Beonic's Wi-Fi Magic Turns Rio’s Copacabana Beach into a Smart City Hub

Beonic is hitting the surf and sand with an enhanced Wi-Fi infrastructure rollout at Copacabana beach
Initial rollout covers 64 kiosks with future plans to expand to other beaches
Wi-Fi infrastructure is equipped with data analytics to bolster businesses
The hardware is custom-tailored to withstand beach environments such as extreme heat, high humidity and sandy conditions

Special Report: It’s not just about sun, sand, and surf anymore. Copacabana Beach has evolved into a tech hotspot thanks to enhanced Wi-Fi infrastructure and Beonic’s cutting-edge analytics. The iconic Brazilian beach has joined the Smart City revolution, with the Aussie AI Platform Beonic partnering with local concessionaire Orla Rio to provide valuable insights into the shoreline’s high-speed internet usage.

More Than Just ‘Free Wi-Fi’

While free Wi-Fi has been available along Rio’s Atlantica Avenue for some time, Beonic’s technology is turning Copacabana into a data goldmine for local businesses. The company’s smart sensors and analytics platforms are working overtime, collecting valuable insights on everything from foot traffic patterns to sunbather preferences.

“We’re not just connecting people to the internet; we’re connecting businesses to their customers in ways they never imagined,” says Billy Tucker, Beonic (ASX:BEO) CEO.

Beonic’s Wi-Fi Analytics technology layer delivers business insights by measuring people’s Wi-Fi behaviour. It collects data on visitor demographics, including time of arrival, stay duration, their interests, and frequency of return. This data is then used to understand and respond to visitor preferences, streamline business operations, and create tailored experiences that drive sales and customer loyalty.

Surf’s Up, Signal’s Strong

Rio’s weather can be a beast, but the robust Cambium and Meraki access points are up to the challenge, ensuring reliable Wi-Fi come rain or shine. These tech marvels are designed to withstand everything from scorching heat to salt spray – keeping beachgoers connected even when Mother Nature throws a tantrum.

This technology empowers beachgoers to stream music, post envy-inducing photos, and even order cocktails without leaving their spot in the sand. But this tech is not just about convenience – it’s pioneering how businesses operate along the beachfront.

For Orla Rio, Beonic’s analytics can help them better understand their customers and improve their marketing campaigns. For example, Beonic can identify which demographics are most likely to visit specific kiosks between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., allowing for more targeted advertising. Additionally, Beonic can help track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by measuring how many people visit the kiosks after seeing a particular ad.

Big Data Meets Big Waves

With 64 kiosks benefiting from the enhanced Wi-Fi infrastructure, the network is set to serve a significant amount of data daily for thousands of beach lovers. And this is just the beginning. Plans are to expand coverage to other beaches managed by Orla Rio, potentially turning the entire Rio coastline into one giant Smart Beach.

“We’re excited to contribute to this Wi-Fi revolution in Rio. It’s not just about free internet; it’s about transforming city life,” says Demis Cunha, Beonic’s Country Manager for Brazil. “We’re talking safer beaches, smarter businesses, and happier visitors. It’s a win-win-win situation.”

The Future is Bright (and Well-Connected)

As the world’s cities get smarter, Beonic’s involvement in Rio’s beach project shows how transformative IoT can be, making public spaces more fun and functional. It’s not just about connecting devices; it’s about connecting communities and providing valuable insights.

The project aligns with Beonic’s global strategy, with similar initiatives underway in Australia. “As part of Beonic’s expansion in all verticals, Smart City projects are a key focus,” Tucker explains. “Beaches are Smart Cities projects at the end of the day. We have beaches all over the world. This project can be easily replicated anywhere, and we expect to have new ones soon.”

Partnerships for Success

The success of this project isn’t solely due to Beonic’s efforts. Partnerships with companies like MoovOn and NetAdept have been crucial. MoovOn brings expertise in marketing, while NetAdept contributes its knowledge in infrastructure deployment. This collaborative approach ensures that the technical implementation is robust and the data gathered is effectively utilised for business intelligence.

Economic Impact and Future Developments

The enhanced Wi-Fi infrastructure is already showing positive economic impacts. Local businesses, particularly kiosks and vendors, benefit from new sales channels. “With the use of Wi-Fi, it’s easier for visitors to download kiosk apps and order their food and beverages,” Tucker notes. “For businesses, this opens up a new channel for increasing sales. For advertisers, it creates new opportunities to convert customers.”

While specific timelines are still in progress, plans are in place to expand the Smart Beach concept to other parts of Rio’s coastline. The goal is to cover the entire coast, creating a seamless Smart City experience for locals and tourists.

With Beonic leading the charge in data analytics and intelligence, the future of Smart Cities looks as bright as a sunny day on Copacabana. Who knows? Your next beach vacation might just be the smartest trip you’ve ever taken.

This article was developed in collaboration with Beonic, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.