Industrial IoT is shifting again with Robustel eSIM Roadmap. This time the change is deeper than just a new router or a faster network. Robustel’s collaboration with Kigen brings eSIM (eUICC) capability, embedded MFF2 SIM technology and genuine retrofit options to existing industrial routers already deployed in the field. For organisations managing distributed assets, this is a meaningful change.

It cuts operational friction, removes dependency on physical SIM trays and opens the door to global profile switching without touching the device.

Below is an in-depth look at what this move means, why eSIM and MFF2 matter in real industrial conditions, and how businesses can adopt this technology without scrapping existing fleets.

Why This Announcement Matters

Industrial IoT deployments last years. Nobody wants to revisit a pumping station, solar farm, EV charger, ANPR camera or digital-signage cabinet just to swap a SIM because a roaming restriction changed or a local operator became unreliable. That’s the reality across the UK, EU and global markets.

The Robustel-Kigen partnership directly responds to three long-standing industry headaches:

1. Regional roaming restrictions

Many countries now enforce rules that make permanent roaming difficult. When devices rely on physical SIMs locked to a foreign operator, compliance becomes a problem.

2. Low-touch or zero-touch remote provisioning

Rolling vans for SIM swaps is expensive. eSIM, particularly with Kigen’s remote SIM provisioning stack, allows you to update operator profiles over the air.

3. Long-life industrial devices need flexible connectivity

Routers in SCADA, energy, transport and logistics environments commonly run for 5–10 years. Physical SIMs often become their weakest link — either mechanically or commercially.

With eSIM supported on Robustel hardware, the SIM becomes software-defined. That gives industrial organisations the freedom to change operator, optimise commercials, add fallbacks, or meet regulatory requirements — all without a site visit.

MFF2 Embedded SIMs: Small Component, Big Shift

Q: What does eSIM mean in an industrial IoT router?

In an industrial IoT router, eSIM (eUICC) allows the device to store multiple operator profiles, switch between networks over the air and comply with regional roaming rules without replacing a physical SIM card.

Q: Why is MFF2 important for industrial environments?

MFF2 is an embedded, soldered SIM form factor that withstands vibration, heat, moisture and long-term outdoor installations far better than removable SIM trays, which are common failure points in remote cabinets and roadside assets.

Q: How does eSIM help with roaming restrictions?

Some countries restrict permanent roaming. With eSIM, you can remotely load a local operator profile so the device stays compliant without requiring a physical SIM swap or site visit.

Q: Do IoT SIM cards still matter in an eSIM world?

Yes. IoT SIM cards and eSIM profiles are designed for long-life deployments, private APNs, VPN access and predictable billing. They complement eSIM technology rather than replace it.

Q: Does antenna hardware affect eSIM or multi-network performance?

Antenna quality has a direct impact on signal strength, handover and failover behaviour. High-quality IoT antennas help the router consistently connect to the strongest available network, which is critical for eSIM and multi-network setups.

Q: Will future Robustel routers move entirely to embedded eSIM?

The industry trend is towards embedded SIMs such as MFF2 and, in time, iSIM. Many future industrial routers are expected to rely primarily on embedded eSIM for better reliability and simpler global deployment.

Q: Is eSIM secure for industrial use?

Yes. eSIM uses strong cryptographic protections and secure provisioning processes. Combined with a trusted eUICC operating system and profile management platform, it provides a high level of security for critical industrial infrastructure.

What is MFF2?

MFF2 is the industry’s most common embedded SIM package: a tiny, soldered-on chip built directly onto the PCB rather than inserted as a removable card.

Benefits include:

Mechanical reliability (no tray to corrode, shake loose, or fail)
Tamper resistance (important for critical infrastructure)
Industrial temperature capability
Longer lifecycle and improved shock/vibration resilience
No need for SIM trays or sockets
Supports eUICC for multiple operator profiles

For remote, sealed or vibration-heavy environments — think roadside cabinets, rail, wastewater plants, security systems — MFF2 is simply more robust.

