What is an indoor location tracking system?

Indoor location tracking system locates and tracks the movement of people or objects inside buildings. Indoor location tracking is enabled by indoor positioning systems, a network of electronic devices and computer software used to locate people or objects where and when GPS is inaccurate or fails completely. Furthermore, the accuracy of the GPS is often times less than what’s required to track objects indoors. Although the terms “indoor location tracking” and “indoor positioning” are interchangeable, there are currently many different types of technologies used to calculate and provide real-time location data.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the changing world of indoor location tracking systems, delve into the countless applications in the industry, uncover the benefits they bring, and speculate on the exciting future prospects of indoor location tracking systems.

How do indoor location tracking systems work?

Indoor location tracking systems, also known as indoor positioning systems (IPS) detect and track object location using a variety of sensors. IPS normally uses transmitters (e.g. tags, badges) and receivers (e.g. beacons)  to provide precise location information for tracked assets. Transmitters identify people or assets and can be attached, embedded, or worn. Receivers capture signals from transmitters and send the data to the central management system. These systems are widely used across various industries to track personnel, valuable equipment, materials, and vehicles.

GPS and IPS services are sometimes mixed up due to similar tasks and acronyms. GPS works best outdoors, relying on satellites for location. Indoors, GPS signals are unreliable and lack precision in crowded spaces. Ongoing research may bring new indoor GPS options in the future.

Technologies Used in Indoor Location Tracking Systems

An indoor positioning system helps find people or objects inside a building. It has two main parts: anchors and position tags. Anchors, like beacons or relays, are placed strategically around the premises. People or things carry position tags. Anchors actively locate these tags or provide location/context information for the device.

There are different ways to track objects indoors: , Wi-Fi, Magnetic Field Detection, Near Field Communication (NFC), Ultra-wideband (UWB) radio, and UHF RFID. Each method has its own level of accuracy, cost, power usage, and ease of use. Since there’s no obvious best choice, sometimes it’s difficult to determine which technology is most suitable. Let’s look at the most common options.

Bluetooth Based Indoor Positioning

Bluetooth based indoor positioning is a really promising technology for expanding indoor tracking in various fields, such as logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, warehouses, and smart buildings.

Bluetooth proves to be a highly effective choice for indoor localization, offering real-time meter-level accuracy with cost-effective and power-efficient hardware. Its simplified deployment is due to technological standardization, ensuring cross-vendor device compatibility. The widespread adoption of Bluetooth in existing devices further contributes to its ease of use, making it a versatile solution for diverse applications such as logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, warehouses, and smart buildings.

BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) IPS solution uses beacons or sensors to locate and detect transmitting Bluetooth devices such as track labels, and smartphones throughout the indoor area. Location data obtained from sensors or sent from beacons to mobile devices is then absorbed by various applications and translated into insights that support multiple location-aware use cases.

Bluetooth based solution supports two architectures, one based on the radio signal’s angle of arrival at the anchor point, the other based on its angle of departure.

In AoA based scenario, a mobile device has a tag that sends a Bluetooth signal with direction information. Antenna arrays measure these signals to find the angle of arrival using a network-based engine. The slight phase differences in the signals received by antennas help calculate the angle of arrival.

With AoD, a mobile device receives Bluetooth signals from antenna arrays. The device uses signal measurements to find the direction from which the signal departs the antenna array. The slight phase differences in signals received help calculate the angle of departure given the antenna array geometry is known.

To pinpoint a mobile device indoors, a single anchor with multiple antennas can be used to figure out its location relative to the anchor. For higher accuracy, multiple stationary anchors with multi-antenna arrays are employed. By triangulating signals from several anchors and finding their intersection, the exact position of the device can be calculated.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) indoor positioning

UWB uses a train of impulses instead of a modulated sine wave to transmit information. It’s perfect for precision applications because of its unique characteristic. Since the pulse rising edge is extremely sharp it allows the receiver to accurately measure the arrival time of the signal. Furthermore, the pulses are extremely narrow, usually lasting less than two nanoseconds.

The signals’ nature allows UWB pulses to be resistant to multipath effects and be identified even in noisy environments. UWB has significant ranging capability advantages over traditional narrowband signals due to these traits. Also, due to the strict spectral mask, the transmit power lies at the noise floor, which means that UWB does not interfere with other radio communication systems operating in the same frequency bands. It just increases the overall noise floor, a principle that is very similar to spread spectrum technologies (CDMA).

Wi-Fi indoor positioning

The use of Wi-Fi can enable the detection and tracking of people, devices, and assets. Indoor positioning can be easily calculated using existing Wi-Fi access points. Wi-Fi can be found everywhere, particularly indoors, used by nearly all wireless devices and network infrastructures – including smartphones, computers, IoT devices, routers, APs, and more. To detect and locate Wi-Fi transmitters, such as smartphones and tracking tags, Wi-Fi indoor positioning solutions employ existing Wi-Fi access points or Wi-Fi enabled sensors. WI-Fi-based positioning systems can use different methods to determine the location of the devices.

