~ How Thin CellĀ® technology enables the next generation of connected devices ~
Asset tracking has become a critical capability across a wide range of industries, from oil and gas and construction to food logistics and beyond. As operations grow more complex and distributed, organisations are under increasing pressure to maintain real-time visibility of equipment, materials and high-value goods. Batteries play a crucial role, reports Neil Oliver, Technical Marketing Manager at Ultralife Corporation.
Whether monitoring tools are being used on remote job sites, tracking pipelines across vast territories or ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive shipments, reliable asset tracking is now essential for improving efficiency, reducing losses and supporting compliance.
The financial and operational impact of poor asset visibility remains substantial. In sectors such as oil and gas and construction, losses from theft, misplaced equipment and underutilised assets can reach hundreds of millions ā or even billions ā of dollars annually. In other sectors, there are legal implications: the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 Food Traceability Rule takes effect in July 2028 for food supply chains, whilst the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) is already in place for pharmaceutical cold chains.
To address these challenges, organisations are increasingly deploying connected technologies such as GPS trackers, BluetoothĀ® Low Energy (BLE) beacons and RFID tags. These devices provide real-time data on asset location, condition and usage, enabling faster decision-making, improved safety and greater transparency across operations. In regulated industries, they also play a vital role in supporting compliance with evolving standards for traceability and reporting.
The problem with power
Asset tracking devices are often required to operate autonomously for extended periods ā sometimes months or years ā without maintenance. In remote oilfields, dynamic construction sites or global logistics networks, replacing batteries can be costly, impractical or even impossible. At the same time, devices are becoming smaller, more sophisticated and more connected, increasing demands on power sources to deliver reliable performance under challenging conditions.
Environmental factors further complicate the issue. Tracking solutions must withstand extremes of temperature, from frozen cold-chain environments to high-heat industrial settings, as well as exposure to vibration, moisture, dust and mechanical stress. They must also support intermittent power demands, remaining energy-efficient during long sleep cycles while delivering high current bursts for wireless communication.
The role of Thin CellsĀ®
Based on Lithium Manganese Dioxide (LiMnOā) chemistry and designed in ultra-thin pouch formats, Thin CellsĀ® can be manufactured at thicknesses as low as 1.1mm. This enables seamless integration into compact tracking devices, smart labels and embedded systems without adding bulk or weight. Their flexible form factor also allows customisation to suit a wide range of applications, from rugged industrial equipment to disposable packaging.
Engineered for low-duty-cycle applications, Thin CellsĀ® offer ultra-low self-discharge and high energy density, supporting long operational life with minimal maintenance. They are optimised for the sleep-and-wake cycles typical of IoT tracking devices, efficiently powering sensors while delivering the pulse energy required for communication via BLE, LoRa, RFID, NFC and cellular networks.
Crucially, Thin CellsĀ® deliver stable voltage and reliable performance in demanding environments. Their predictable operation supports intrinsically safe designs, making them well suited for applications that must meet stringent safety standards, such as oil and gas or food logistics.
Expanding applications
Beyond oil and gas, construction and food logistics, the potential applications for Thin CellĀ® powered asset tracking continue to expand. These include healthcare, where medical devices, equipment and pharmaceutical shipments require constant monitoring; aviation and aerospace, where tools and components must be tracked across complex supply chains; retail and warehousing, where inventory visibility drives efficiency; and smart cities, where connected infrastructure and public assets require low-maintenance monitoring solutions.
As industries continue to digitise and embrace the Internet of Things, the demand for compact, reliable and long-lasting power solutions will only grow. Thin CellsĀ® can help meet this demand by enabling smarter, more resilient asset-tracking systems. As well as improving visibility, this technology can help reduce data losses and support safer, more efficient operations across a wide range of environments.
For more information on how non-rechargeable Thin CellsĀ® can support your application, visit the Ultralife website.