Why this matters for Robustel users

Robustel’s hardware has historically used standard SIM slots with dual-SIM options in many models. By adopting eSIM (both plastic and embedded), they reduce reliance on fragile SIM trays and position their routers for long-term field deployment with no SIM-handling overhead.

Kigen’s role

Kigen’s eUICC operating system and remote provisioning tools mean operators can load profiles, switch profiles and manage lifecycle operations without touching the device — ideal for truly global industrial deployments.

Robustel eSIM Retrofit: The Most Interesting Part

The phrase that stood out in the announcement is simple but powerful:

“Practical retrofit without changing the bill of materials.”

This implies:

Existing Robustel routers can be upgraded to support Kigen eSIM.
No new PCB layout required.
Customers can modernise thousands of deployed units without replacing hardware.

For companies with large estates already deployed, this is a genuine opportunity:

Extend life + increase flexibility + reduce operational cost.

A retrofit strategy is extremely attractive for utility companies, councils, integrators, and OEM solution providers who would otherwise need full hardware replacements to adopt eSIM.

Connectivity Strategy: Multi-Network, Multi-IMSI, eSIM & What They Mean

Once you move into the world of eSIM, your connectivity choices change dramatically.

Multi-Network SIM (UK / EU)

Uses multiple operators on a single roaming profile. Ideal for IoT installations where network quality varies.

Multi-IMSI SIM

Multiple identities assigned to the SIM; switches identity depending on rules, geography or operator availability.

IoT SIM Cards

Purpose-built with:

Lower session-timeout risk
Static/dynamic private IP options
VPN/APN compatibility
Predictable billing
Stronger resilience in high-density IoT environments

(For reference, UK customers can source IoT SIMs at iotsimcards.co.uk.)

Roaming SIM / Multi Network SIM Cards

Designed for multinational deployments. Works seamlessly across countries, making it ideal for mobile assets, logistics or cross-border operations.

eSIM / eUICC

Operator profiles can be downloaded, updated or replaced remotely. This removes the concept of a “locked-in” SIM entirely making switching providers without the need for site visits.

The Robustel–Kigen partnership embraces all of these. That’s why the roadmap matters; it aligns industrial hardware with the future of network provisioning.

What This Means for Industrial IoT Deployments

This move affects every layer of an industrial IoT deployment:

1. Hardware becomes operator-agnostic

No more “this device must ship with a Vodafone SIM” or “this model is locked to a specific MVNO.”

With eSIM, operator selection becomes a software decision.

2. Network resilience improves dramatically

You can build blended connectivity models:

Multi-network
Multi-IMSI
Backup operator profiles
Geo-specific profiles

All without touching the device.

3. Device lifecycle extends

Routers remain viable long after the original SIM contract or operator becomes unsuitable.

4. Better support for global product SKUs

Manufacturers can ship a single global device and load the right operator profile per region later.

5. Less mechanical failure

SIM trays are one of the leading causes of field failures. Embedded MFF2 reduces this dramatically.

Role of IoT Antennas

Connectivity is only as strong as the weakest component. As routers move towards eSIM and embedded SIMs, the importance of antenna strategy increases.

High-gain and directional antennas can:

Improve weak-signal sites
Stabilise multi-network switching
Reduce uplink failures
Improve resilience in 5G/4G border zones

Installers looking for specialist hardware often use resources like iotantenna.co.uk for guidance and product selection.

With eSIM allowing network flexibility, pairing it with correct antenna hardware ensures devices consistently pick up the strongest cell.

Robustel’s Roadmap: Key Takeaways

Based on the partnership direction and typical market trends, here’s what the future likely holds for Robustel IoT Solutions:

Short-term

Retrofit programme for existing routers
Plastic eSIM + eUICC support
Firmware updates for remote profile management
Better roaming behaviour with Kigen OS

Medium-term

New product SKUs with optional MFF2 embedded eSIM
Reduced use of dual-SIM physical trays
More automation via Kigen’s remote profile management stack

Long-term

iSIM (integrated SIM) as silicon vendors support it
Fully sealed routers with no user-accessible SIM interfaces
Unified connectivity lifecycle management platforms

This aligns with where the industrial IoT market is heading: more integrated, more secure, less mechanical, more software-defined.

