Shows
La Chaise Bleue172. AIoT : L’Alliance de l’IA et de l’Internet des Objets pour les Manufacturiers CanadiensEn direct de l’événement All In 2025 à Montréal, Nicolas Quintin reçoit Walter Knitl (Président) et Salvatore Cimmino (Co-fondateur) de AIoT Canada, l’association de référence où l’intelligence artificielle rencontre l’internet des objets. Dans cet épisode, ils dévoilent le rôle clé de l’AIoT pour les manufacturiers, clarifient les différences entre IA, IIoT et AIoT, et expliquent comment cette convergence crée de nouvelles opportunités de compétitivité et d’innovation. Plongez au cœur des enjeux de sécurité, de gouvernance des données, et de la souveraineté numérique au service...
2025-10-1437 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 29: Internet of Things – what’s in it for Canada?ThingsHappen podcast’s mission is to expose Canada’s play in the Internet of Things. With that in mind, we ask all of our guests what they think IoT means for Canada, and how are we doing as a nation in leveraging IoT in addition to delving deep into our guests’ unique IoT involvement and passions. Here is a compilation of their take on those two questions – enjoy. Guests · Nilufer Erdebil from Spring2 Innovation · Burak Kantarci from University of Ottawa · Gordon Harling from CMC Microsystems · Cliff Ellement from ThinkRF ...
2023-06-2728 min
ThingsHappenDrones are IoTDrones – they're flying IoT systems in their own right and smart flying IoT devices as seen by the rest of the world. But – what are they good for, and what is their place in Canada? We discuss these questions and delve into the drone innovation supported by Transport Canada, related governance, and the testing and validation of drone functionality and safety in adverse Canadian weather. And what about that drone-delivered pizza you've been waiting for such a long time – we get into that too. Guest Our guest is Mark Robbins, manager of Venture Projects at Transport...
2023-06-0145 min
ThingsHappenMQTT – IoT’s MessengerConnectivity! A key pillar of IoT. But what is the actual messenger using that connectivity? We discuss the critical role of MQTT in IoT solutions as a network-agnostic protocol and messenger among IoT architecture elements, including devices, data services, analytics, and more. Starting with a 101 on what it is and how it works, we delve further into some of its essential attributes, like quality of service and security, and examine how it compares to similar protocols. We also touch on SparkPlug and its relationship with MQTT. Finally, we overview some applications and how to get started applying MQTT.
2023-05-0539 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 26: Internet of Things Digital GovernanceHow can we amplify IoT’s benefits, guard against its pitfalls, level the playing field, and make it more inclusive? Digital Governance! We examine the role and importance of digital governance for the Internet of Things in this era of digital-physical transformation. And - how digital-physical things are the same and different as other digital entities under the digital transformation and governance umbrellas. We also touch on the IoT-related standards released by the Digital Governance Council and how they define and develop their standards. Guest Our guest is Keith Jansa, CEO at the Digital...
2023-03-0931 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 25: IoT Security by DesignWhat is IoT security? It’s consistently the top-ranking IoT concern and hurdle on virtually every IoT survey! Oh – not to mention privacy pitfalls. We discuss why that is and what to do about it - not the least of which is to embed IoT security by design. But – what does that entail from the IoT product providers’ design, development environment, and validation perspectives, and what should adopters expect and do to ensure secure IoT solutions? Our conversation also turns to the vital role of security standards and regulations and their current state. Guest Our guest is Faud...
2023-02-1747 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 24: The Digital-Physical Transformation ImperativeWe live in a physical world undergoing rapid digitalization. With that resulting Digital-Physical Transformation, we can no longer afford to think, let alone accept, that the physical world is separate from the digital world. We examine the benefits and pitfalls of the physical’s digital intensification and the knock-on economic, social, human, and governance transformations they drive. Nilufer and Walter also discuss the imperative for bringing the Digital-Physical Transformation under the broader Digital-Transformation big tent and why and how we must elevate our digital literacy around it. Guest Nilufer Erdebil is the CEO at Spr...
2022-12-1631 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 23: A glimpse at IoT North ConferenceWith the IoT North Conference coming up in November, we’re taking the opportunity to expand Canada’s IoT Conversation by getting insights about IoT from some of the visionary voices who will be presenting at the conference. We ask what IoT means to them, what gets them excited about it, what IoT means for Canada and why they are compelled to advance the IoT conversation Guests Our guests are: Brenda Beckedorf - Executive Director at Alberta IoT Michel Langelier - CEO at AIoT Canada Robert Saik - CEO at AGvisorPRO Bill Whitelaw - Manag...
