Startup Filament is adding another layer of abstraction and utility to the blockchain with a new plug-and-play hardware device that allows “internet of things” devices to access the distributed digital ledger technology.

The company, which builds a variety of blockchain-based hardware and software products, is touting a new USB device it said can enable existing devices to execute transactions securely on a blockchain. The idea is simple: to enable access to the blockchain for an installed base of older equipment and further accelerate adoption of the tech.

Filament Chief Executive Officer Allison Clift-Jennings said she believes such a device is necessary because many companies operate machines, devices and other industrial equipment designed to last for decades, so there’s no sense in replacing these with modern products while they’re still in good working order. However, these older devices can’t connect to the blockchain by themselves because they were never designed to.

“The Blocklet USB device provides a much faster starting point, enabling those existing devices to become more valuable by allowing them to communicate and transact with each other, and with automated smart contract-based systems,” Clift-Jennings said.

With the Blocklet USB, industrial IoT devices will be able to independently process and record transactions, Filament said. For example, companies will be able to use the device to connect their machines to a blockchain and maintain a chain of custody across multiple supply networks.

Filament also offers something called a “Blocklet Chip,” which, like the USB device, uses an open protocol for processing transactions. The Blocklet Chip is designed to communicate natively with multiple blockchains. The company also offers its Blocklet software, which is a secure contract system for embedded devices that manages the chain of custody throughout the manufacturing process.

Filament said it would make its Blocklet USB available in beta test starting in June.

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