The fourth industrial revolution is upon us, and Malta is well-placed to take advantage of its small size and developed infrastructure to serve as a testing ground for avant-garde technology, said Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri.

Speaking at the launch of Hands-On Systems Ltd’s innovative system showcasing five applications of Internet of Things (IoT) technology at the Mosta TechnoPark, Minister Schembri welcomed the development of the novel niche, saying it would bring benefits for the diversification of Malta’s economy.

The Minister noted that Hands-On’s products are in line with the Government’s approach for the building of a smart Malta economy, one that seeks constant improvement in living conditions and the quality of people’s lives.

He spoke about Malta’s potential to serve as a testing base for innovative technology before being exported to larger markets. Minister Schembri commended Hands-On’s innovative approach to generate high-quality digital products, not only for the local market but also for the international market.

He added that this goes in line with the government’s work to strengthen the exportation of local talent worldwide through trade promotion.

Minister Schembri urged organisations to keep being innovative and create avant-garde products which in return will help Malta to advance in its national competitive advantage. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to further invest in the construction of a solid and stable technological infrastructure, enabling whole sectors in the digital field to continue looking at Malta for the setting-up of their operations.

He stated that subsequently, the next step is to build a generation of human skills in the digital sector. He spoke on the need to further foster the love for technology and innovation in the young people, to keep abreast of market demands.

Throughout the event, different stations positioned at their workhouse at Mosta TechnoPark displayed LPG tank level monitoring, a parking sensor, waste level monitoring, temperature and humidity monitoring, and street manhole flood/movement monitoring.

The IoT sensors at each station are connected to Melita’s nationwide narrowband IoT network, ensuring reliable connectivity, the ability to penetrate deep underground and low power consumption.

Such technological products are expected to advance people’s overall quality of life by reducing inefficiencies, traffic pollution, and improve customer services.

New employment opportunities being created by the company due to such growth in investment include jobs in the areas of software development, financial management, international business development, and engineering.

Hands-On Systems CEO Geoffrey Farrugia noted that the company is celebrating its 10th anniversary. He said that, “Thanks to HandsOn Systems’ IoT platform, which allows for live tracking, reporting and alerting on the various sensor data being collected, we will be contributing to the implementation of Industry 4.0 and to transforming Malta into one smart city”.

Harald Roesch, CEO at Melita Limited said, “Melita took a strategic decision to invest in HandsOn because it was clear that their commitment to pioneering IoT solutions created a perfect synergy with our unique nationwide narrowband IoT network.”

“Similarly, both organisations understand the opportunity to provide IoT services internationally, something Melita is successfully pursuing in Germany. Technology and connectivity continue to open new doors for economic and social development and Melita remains determined to play its role in enabling Malta to reap the potential benefits of these advances”.