2022-09-2930 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 22: 5G and IoT – tied at the hipFive-Gee – is it yet-another G – just a faster Generation of mobile? We do touch on 5G’s immense speed but delve deeply into how 5G fulfills its greater destiny to connect the real physical world around us – that is, deliver Massive IoT. We discuss the role of 5G in IoT adoption and innovation and the state of 5G deployment. Our conversation encompasses the economic and societal benefits of several use cases involving 5G in IoT, some of the challenges that 5G presents, and how IoT and 5G, tied at the hip, ultimately provide peace of mind. Guest Our g...
2022-07-1454 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 21: Advancing Canadian Smart Agriculture through the Internet of ThingsFood – we need it and relish it. And agriculture is how we get it. But how do we ensure the quantity, high quality, and environmental sustainability we value? We discuss IoT’s underpinning of Smart Agriculture that answers these needs and values, including in animal, crop, and greenhouse operations. We delve into the types of systems and autonomous equipment employed, several use cases, and the challenges of farm digitalization. Our conversation leads us to CENGN’s role in fostering Canada’s smart agriculture and addressing some of the challenges. We also discuss some of the specific smart agriculture start-ups they helped cu...
2022-06-2955 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 20: Smart Cities and the Internet of ThingsSmart Cities – what are they? Of the many things that make a city “smart”, technological or social, the Internet of Things is at its core. We not only delve into IoT’s central role and related technologies like AI and 5G but also dive into the raison d'être of Smart Cities and their drivers and benefits. But – we don’t shy away from pointing out Smart Cities’ challenges and what adopters can do, and where to turn to innovate solutions, build talent, and make a real go of Smart Cities. Guest Our guest is Dr. Rick Huijbregt...
2022-06-1144 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 19: Accelerating Canadian IoT venturesPicking the right horse is important but choosing the best racetracks to race in is just as crucial. The same holds for individual IoT ventures and the IoT verticals or sectors they play in. With a track record of successful races, our guest shares his thoughts on the merits of IoT application in different sectors and why and how L-SPARK is accelerating IoT ventures in the automotive, medical, and cybersecurity fields. We also discuss the SaaS-IoT interplay and L-SPARK’s programs and touch on guidance for entrepreneurs growing their ventures. Guest Our guest is Leo Lax...
2022-05-2648 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 18: Automobility, Innovation, and the Internet of ThingsWhere's the value of IoT? It's undoubtedly in the vertical solutions founded on it. We discuss IoT's underpinning role in the new era of mobility, advanced manufacturing, and other prominent verticals in the Windsor-Essex region. We also dive into IoT's role in regional economic development, talent creation, and the digital rejuvenation of traditional industry sectors into modern industries. Guests Our guests are Yvonne Pilon, CEO at WEtech Alliance, and Tom Schnekenburger, Project Manager at the University of Windsor. Yvonne has deep experience in the tech sector with a core focus on growing companies and...
2022-05-0952 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 17: Managing and assuring the RF spectrum for IoT with AIIoT is extensively about wireless communication by connected devices riding on the RF (Radio Frequency) spectrum. But will that be reliably and securely? We air the critical role of the RF spectrum in IoT adoption and how we monitor it and make sure it's available and secure – especially as 5G, a "Massive IoT" enabler, adds to the spectrum management complexity. We dive into the critical roles that Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence play in analyzing and correcting real-time spectrum perturbations, threats, and disruptions. Guest Our guest is Cliff Ellement, head of AI Solutions at Thi...
