SST Wireless

About: From competition to commercial success

SST Wireless began its journey in 2004, earning recognition in the New Ventures BC Competition for a novel IoT-based tire monitoring system designed for passenger cars. While the technology was promising, the company quickly recognized that the passenger vehicle market was crowded and competitive, with many players pursuing similar approaches.

Rather than join the race for consumer adoption, SST Wireless pivoted to focus on industries where ruggedness and reliability were essential. By tailoring its advanced heat, pressure, and vibration sensors to withstand harsh industrial environments, the company found a powerful niche where few competitors could match its combination of performance and cost-efficiency.

Today, SST Wireless offers a broad portfolio of high-performance monitoring solutions. These sensors are now helping operators in mining, transportation, and other heavy industries reduce maintenance costs, extend asset life, and optimize safety without the complexity and expense of traditional wired monitoring systems.

Challenge: Harsh environments, high costs

Mining provides a clear example of the challenges that SST Wireless set out to solve. Surface mine operators rely on massive haul trucks to transport rock and ore, often in extremely demanding conditions. Tires on these trucks can cost upwards of $80,000 each, and because of terrain, heat, and payload stress, they are prone to premature wear and failure. For many operators, tire replacement accounts for nearly a third of all operating costs.

The scale of this challenge is global. Mines across Canada, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, and Mozambique face similar issues, with maintenance often representing one of the largest line items in the budget. Unplanned downtime from equipment failure doesn’t just increase costs, it directly impacts production and safety.

Beyond mining, fleets in the industrial transportation sector face parallel challenges. Trucks, buses, and trailers are frequently subjected to long hauls, heavy loads, and variable environments. Without accurate, continuous monitoring, operators are left exposed to costly breakdowns and inefficient preventive maintenance schedules.

Solution: Rugged IoT sensors for predictive insight

SST Wireless addressed these challenges by designing rugged wireless sensors capable of monitoring equipment under the harshest conditions. Their product line includes tire pressure and temperature sensors, vibration monitors, and high-heat detection devices that can withstand the extreme demands of mining and industrial transport.

One of the system’s most valuable features is its ability to provide real-time condition data. By combining wireless sensors with LTE connectivity, operators can receive automated tire pressure readings every time a rig hooks up to a trailer, or monitor heavy-duty trucks as they travel between worksites. This eliminates the guesswork from maintenance decisions and enables predictive servicing.

The results are significant. Mining operations using SST Wireless solutions have reported savings between $5 million and $10 million annually. In addition, equipment life has been extended, unplanned downtime reduced, and operational safety improved. Major industry brands, including Kal Tire, Translogik, and AM Bromley, have already adopted the technology, and SST Wireless is pursuing partnerships with global manufacturers like BYD, Volvo, Daimler, and New Flyer Industries.

Why Soracom: Connectivity designed for the field

To ensure reliable operation, SST Wireless needed a connectivity solution that would work across long distances, in remote locations, and within rugged environments. Wi-Fi and Ethernet lacked the coverage and resilience required, while PLC-based systems proved complex and costly to deploy.

Soracom’s LTE connectivity offered a simple and effective alternative. By building Soracom connectivity into their sensors and gateways, SST Wireless could ensure seamless communication across diverse work sites. Whether underground, remote, or in motion, operators receive accurate, real-time condition data that drives smarter maintenance decisions.

In addition, Soracom’s user console gives SST Wireless the visibility needed to manage every device in the field. This capability has simplified deployment, reduced overhead, and allowed the company to scale quickly across multiple industries and geographies.

Future Plans: Accessible IIoT for every operator

Historically, most equipment monitoring solutions have been designed for large enterprises with significant budgets and in-house expertise. These systems are often complex, require third-party integration, and demand long-term investments that put them out of reach for smaller organizations. As a result, fewer than 5% of SMBs have adopted IIoT monitoring, despite facing the same operational challenges as larger players.

SST Wireless is determined to change that. The company is developing a new generation of industrial IoT solutions that combine rugged sensors with plug-and-play LTE modules. These solutions can be installed in minutes, making advanced equipment monitoring accessible to organizations of any size.

By dramatically lowering the cost and complexity of IIoT adoption, SST Wireless aims to empower businesses of all scales to extend equipment life, optimize safety, and improve efficiency. The company’s vision is clear: condition monitoring shouldn’t be limited to the largest operators, it should be available to everyone.