Valence, France, and Chantilly, VA, USA, December 18, 2024 − Dracula Technologies, a global leader in energy-harvesting solutions, and CoolR Group, a pioneering innovator in retail technology, have joined forces to transform the retail sector with sustainable IoT solutions. By integrating Dracula Technologies’ LAYER® OPV modules into CoolR’s cutting-edge VistaZ cameras, the two companies have created a sustainable hybrid solution that combines traditional batteries with innovative Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) technology.
The integration of this innovative energy-harvesting solution is transforming inventory management by enabling real-time inventory insights. As a result, retailers benefit from seamless product availability on shelves, fewer out-of-stock situations, lower service costs, reduced carbon footprints, enhanced customer satisfaction, and ultimately increased sales.
“Partnering with Dracula Technologies has been a game-changer for CoolR,” said Durlabh Jain, CEO of CoolR Group. “Their OPV technology allows us to achieve our vision of sustainable, scalable IoT solutions. Together, we’re setting a new standard for eco-friendly retail technology.”
Jérôme Vernet, VP of Sales at Dracula Technologies, added: “This collaboration exemplifies the power of our OPV technology to address real-world challenges while advancing sustainability. By reducing battery reliance and enabling real-time monitoring, we’re not only transforming retail but also paving the way for greener IoT solutions across industries.”
At the core of CoolR’s IoT ecosystem is the StoreAware platform, which empowers retailers with real-time inventory insights, optimizes on-shelf availability, streamlines product portfolios, and drives significant cost savings. The platform’s centerpiece is VistaZ, a wire-free, cellular camera system that transforms traditional refrigerators and vending machines into smart, connected devices. Initially, VistaZ faced a key challenge: battery-powered sensors performed poorly in cold environments, leading to frequent replacements, increased costs, and environmental concerns. With the integration of OPV technology, these challenges have been overcome. Today, thousands of OPV-powered VistaZ cameras are deployed, delivering transformative benefits including sustainability, reduced maintenance, and lower operating costs.
Dracula Technologies’ LAYER® OPV modules capture ambient light to provide continuous, autonomous power to the cameras, significantly reducing the need for frequent battery replacements. These flexible, durable modules are specifically designed to perform in cold, low-light environments like refrigerated coolers and vending machines.
Dracula Technologies’ LAYER® solution is designed to power IoT devices sustainably and efficiently. Tailored to specific shapes and sensors, LAYER® delivers optimal performance even in sub-200 lux lighting conditions. Its 10-year lifespan eliminates the need for battery replacements and maintenance entirely, making it ideal for large-scale IoT deployments. By leveraging energy harvesting, IoT solutions powered by LAYER® achieve significantly reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Visit Dracula Technologies at CES 2025: Dracula Technologies will showcase its innovative solutions at CES 2025 (Business France – La French Tech: Venetian Campus, Venetian Expo Level 1, Hall G, Booth #640415). Attendees can explore live demonstrations at the Dracula Technologies booth as well as partner booths, gaining insights into the groundbreaking technology that drives energy-harvesting indoor devices. For product designers, demo kits are available to help accelerate the development of next-generation IoT prototypes.
About Dracula Technologies: Dracula Technologies, headquartered in Valence, France, pioneers sustainable energy solutions with its LAYER® technology, revolutionizing power sources for low-power electronics. Its organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules, manufactured using patented digital printing, harvest ambient light, eliminating reliance on traditional batteries. LAYER®Vault complements the company’s existing OPV harvesting product line, transforming it into a 2-in-1 product, combining low-light energy harvesting and storage on a single, flexible film ensuring uninterrupted device functionality, empowering Smart Buildings, Smart Homes, Smart Asset Tracking, and other related applications. With a commitment to clean, renewable energy, Dracula Technologies leads the charge towards a greener future by providing long-lasting, and cost-effective energy solutions. Supporting its mission is its new “Green Micropower Factory”—a state-of-the-art, fully automated facility, the largest of its kind in the world with a capacity of up to 150 million cm² of printed OPV devices per year.
About CoolR Group: CoolR Group is a US-based leader in retail technology, specializing in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionize inventory management. Trusted by global brands, CoolR empowers businesses to achieve optimal operational efficiency, sustainability, and growth.