2022-04-1730 min
ThingsHappenIntroduction and implications of sidewalk delivery robotsWatch out, don’t trip – over that sidewalk delivery robot. Or is it the other way around – watch out, get out of the way of that human. What will be the rules of engagement as autonomous robots encroach our public sidewalk space and mingle with us and with each other? We explore the benefits they bring, the traffic management challenges they create, and the risks they pose. And – we delve deep into the resulting governance implications and what standards are now being developed to get the most from autonomous sidewalk robots – and play safe and nice with each other. Guest
2022-03-2642 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 15: Microelectronics – the heart of the Internet of ThingsIoT – it’s the convergence between the digital and the physical. And “the physical” means you have to have hardware that’s high performing, compact, power-frugal, and sensing-diverse. That’s where Microelectronics steps in. We discuss the critical role of microelectronics from sensors, to connectivity and communication, to computing and analytics – without which IoT just doesn’t happen. We also discuss the importance of microelectronics to Canada and what is being done to lower entry barriers for Canadian researchers, innovators, and companies. Guest Our guest is Gordon Harling, CEO at CMC Microsystems. Gordon has extensive experience in microel...
2022-03-0826 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 14: Innovating Smart Connected Vehicles and CitiesSmart Vehicles and Smart Cities, underpinned by IoT, are making tremendous impacts on our lives and societies – but it doesn’t happen on its own. These are complex systems demanding not just research and innovation in a wide range of technologies but also academic and industry collaboration - and our guest is in the thick of it. We discuss the key challenges at the forefront of research, including the role of machine learning and AI, data acquisition and real-time modeling, and the privacy and security risks. And we get insights into the research conducted at the University of Ottawa’s Smart Con...
2022-02-1956 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 13: Compilation – what does IoT mean to you?The Question! The one that we ask all our guests on the ThingsHappen podcast to get the juices flowing before we dig into their IoT involvement and expertise – what does IoT mean to you? Listen to what they had to say in this compilation of insights on IoT from the first twelve podcasts. They’re all unique – but is there a common thread? One more THING – we also share their insights on a related bonus question – what is the impact of IoT? Guests Here are the guests in the order of their first appearance in this episode...
2022-02-0222 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 12: Cloud Wars – how data owners winYou’re into IoT – and that means you’ve got data. Lots of it. You keep collecting, analyzing, and squeezing it into storage until data hits the fan one day. Your organization outgrows the cloud services you rely on, so you attempt to move to the next shining cloud service on the block. But, instead of making a clean break, you end up smearing data across clouds. Our expert shines a light on the cloud wars that got you into this mess and keep you there, and how to avoid it. We also discuss the considerable role of edge (or fog) comp...
2022-01-1438 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 11: IoT Canada - Growing Canada’s AIoT EcosystemWhat are the most disruptive and impactful forces at play today? IoT and AI, of course – that’s AIoT – and AIoT Canada is poised to elevate Canada’s adoption and innovation in AIoT. We discuss Canada’s AIoT landscape and the benefits and challenges of AIoT adoption. We also delve into AIoT Canada’s role in growing Canada’s AIoT ecosystem, its formation and function, and its vision to heighten Canada’s economy and international position in the global digital economy through AIoT. Guest Our guest is Michel Langelier, CEO at AIoT Canada. In addition to over...
2021-12-2133 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 10: Internet of Things and the LawYou have the technology and the business plan for your IoT product - but do you know the legal risks associated with IoT, and are you prepared for your obligation to deliver safe and secure products and the potential liabilities if you don’t? Our expert guest dives into the IoT space through a legal and regulatory lens that determines the rights and obligations of IoT stakeholders. We also discuss IoT regulations emerging from different jurisdictions and the state of IoT law in Canada. Guest Our guest is Edona Vila, a lawyer, and part...
2021-12-0829 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 9: Connected Autonomous Vehicles and IoT - oh that winterOh that winter – a challenge to regular vehicles, and more so to automated vehicles. Connected Automated Vehicles (CAV) rapid emergence is poised to deliver significant benefits while confronted with real-world challenges. Our expert guest delves into the cold hard truth of one of the main CAV challenges and provides concrete insights into the CAV ecosystem, which is crucial to the sector’s growth, covering the major players and the role of IoT in it. We also discuss Canadian CAV innovations and the ecosystem roles of start-ups and small and medium enterprises. Guest Our guest is Barri...
2021-11-2524 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 8: Machine Vision – what’s in it for IoTWho needs machine vision anyway - when we have such diversity of other sensors? Our expert guest considers the flexibility of machine vision and how it creates virtual Things that firmly belong in the IoT space. And how machine vision with AI-based analytics provides more significant human behavioural insights than purposed physical sensors could. We also discuss how behaviour is turned into actionable data for planning and operating commercial and manufacturing enterprises while retaining individual anonymity. Guest Our guest is Riccardo Badalone, CEO at C2RO. Ricardo has vast experience in the high-tech sector, including...