How Organisations Can Adopt This Technology Today

Here’s a practical approach any IoT integrator or enterprise can take.

1. Audit your estate

List which Robustel devices are already deployed and identify those eligible for retrofit or firmware upgrade.

2. Assess network risk

Where do you depend on a single operator?
Where are roaming rules changing?

3. Introduce multi-network or eSIM options

Start replacing vulnerable physical SIMs with:

Multi-network
Multi-IMSI
IoT SIM cards
eSIM-enabled profiles

4. Plan antenna optimisation

Especially for rural, metallic, or noisy RF environments.

5. Migrate gradually

Start with critical sites, then scale to the full network.

6. Standardise future hardware

Adopt devices with embedded eSIM or eSIM-ready firmware.

Robustel eSIM Summary

Robustel’s integration of Kigen’s eSIM technology represents more than a product update — it’s a structural change in how industrial IoT connectivity will be deployed and managed going forward.

eSIM removes the operator lock-in.
MFF2 embedded SIMs remove mechanical failure points.
Retrofit support preserves investment in existing fleets.
Remote provisioning reduces truck rolls and downtime.
Multi-network and multi-IMSI SIMs strengthen resilience.

For industrial IoT deployments facing rising connectivity demands, regulatory uncertainty and pressures to reduce OPEX, this shift is a major step forward.

FAQ Section

What is the benefit of Robustel integrating Kigen eSIM technology?

It gives Robustel routers the ability to download, switch and manage operator profiles remotely. This improves resilience, simplifies global deployments and reduces the need for physical SIM changes on-site.

What does eSIM mean in an industrial IoT router?

eSIM (eUICC) allows the router to store multiple operator profiles at once, switch between networks over the air, and comply with regional roaming rules without replacing a SIM card.

Why is MFF2 important for industrial environments?

MFF2 is an embedded, soldered SIM form-factor. It withstands vibration, heat, moisture and long-term outdoor installations far better than removable SIM trays, which are common failure points in remote cabinets and roadside assets.

Can existing Robustel routers be retrofitted with eSIM?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of this development is retrofit support. Many existing single-SIM and dual-SIM Robustel devices can be upgraded without changing the core hardware bill of materials.

How does eSIM help with roaming restrictions?

Certain countries now restrict permanent roaming. With eSIM, you can load a local operator profile remotely, ensuring the device stays compliant without needing a physical SIM swap.

What is the difference between multi-network and multi-IMSI SIMs?

Multi-network SIMs allow access to multiple operators via a single roaming profile.
Multi-IMSI SIMs contain several operator identities (IMSIs) and can switch between them dynamically for even greater resilience.

Do IoT SIM cards still matter in an eSIM world?

Yes. IoT SIM cards (and eSIM profiles) are designed for long-life deployments, private APNs, VPN access, and predictable billing. They complement eSIM technology rather than replace it. Providers such as iotsimcards.co.uk offer both traditional and eSIM-based options.

Does antenna hardware affect eSIM or multi-network performance?

Absolutely. A poor antenna can cause weak signal, slow failover, and unstable network switching behaviour. High-quality antennas (like those available via iotantenna.co.uk) ensure the router can consistently connect to the strongest available network.

Will future Robustel routers move entirely to embedded eSIM?

The industry trend suggests so. Many manufacturers are moving from plastic SIMs to embedded MFF2 or even iSIM. This reduces mechanical risk and enables global SKU consolidation.

Is eSIM secure for industrial use?

Yes. eSIM includes strong cryptographic protections and is designed for critical infrastructure. Kigen’s eUICC OS and secure profile management process ensure high levels of device and profile integrity.