I. The Contactless Economy Creates New Opportunities for Unmanned Retail
1. What is the Contactless Economy?
The contactless economy relies on wireless communication technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and big data. It enables economic activities to be completed without direct contact between people or between people and things through IoT devices. The core characteristics of the contactless economy include:
Technology-Driven: Reconstructing traditional service processes with digital technology as the core support.
Remote Interaction: Transactions, services, and management are all completed online, eliminating the need for offline contact.
Risk Reduction: Effectively reducing the risk of gatherings and contact-based transmission, improving operational safety.
The SARS outbreak in 2003 spurred the rise of e-commerce. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 propelled the contactless economy into a mature and large-scale development stage. By 2026, unmanned retail solutions, as a typical scenario of the contactless economy, will experience explosive growth.
2. Why Has Unmanned Retail Become a Dual Necessity for Epidemic Prevention and Control and Digital Upgrading?
The core of epidemic prevention and control is reducing direct contact. Unmanned retail perfectly meets this need and possesses operational advantages that traditional retail cannot match:
| Comparison Dimensions |
Traditional Retail |
Unmanned Retail |
|
Staffing |
Cashiers and sales assistants are needed. |
The entire process is unattended. |
|
Payment methods |
Cash/Card Contact Payment |
Contactless payment via QR code/facial recognition |
|
Epidemic prevention risk |
High risk of gathering of people |
Independent shopping spaces reduce the risk of cross-infection. |
|
Operating costs |
High labor and rent costs |
24-hour uninterrupted operation, low overall cost |
|
Service Hours |
Fixed business hours |
24/7 uninterrupted service |
II. IoT Architecture for End-to-End Unmanned Retail Core Technology Solution Based on 4G DTU
The efficient operation of unmanned retail relies on stable and reliable IoT connectivity. EBITE has launched a dedicated networking solution for unmanned retail based on the E840-DTU (EC05-485) 4G CAT1 DTU, enabling end-to-end data communication from device to cloud.
2. E840-DTU (EC05-485) High-Performance 4G DTU Equipment Product Specifications
2.1 Basic Parameter Overview
| Parameter name | Parameter value | Description |
| Characteristic parameters | Support frequency band | LTE-TDD: B34/B38/B39/B40/B41 |
| LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B5/B8 | ||
| Network protocol characteristics | Support TCP/UDP/MQTT/HTTP/DNS protocols | |
| RF interface | SMA-K (external thread internal hole) | |
| Hardware features |
Data interface | RS485 (2.54mm spring terminal) |
| baud rate | 1200-230400, default 115200bps | |
| data bits | 8 | |
| Stop bit | 1 (default), 2 | |
| Check Digit | None (default), Odd, Even | |
| Operating Voltage | DC 8V～28V | |
| Operating temperature | -40～+85℃ | |
| Dimensions | 80*28*27mm | |
| product weight | 40g | |
| indicator light | PWR (blue) | Lights up when power is on |
| STATE (orange) | Off: The device is powered on and is searching for a SIM card; | |
| Flashing: The device has detected the correct SIM card and is attaching to the network; | ||
| Steady on: The device is successfully attached to the network; | ||
| DATA (green) | Flashing: When the serial port is sending/receiving data | |
| STATE (orange) | Steady on: The device is successfully connected to the server; | |
| Off: The device failed to connect to the server successfully; |
3. Why choose the E840-DTU (EC05-485) as the core of the unmanned retail networking solution?
3.1 4G CAT1 Technology: The Golden Balance Between Performance and Cost
In the selection of IoT communication technologies, 4G CAT1 has significant advantages over traditional 2G/GPRS and NB-IoT, making it the optimal choice for current unmanned retail scenarios:
3.2 Wide Voltage Compatibility: Simplified Deployment Process
Operating voltage supports DC 8V～28V, directly connectable to the commonly used 12V/24V power supply system of vending machines.
No additional power conversion module required, reducing hardware costs and deployment complexity.
3.3 Industrial-Grade Reliability: Adaptable to Complex Deployment Environments
Wide Temperature Design: Operating temperature range of -40℃～+85℃, stable operation in extreme environments such as the frigid Northeast and the high-temperature outdoor areas of the South.
Tri-proof Coating: Anti-mildew, moisture-proof, and salt spray-proof, effectively extending the service life of the equipment in harsh environments such as high humidity and coastal areas.
Compact Design: Miniature size of 102×28×27mm, easily embedded in the compact space inside vending machines.
3.4 Flexible Installation Methods: Adaptable to Different Scenario Needs
Rail Mounting: Adapts to industrial standard DIN rails, suitable for standardized deployment scenarios such as server rooms and cabinets.
Positioning Hole Mounting: Supports screw fixing, perfectly adapting to the compact installation needs of vending machine interiors.