2021-11-1233 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 7: Financial Services and IoT – trust is keyWhat challenges do financial services and IoT have in common? Data – lots of it. And trust – to hold in trust what we value – our money, our privacy, and the value of data. And increasingly, that data is not just human-generated, but also by our physical surroundings through IoT. Our guest considers how trust frameworks developed for financial services could be leveraged for IoT, and we also touch on transacting the value of IoT data. Guest Our guest is Kashmera Self, AVP, Strategy & Emerging Solutions Delivery at Interac. Kashmera’s extensive experience in the financial services sector inc...
2021-10-2934 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 6: LoRa for IoTGo far and wide. Go lean and smart. That’s the beauty of LoRa – the Long-Range connectivity for IoT that connects smart devices far afield with a lean power grab, that’s just as at-home in your local office or shop floor. Our guest outlines the LoRa technology and charts its many applications, and we ponder the effect of the expanding LoRa ecosystem on the growing LoRa adoption. Guest Our guest is Barney Barnowski, VP Business Development at TEKTELIC. Barney’s extensive experience in wireless communication includes technical and product management roles at Telus and Nortel. T...
2021-10-1339 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 5: OT-IT Convergence and IoTOT-IT? No - it's not a typo for IoT. Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) convergence is a vital paradigm invading industries embarking on Industry 4.0 and undergoing digital transformation. And this OT-IT Convergence envelops IoT. Our guest lays out OT-IT Convergence and its framework, outlines the transformational endeavour, and provides approaches for realizing it. Oh - and we discuss the critical role that IoT plays in it. Guest Our guest is Sonia Bot, chief executive of The BOT Consulting Group Inc., playing key roles in the inception and delivery of strategic businesses and transformations wo...
2021-09-3032 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 4: Innovating IoT through Design ThinkingYou heard of the Internet of Things and are starting to get its profound impacts on business and public policy and the need to be involved in it. But how do you go about innovating IoT solutions and governance to grow and remain relevant as an organization and professionally – especially since IoT is such a broad space often demanding systemic solutions. That’s where Design Thinking steps in. We talk to a Design Thinking expert and a seasoned innovation facilitator about what’s happening at the intersection of the Internet of Things and Design Thinking. Why and how you can ap...
2021-09-1929 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 3: Investing in IoTSo – you have an IoT product or thinking of starting an IoT venture – eh? You must, then, also know that you need cash or investment to grow and succeed. But where do you turn, and how do you put your best foot forward to get the investment support you need. Oh, and by the way, what verticals should you be looking at more than others to make a go of it, and why does Industrial IoT seem to be at the fore. We discuss these questions and more with a seasoned investor, including some tips on seeking investment for your...
2021-09-1740 min
ThingsHappenEpisode 2: Satellite Internet of ThingsConnectivity is one of the three pillars of IoT, and there’s plenty of choices – RFID, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, LoRaWAN, and the list goes on. But what do you do when connectivity is non-existent in remote and rugged terrains or your devices are geographically dispersed. This pain has seen a rise in satellite connectivity for IoT in response, particularly Low Earth Orbit constellations. We discuss the application, technologies, growth, and business trade-offs of satellite applications to IoT. Guest Our guest is Frank Rayal, Founding Partner of XONA Partners, where his consulting enables companies to levera...
2021-09-1326 min
ThingsHappenWelcome to ThingsHappen Podcast TrailerWelcome to the ThingsHappen podcast by IoT North - Canada’s Internet of Things Conversation. ThingsHappen hosts and engages Canada’s IoT providers, users, innovators, policymakers, and thinkers - to help you stay in touch with Things Happening in Canada’s Internet of Things community. The Internet of Things is here and now with great benefits to us as individuals, businesses, economy, and society, and you’ll get to know how you too can benefit from it. BUT – we won’t shy away from exposing IoT’s pitfalls and we’ll explore how to fill in the pit and soft...
2021-09-1001 min
The Internet of ThingsIoT Product Management - Walter Knitl, PraxiemWalter Knitl, Principal consultant at Praxiem and Chief Business Development Officer of IoT613.
We discuss Walters background in the technology sector, product management and the work involved for businesses to create and deliver great products, IoT and it's societal impacts and the upcoming IoT613 conference.
2019-01-1149 min