Swarm $499 Evaluation Kit - Affordable Robotics for Consumers

Swarm Launches Evaluation Kit for Accessible Satellite Connectivity

Swarm, a satellite connectivity provider, has unveiled a new product designed to empower individuals to develop messaging and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This offering caters to a diverse range of users, from hikers seeking off-grid communication to hobbyists interested in weather tracking.

Introducing the Swarm Evaluation Kit

The Swarm Evaluation Kit is a comprehensive, all-inclusive package. It features a Swarm Tile – the company’s primary modem – alongside a VHF antenna, a compact solar panel, a tripod, an Adafruit Feather S2 development board, and an OLED display. Despite its technical components, the kit weighs under 6 pounds and is priced at $499.

According to Swarm CEO Sara Spangelo, the kit was intentionally designed for ease of use. It aims to be accessible to both beginners and experienced users alike, as she explained in an interview with TechCrunch.

Spangelo clarified that the kit is designated as an “evaluation kit” because it isn’t a fully finished product. It serves two distinct user groups: those desiring affordable messaging capabilities from any location globally, and those who enjoy tinkering, experimenting, and educational pursuits.

Swarm’s Ecosystem and Commercial Availability

This launch represents Swarm’s second consumer product, following the commercial release of the Swarm Tile earlier this year. The Swarm Tile is central to the company’s operational structure.

This structure comprises the Tile itself – a modem for user interaction – the satellite network, and a network of ground stations responsible for data downlink. The Tile’s design prioritizes broad compatibility, enabling Swarm to serve clients in sectors like shipping, logistics, and agriculture.

“We function as infrastructure,” Spangelo stated. “Similar to cellphone towers, our services are available to anyone across various industries.” She cited examples such as utilizing the Tile in soil moisture sensors or for asset tracking within the trucking sector.

Cost-Effective Connectivity

A key aspect of Swarm’s business model is its affordability. A Swarm Tile is available for $119, and the connectivity service is offered at just $5 per month, per device. Spangelo attributes this to both engineering advancements in the miniature devices and satellites, and improvements in launch costs, particularly benefiting smaller satellite developers like Swarm.

Furthermore, direct sales contribute to reduced operational expenses.

The Founding of Swarm

Swarm was established by Spangelo, an aerospace engineer with a Ph.D. and experience at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Google’s Wing drone delivery program. She shared that Swarm originated as a personal project alongside co-founder Ben Longmier, who previously founded Aether Industries, specializing in high-altitude balloon platforms.

“We discovered we could achieve communication speeds comparable to established providers,” Spangelo noted. She acknowledged the growing interest in connectivity, referencing initiatives like Project Loon, but emphasized their decision to adopt a smaller-scale approach rather than competing with larger, long-term projects.

Growth and Future Prospects

Over the past four and a half years, Swarm has deployed a network of 120 compact satellites into low Earth orbit and expanded its team to 32 employees. They have also been actively integrating customers utilizing the Tile. The evaluation kit is anticipated to serve as an additional avenue for attracting customers to Swarm’s services.

Spangelo believes the kit is ideal for “anyone who enjoys experimentation.” She emphasized that this experimentation often leads to innovation and real-world applications.