Decentralized IoT platform aims for contactless economy
The companies will work on a proof-of-concept project that intends to build a decentralized IoT platform that smoothly connects people and things, and a “smart concierge” that enables the contactless economy by utilizing the “UNiD” decentralized ID platform developed by CG and TSSR’s expertise in embedded system development on microcontrollers (MCUs) with strong hardware-based security functions provided by Renesas. The alliance, say the companies, aims to meet the growing need for transactions without human contact and to verify prototypes.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Masayoshi Mitsui, CEO, CollaboGate Japan, “the number and type of businesses that need to interact with users contactless have exploded beyond the specific industries. We believe that the verifiable data exchange platform between “people” and “machines” in a decentralized manner, will support the transformation to contactless systems in a wide range of fields, including new work styles, mobility, logistics, and smart cities, and will contribute to progress our digital society. We are pleased to share our vision with TSSR and Renesas and to be the first mover in the world to take on this challenge.”
In order to replace a variety of tasks that used to be done face-to-face with non-face-to-face methods using technology, digital data and hardware need to be designed to be synchronized well. For example, IoT devices must be able to correctly identify, authenticate, and authorize users, automatically verify the data applied for, consider user privacy, and ensure the security of unattended IoT devices.
A decentralized IoT platform that meets these requirements is needed for a smooth transition from the face-to-face to the non-face-to-face system, say the companies. Model use cases of the smart concierge include:
- Service provider issues credentials (identity verification information, usage permit) to the user’s mobile wallet.
- The user sends the credentials stored in the wallet to the IoT device.
- The IoT device verifies the credentials and opens/closes the gate.
- Access log is sent to the cloud server.
In addition to enabling contactless and secure access, say the companies, the introduction of a decentralized ID mechanism to IoT devices can achieve higher security by enabling the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) without the usual cost, operation, and security issues. With this approach, first, a key pair is generated within the IoT device, then the public key corresponding to the digital signature is registered in the decentralized PKI network.
Anyone from the network can reference this public key, and a cloud server communicating with the IoT device can retrieve this public key and verify the digitally signed data. This is expected to eliminate the need for manual verification, increase security strength, and significantly reduce the operating costs of IoT devices.
Decentralized IoT platforms, say the companies, also provide a mechanism that enables IoT service providers to provide the desired services without retaining unnecessary personal information. It provides a mechanism for safe and smooth authentication and data transactions between humans and IoT devices based on personal consent, utilizing a mechanism where individuals control their personal information.
Shinichi Abe, President, Tessera Technology Inc. adds, “We are happy to be able to participate in this project. Decentralized ID platform “UNiD” of CollaboGate with secure MCU/MPU technologies from Renesas combining our IoT device development technology, truly safe and secure data communication can be realized. We really expect that we can contribute to the promotion of DX (Digital Transformation) in many industries.”
CollaboGate
Tessera Technology
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