One million Red Bull coolers could be outfitted with intelligent monitoring devices in the near future.

Broken and disappearing coolers require money, energy, and time that companies such as Red Bull look to conserve. There to solve the issues is Plano’s AT&T Foundry, the Dallas-based telecom company’s Internet of Things innovation lab.

When Red Bull approached AT&T to help it track its energy drink coolers, IoT Foundry director Craig Lee worked to simplify the issue, the Dallas Business Journal’s  Shawn Shinneman reported.

Simply embedding GPS trackers would require antennas leading to a bulkier appearance and a lower cost-efficiency, the DBJ reported. The lab narrowed in on smaller designs and comprehensive technologies.

“This is another great example of collaboration and innovation to create real value for our customers.”

Thaddeus Arroyo

AT&T created a software complete with a WiFi “sniffer” that will locate coolers, monitor inside temperatures, and collect stock data, according to the DBJ.

“Many times indoors we’re seeing 20 or more [WiFi] access points,” Lee told DBJ. “You can get very, very accurate.”

With the help of the monitors, operators will be able to track the coolers through the software, enabling them to locate the devices around WiFi and efficiently solve maintenance complications.

“This is another great example of collaboration and innovation to create real value for our customers,” Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO of AT&T Business Solutions and International, told DBJ. 

“It streamlines the processes, creates visibility, and improves operations, helping drive significant cost savings and return on investment.”

Dallas Innovates, every day