Marioff, a global leader in water mist fire protection, has introduced one of the fire protection industry's first Internet of Things (IoT) solutions specifically developed for high-pressure water mist systems.

This innovative technology enables continuous system visibility, real-time alerts, and centralised management, raising the standard for safety, operational efficiency, and reliability.

With over 30 years of experience developing the HI-FOG® fire protection system, Marioff continues to evolve its offering by integrating advanced digital capabilities.

The new IoT solution connects seamlessly with existing HI-FOG systems, allowing users to monitor system performance in real time, receive automated alerts for potential issues or maintenance needs, and manage multiple installations from a central interface.

The platform also provides actionable data insights to support predictive maintenance and enhance system reliability.

This marks a significant milestone in Marioff’s long-standing commitment to innovation and safety. As one of the pioneers of high-pressure water mist technology, the company is uniquely positioned to lead its evolution into the digital age.

The IoT solution will initially be made available to a select group of pilot users, with plans for a broader rollout to follow.

Internet of Things

Marioff’s latest development reflects its continued focus on engineering smarter, safer solutions that protect people, property, and operations.

“Our IoT solution marks a significant step forward in fire safety,” said Juha Ilvonen, CEO of Marioff. “It helps ensure systems are always monitored and ready—protecting people, property, and business continuity.”

The new system empowers users with remote access and centralised control across multiple sites.

“This technology gives customers full visibility of their HI-FOG system—no matter where they are,” added Samuli Bäck, manager, Connected Services. “It means faster decisions, proactive maintenance, and ultimately, safer environments.”

The Finland-based company describes its HI-FOG fire protection systems as the result of a simple yet powerful innovation: using high water pressure combined with specially designed sprinklers and spray heads to create a fine water mist that efficiently suppresses fires. This mist is precisely engineered for fire protection, using minimal water while maximising coverage and effectiveness.

Originally developed for large cruise ships, HI-FOG technology has evolved into a highly versatile solution now used in a broad range of settings, from industrial facilities to commercial and residential buildings.

Whether on land or at sea, HI-FOG high-pressure water mist systems deliver reliable fire protection and peace of mind. 

Marioff’s advanced HI-FOG water mist fire suppression systems protect a diverse range of buildings, industrial processes, equipment, and critical infrastructure.

AFI Robotics, a Saudi robotic engineering firm, is redefining safety in some of the most hazardous industrial environments by deploying robotic systems designed specifically for confined, toxic, and high-risk areas.

These systems are transforming how aboveground storage tanks, oily ponds, sludge basins, and pits are inspected and cleaned, dramatically reducing the need for human entry into dangerous spaces.

Central to AFI’s safety-first approach is a submersible inspection robot that performs ultrasonic thickness testing while tanks remain online.

Aligned with API 653 and RP 575 standards, the robot provides real-time data on tank floor integrity, enabling predictive maintenance and significantly reducing both downtime and worker exposure to high-risk conditions.

In environments where sludge poses serious health and operational risks, AFI’s robotic desludging system can remove up to 150 cubic metres per hour while mapping sludge volumes.

The real-time visualisation allows operators to assess progress from a safe distance, avoiding the need for manual entry and the dangers of toxic fumes or structural collapse.

The company also offers AI-driven visual inspection platforms equipped with cameras and automated defect recognition.

Safeguarding workers

These tools are designed for flammable and contaminated zones, enabling remote operators to detect cracks, corrosion, and other anomalies without ever entering the hazardous area.

All of AFI’s solutions are designed to improve safety metrics while maintaining operational continuity. With proven deployments across petrochemical sites and manufacturing hubs, the technology is making confined space entry (and the risks that come with it) an increasingly unnecessary part of industrial maintenance.

AFI Robotics is a Saudi-based engineering company that specialises in robotic inspection and cleaning technologies for industrial environments.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Al Khobar, the company designs and deploys advanced robotic systems for in-service tank inspections, sludge removal, and visual assessments in high-risk areas.

In 2022, the company entered a formal joint venture with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics.

It has also received the university’s Vision to Venture Award in recognition of its contributions to industrial robotics research.

“Our mission has always been to engineer solutions that remove risk without removing operational continuity,” says Rabieh Ghossainy, founder and managing director of AFI Robotics. “Whether it's storage tank inspections or pit desludging, we build systems that keep operations in service, without compromise.”

“Saudi Arabia is not just adopting advanced industrial technologies, we're engineering them,” said Talal Al Hamdan, chairman of AFI Robotics, and prominent Saudi entrepreneur and businessman in manufacturing, marine, and high technology solutions inclusive of logistics under ASH Group. “At AFI Robotics, we're proving that homegrown innovation can lead standards in safety, efficiency, and operational resilience. Our robotics are designed for the region, tested in the region, and ready to transform how critical infrastructure is managed on an industry level.”

Honeywell has announced that Southwest Airlines is equipping its entire Boeing 737 fleet with SmartRunway and SmartLanding software to bolster runway safety.

Enabled through the Honeywell Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) already installed on Southwest’s aircraft, over 700 planes have been activated with this technology to date.

SmartRunway and SmartLanding enhance flight crew situational awareness during taxiing, take-off, and landing by providing aural and visual alerts to promote stabilised approaches.

The software proactively warns pilots of excessive speed, excessive altitude, or incorrect runway approaches, helping to prevent incidents that could lead to runway accidents.

Certified for most Airbus, Boeing, and numerous business aviation platforms, this technology strengthens safety across diverse aircraft types.

Other aviation safety solutions

Honeywell is also developing its next-generation runway safety solution, Surface Alerts (SURF-A), currently under testing with certification anticipated for commercial air transport aircraft in 2026, pending regulatory approval.

SURF-A leverages GPS data, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast equipment, and advanced analytics to deliver direct aural and visual alerts about potential runway traffic, further enhancing safety through the EGPWS platform.

This initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Honeywell and Southwest. In 2015, Southwest selected Honeywell’s flight-deck systems for its order of 240 Boeing 737 MAX airliners, complementing its 737 Next Generation fleet already equipped with Honeywell cockpit avionics.

Southwest was also the first airline to adopt Honeywell’s Integrated Multi-Mode Receiver technology, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge aviation solutions.

"Today's pilots face increasing challenges including unpredictable weather and dense traffic in limited airspace, forcing them to make split-second decisions during takeoff and landing. Fortunately, as the challenges evolve, so does the technology that provides the information they need in real time," said Jim Currier, president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. "Southwest is continuing to put pilots and passengers first by investing in SmartRunway and SmartLanding software across its fleet."

"Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Southwest," said Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines. "Honeywell's SmartRunway and SmartLanding software will provide our pilots with enhanced situational awareness to ensure the highest level of safety while operating on runways throughout the network."