blockchain data creates an alternative way to identify how people interact with digital regulations, products, and advertisements instead of relying completely on self-reported metrics from platforms. Blockchain data will allow marketers to verify actual on-chain engagement and transaction patterns to create a more stable foundation to evaluate metrics.

How Blockchain Data Differs from Traditional Marketing Data

Traditional digital marketing relies on data collected through:

  • Cookies and tracking pixels
  • User accounts on platforms
  • Third-party analytics services

 

These methods face growing challenges from:

  • Increasing privacy regulations
  • Browser restrictions on tracking
  • Users are becoming more protective of their data

 

Blockchain data offers a different approach because:

  • It exists publicly on the chain
  • It captures actual transactions and interactions
  • It cannot be manipulated after recording
  • It doesn’t rely on third-party trackers

Potential Applications for Marketing Measurement

The crypto community is exploring several ways blockchain analytics could improve marketing measurement:

  • Verifiable Ad Impressions: Traditional digital advertising struggles with bot traffic and fake impressions. Blockchain-based solutions could create systems where ad impressions are recorded on a blockchain, making them countable and verifiable by anyone.
  • Customer Journey Tracking: With proper privacy protections in place, blockchain could help track customer interactions across multiple platforms without relying on cookies or personal identifiers.
  • Loyalty Program Measurement: Many projects are creating token-based loyalty programs where customer engagement can be measured directly through on-chain activity.
  • Attribution Modeling: Determining which marketing touchpoints lead to conversions is challenging. Blockchain data could provide clearer attribution by linking marketing interactions to actual transaction outcomes.
  • Token Economics Analysis: For crypto projects, analyzing how marketing efforts affect token usage and transactions provides direct feedback on campaign effectiveness.

Community Project Possibilities

The crypto community could develop several projects to advance blockchain marketing analytics:

  • Open Analytics Protocols: Community-developed standards for how marketing data should be recorded on blockchains would help ensure consistency and interoperability.
  • Privacy-Preserving Measurement Tools: Tools that analyze blockchain data while protecting user privacy would address a significant concern in the marketing world.
  • Decentralized Attribution Systems: Community-built systems that reward content creators and marketers based on verifiable on-chain evidence of their contribution to sales.
  • Cross-Chain Analytics Platforms: As marketing happens across multiple blockchains, tools that can analyze data across different chains would be valuable.

Challenges to Address

Several challenges must be overcome for blockchain analytics to transform marketing measurement:

  • Scalability: Most public blockchains cannot yet handle the volume of transactions needed for large-scale marketing measurement.
  • Privacy Concerns: While blockchains are transparent by design, marketing measurement must respect user privacy.
  • Data Integration: Connecting on-chain data with off-chain marketing activities remains technically challenging.
  • Technical Complexity: Current blockchain analytics tools require significant technical knowledge, limiting widespread adoption.
  • Standards Development: The community needs to develop shared standards for how marketing data should be structured on blockchains.

The Road Ahead

Blockchain analytics for marketing measurement is still in its early stages. Progress will likely come through community-driven initiatives focused on solving specific problems:

  • Education Initiatives: Helping marketers understand blockchain data and its potential uses would accelerate adoption.
  • Tool Development: Creating user-friendly tools for non-technical marketers to analyze blockchain data would broaden participation.
  • Case Studies and Benchmarks: Documenting successful applications would help establish best practices.
  • Cross-Industry Collaboration: Partnerships between blockchain developers and marketing professionals would ensure solutions meet real needs.

Moving Forward

Blockchain analytics offers promising new approaches to digital marketing measurement. The technology provides transparency, accuracy, and resistance to manipulation that traditional methods struggle to match. This potential for transformation should inspire optimism about the future of digital marketing.

For the crypto community, the development of blockchain-based marketing measurement systems represents more than just an opportunity. It’s a chance to solve real business problems and advance the adoption of the underlying technology. This role should make the audience feel empowered and integral to the future of marketing.

Conclusion

Changing won’t happen instantly. It’ll require ongoing experimentation, collaboration, and community-driven innovation. However, the potential gains, in terms of better measurement, accuracy, attribution, fraud reduction, and privacy, make it a space to observe and contribute to. 

As marketing becomes more and more digital and data-driven, blockchain analytics could be as essential to measurement as web analytics are now. Community action to make the tools more accessible, privacy-centric, and interoperable will be key in defining how quickly this change occurs.

 

Treemetrics launches revolutionary Real-Time Forest Monitoring and Measurement Platform

Treemetrics, a world-leading provider of forest inventory and management solutions, has announced the launch of its new ground-breaking ‘real-time forest monitoring and measurement’ platform. In a world-first innovation developed at the company’s headquarters in Cork, Ireland, the platform utilizes advanced satellite imagery processing software to provide real-time insights into forest health and productivity.

The Treemetrics platform offers a range of powerful features to help forestry professionals and forest carbon developers to monitor and manage their forests. It is immediately available to users, who can access high-resolution satellite imagery, as well as advanced analytics tools to track changes in tree cover, biomass, and other important metrics. The platform also includes an intuitive user interface and easy-to-use mapping tools to help users visualize and analyse their data.

“We are most excited to introduce this new forest monitoring platform, which represents a major advance in the way that forestry professionals and forest owners can measure and manage their forests,” said Treemetrics CEO, Enda Keane. “With the ability to access near real-time satellite imagery and advanced analytics tools, our platform provides a powerful tool for accurately calculating forest carbon credits.”

Niall Bolger, Head of Earth Observation programmes, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Treemetrics is a great example of an SME that is successfully leveraging the European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel Hub, a world class resource of Earth Observation data that has an open and free data access policy. With Treemetrics deep insights in forestry management, they have developed a powerful analytics tool that is sure to bring value to forestry owners and carbon credit managers across the globe.”

The Treemetrics platform is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing users to monitor forests of any size or complexity. It is also compatible with a range of existing forest inventory and management systems, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows.

“One challenge in measuring forest carbon is that forests are dynamic ecosystems, and they can change over time due to factors such as tree growth, mortality, and disturbance events such as fires and storms. This means that the carbon capturing potential of a forest can also change over time, and it is important to regularly monitor and update the carbon inventory. We believe that our platform represents the future of forest monitoring,” said Enda Keane. “With its advanced technology and intuitive design, it is the ideal solution for forestry professionals looking to take their operations to the next level.”

In November, it was announced that Treemetrics was selected to participate in an important EU-wide project aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change by better monitoring of EU’s forests.