From Prototype to Planet-Scale - Violet Su - Seeed Studio

Violet Su, Business Development Manager at Seeed Studio, talks about how Seeed turns emerging technologies into practical LoRaWAN-ready solutions for industries, communities, and creators. She explains how the company bridges sensors, connectivity, and edge AI into a full stack that lowers friction for real-world deployments.Violet describes Seeed’s role as a hardware provider across the full chain: environmental, vision, and audio sensors; LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity; and edge devices for control and AI-driven analytics. She emphasizes Seeed’s mission to make cutting-edge technology accessible for prototyping and production.She walks through Seeed’s unique customization pipeline, which supports everything from a single prototype unit to large-scale manufacturing. This includes PCB services, assembly, certification, white labeling, and access to Seeed’s sales channels, enabling startups and solution providers to scale without building a supply chain from scratch.Community-driven development is central to Seeed’s strategy. Violet shares examples such as the LoRaWAN Data Logger, which emerged after repeated requests from users needing Wi-Fi-to-LoRaWAN conversion. She highlights how Seeed listens to feedback at events like The Things Conference, Helium meetups, and Maker Faire to inform new product iterations.Violet explains Seeed’s commitment to open source, including releasing tracker hardware that allows developers to modify firmware and adapt devices for unique needs. She discusses the balance between being a commercial company and fostering a thriving ecosystem where people can extend, hack, and repurpose hardware.Through the Tech for Good program, Seeed supports environmental monitoring, disaster response, marine conservation, and education. Violet outlines how Seeed sponsors hardware, collaborates with universities, and co-develops niche solutions that may not be commercially viable but deliver meaningful societal value.She highlights inspiring community stories, including Seeed Rangers like Robert Boggs, whose grassroots LoRaWAN projects in a small village gained global attention and demonstrated how open hardware and documentation accelerate innovation.Looking ahead, Violet is excited about AI+LoRaWAN capabilities: edge cameras that send only inference results, Semtech’s new chip enabling LoRaWAN image transmission, and the emerging potential of satellite LoRaWAN. She underscores that the protocol’s evolution continues to unlock new applications across conservation, smart cities, and remote sensing.Guest Links:Violet on LinkedInSeeedHelium Global IoT Coverage - Want to know if Helium coverage exists where you need it? Check out this map!Helium Foundation - The Helium Foundation's IoT Working Group (IOTWG) has generously provided support for the first 6 months of shows, please go check them out and consider using the Helium LoRaWAN as a primary or backup on your next deployment. With over a quarter million gateways deployed worldwide, it's likely that you have and can use Helium coverage.Support The Show - If you'd like to support the MetSci Show financially, here's where you can donate on a one-time or an ongoing basis. Thank you!MetSci Show - If you'd like to use our IoT or AI Data Value calculators, or you'd like to contact me, the MetSci Show site is the best way to do it. MeteoScientific Console - Use LoRaWAN - The MeteoScientific Console allows you to use LoRaWAN today. As long as you have Helium coverage (and you probably do, about 90% of populated areas in the world have a gateway within 2 miles), you can onboard a sensor. You can always check coverage at https://explorer.helium.com and switch to the "IoT" tab in the top right.