Powering Next-Generation Industrial IoT with eSIM Technology

In November 2025, Robustel announced a strategic partnership with Kigen, the global leader in eSIM and iSIM security. This collaboration brings flexible, secure eSIM capabilities to Robustel’s 4G/5G router and edge computing gateway portfolio, reducing integration barriers and meeting rapidly growing global market demand for eSIM-ready industrial IoT devices.

Why eSIM for Industrial IoT?

As industrial IoT scales globally, organizations increasingly require the ability to manage multiple network profiles seamlessly. Public tenders and multinational deployments now frequently mandate eSIM readiness. Traditional physical SIM cards create operational challenges:

• Site visits required for SIM swaps when changing networks
• Downtime during network transitions
• Logistical complexity managing thousands of physical SIMs
• Vulnerability to supplier failure or airtime loss
• Permanent roaming restrictions in countries like Brazil and Turkey

eSIM technology eliminates these barriers by enabling remote network profile management without physical intervention.

The Kigen Integration

Robustel has adopted Kigen’s comprehensive eSIM technology stack:

• Kigen eSIM OS: Provides a secure foundation for profile delivery and management
• Kigen eIM: Serves as the source of truth for seamless profile operations (enable, disable, switch)
• Kigen C-SDK: Developer enablement tools that accelerated Robustel’s device integration in record time

“The suite of Kigen eSIM products and enablement suite for eSIM, especially the Kigen C-SDK allowed us to overcome device and eSIM integration challenges in record time. For the ease and reliability of the system, we are excited to build on this hallmark into our product line, ensuring we deliver solutions that directly solve customer connectivity problems.” — James Mack, Marketing Director at Robustel

Extending Smart Roaming with eSIM

Robustel’s existing Smart Roaming technology gives customers fine-tuned control over multi-network SIMs. With Kigen’s eSIM integration, the same capability now extends to managing and orchestrating eSIM profiles, enabling:

• Zero-touch provisioning: Deploy devices globally with automatic network profile configuration
• Cost-effective deployment at scale: Eliminate manual SIM management overhead
• Network flexibility: Switch networks remotely without site visits or SIM swaps
• Business continuity: Protection against supplier failure or airtime loss with alternative network options
• Regulatory compliance: Meet permanent roaming restrictions while maintaining resilient operations
• Local tariff access: Automatically access local mobile connectivity rates for smoother global deployments

The Plastic eSIM Solution

A key innovation in Robustel’s implementation is the use of Kigen’s plastic eSIM form factor. This enables practical retrofit across Robustel’s existing single- and dual-SIM routers without changes to the bill of materials. The result:

• No hardware redesign required
• Reduced risk and testing effort
• Minimal compliance rework
• Faster time-to-market for eSIM-enabled products
• Backward compatibility with existing product lines

Target Markets and Applications

These eSIM-enabled edge router solutions are designed for industrial IoT deployments where connectivity uptime is mission-critical:

• Utilities: Smart grid infrastructure, remote monitoring, SCADA systems
• Transportation: Fleet management, passenger Wi-Fi, vehicle telematics
• Smart Cities: Connected infrastructure, environmental monitoring, public safety
• Industrial Automation: Manufacturing, process control, predictive maintenance
• Energy: Oil and gas monitoring, renewable energy sites, pipeline monitoring

Global Compliance and Market Drivers

Several global trends are accelerating eSIM adoption in industrial IoT:

• Permanent roaming regulations: Countries like Brazil and Turkey restrict permanent roaming, requiring local network connections
• Public tender requirements: Government and enterprise tenders increasingly mandate eSIM capability
• Supply chain resilience: eSIM provides insurance against single-carrier dependencies
• Cost optimization: Access to local tariffs reduces connectivity costs for multinational deployments
• Operational efficiency: Zero-touch network switching eliminates truck rolls and downtime

About Kigen

Kigen is a forerunner in eSIM and iSIM security solutions, enabling manufacturers to scale cellular IoT with ease. Their technology offers freedom to choose from 200+ terrestrial and satellite networks, with proven interoperability on leading chipsets and modules. Backed by Arm, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and SBI Group, Kigen is recognized for innovation and trusted by global brands in energy, automotive, logistics, consumer electronics, and industrial sectors.

“Robustel selected Kigen not only for our leading-edge eSIM features, but also for the robustness of our enablement suite. Robustel are driving connected product innovation with eSIMs and setting the path forward for those who want to take advantage of the new interoperability and freedom to access resilient networks. Together, we are proud to extend this vision to deliver future-ready connectivity for a global customer base.” — Chris Burke, CTO at Kigen

The Future is Connected

The Robustel-Kigen partnership represents a significant milestone in industrial IoT connectivity. By integrating proven eSIM technology into their award-winning hardware portfolio, Robustel is delivering the flexibility, security, and resilience that modern IoT deployments demand. As eSIM becomes the standard for industrial connectivity, Robustel’s early adoption positions customers for long-term success in an increasingly connected world.