Rigado, a global provider of unified IoT connectivity and management, unveiled its newest edge connectivity and computing platform, the Cascade 5000 series, designed specifically for retail enterprises. The Cascade 5000 delivers the latest in wireless IoT protocols, edge processing for AI workloads, cloud data delivery, and network management.

With the Cascade 5000, retailers and grocers will be able to securely connect thousands of sensors, electronic shelf labels, and other smart devices within their stores and warehouses. Dual 2.4GHz IoT radios will power simultaneous connectivity of low-power wireless endpoints using combinations of Bluetooth®, Thread, Zigbee, and more. Expansion ports will allow additional protocols such as WiFi® 802.11AH, commonly known as HaLow, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

The Cascade 5000 is powered by Rigado’s Edge Connect software, which creates a unified data pipeline and management framework, removing the vendor compatibility risk commonly seen in IoT solutions. Rigado also provides the cloud-based Edge Direct platform IT teams use to monitor network and sensor health, as well as configure the Cascade 5000 to run new applications or change sensor behavior.

A key driver for the Cascade 5000 is the fast-growing electronic shelf label market, which presents deployment challenges for retailers. “We hear from retailers and specifically grocers that their future depends on IoT and electronic shelf labels, but they don’t have the network infrastructure they need, and they worry about future proofing,” said Jeremy Davis, Rigado VP of Product. “The Cascade 5000 connects shelf labels alongside other IoT devices harmoniously, and new types of devices can be added with the addition of new software recipes, making it the best choice for any retailer looking to transition to a new edge architecture with scale and flexibility.”

The Cascade 5000 is the first dual-radio IoT router in the market that is both compliant with the Bluetooth® Electronic Shelf Label standard and Wiliot Ambient IoT Certified, making it ideal for both ESLs and real-time inventory tracking.  

The Cascade 5000 will ship in several configurations and is available for trials now. Rigado expects first customer deployments mid-2025. More information is available on the product information page, and Rigado will be demonstrating unified IoT networks as a sponsor of the upcoming Groceryshop event in Las Vegas, October 7-9.