Wi-Fi Positioning Using Access Points: Access points are installed indoors to locate devices and use already existing Wi-Fi infrastructure. Transmissions from nearby Wi-Fi devices, both on and off the network, can be detected by building APs. The location data is sent to a server and central IPS which are used to determine the position of a device.

Wi-Fi Positioning Using Sensors: Sensors that are deployed in fixed position indoors passively detect and locate transmissions from smartphones, asset tracking tags and other Wi-Fi devices. The sensor’s collected location information is then transmitted to a server and incorporated by the central indoor positioning system (IPS).

Wi-Fi positioning methods often rely on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to figure out where the device is located. In applications using RSSI, several Wi-Fi access points, set in fixed positions, pick up signals from transmitting Wi-Fi devices and measure the strength of those signals. The location engine then uses multilateration algorithms to analyze this data and estimate the position of the transmitting devices.

Indoor Location Tracking Benefits

Enhanced User Convenience

This system expands the comfort of the users in indoor areas, for example, thanks to IPS, users no longer need to indicate their current location, when moving from one point to another in the indoors. Also, they no longer need to worry about doors, turns or other obstacles, because now they can see them in advance on the map in real-time. Modern day warehouses are like complex living organisms with rapidly moving machinery, products, robots, and personnel. Real-time tracking of the locations of the moving pieces is necessary for efficient and effective functioning on a minute-by-minute basis.

In an application developed by Tauro Technologies used UWB radio based solution to assist firefighters and first-responders on the scene during an incident. Fast, accurate decisions can save lives, keep the first-responders safe and are dependent on accurate real-time information to make mission critical split second decisions. Tauro Technologies developed the hardware and triangulation software system for indoor location tracking to meet those requirements.

Exclusion of possible human errors

Asset tracking also eliminates potential human errors. People can often get tired or have a lapse in judgment and accidentally misplace valuable assets or leave a highly sensitive location unstaffed. Indoor location tracking systems can provide alerts when people or assets leave a predefined area also known as geofencing. Users can opt to receive an email, text or voice notification if someone or something enters or leaves the area.

Swift Incident Response

Indoor location tracking ensures the safety by providing real-time location data during emergencies. Lone workers, when out of communication, can trigger assistance requests, allowing security and emergency services to pinpoint their exact location. Leadership can identify the nearest security officers to a reported incident and efficiently direct them for intervention.

Location-based marketing

The fusion of indoor navigation and positioning creates location-based marketing opportunities. Imagine tailoring a more personalized experience and special offers when shoppers linger at the pasta aisle or greet stadium visitors with personalized messages based on ticket sales data. This not only enhances user engagement but also increases revenue and profits. Offering marketing opportunities through push notifications to exhibitors, sponsors, or partners makes your venue more appealing and has the potential to boost your ROI.

Indoor Location Tracking Use Cases

The indoor positioning system is a reliable and convenient modern solution that can be used in various positioning solutions such as Asset tracking​, Item finding, Point of interest (POI) information, access control and security, people tracking and consumer behavior analysis, proximity marketing.

Below are some examples of indoor positioning system applications:

• Airport and Hospitality: Airports and hotels can track heavy equipment, tools, passenger baggage and visitors to improve daily operations, increase safety, and increase customer satisfaction.
• Medical Institutions and Healthcare: High-quality healthcare services allow patients to get the treatments they need without potentially harmful delays. By using this technology, staff, patients, and equipment like beds and wheelchairs can be easily located. It means better attendance checking, effective supervision, and better equipment maintenance are at your fingertips.
• Parking: Indoor location systems can be used to guide drivers to available parking spaces in indoor parking garages or lots.
• Warehouse: Real-time package location, inventory monitoring, and forklift high-precision positioning bring valuable information into the ERP and provide reliability and safety into warehouses.
• Museum: Mobile navigation, precise positioning, and low-cost tags bring new values to tourism location services. IPS can be used to enhance the visitor experience in museums by providing location-based information and interactive exhibits.

Challenges of Indoor Location Tracking Systems

Indoor navigation presents typical challenges in contrast to outdoor environments, where GPS technology is prevalent. The complex task of indoor positioning is made worse by the building layouts, which require specialized solutions to address the unique intricacies of navigating within enclosed spaces.

Here are some representations of the challenges of Indoor Location Tracking Systems and their solutions:

Complex Building Layouts

Challenge: Large public places are often complicated with many floors, making it hard to keep track of and update the tracking information. These places change a lot due to renovations or temporary setups, so we need navigation systems that can adapt quickly in real-time.

Solution: Employing indoor mapping tools that facilitate collaboration and crowd-sourced mapping can play a crucial role in preserving accurate and current layouts. These tools empower users and venue owners to actively participate in the mapping process, guaranteeing the continued relevance and precision of the navigation system.

Signal Interference

Challenge: In areas with high device density, the abundance of devices and wireless networks may cause signal interference. Such interference can compromise the reliability of indoor positioning technologies, leading to navigation inaccuracies and inconsistencies.

Solution: Implement machine learning techniques to filter noise and interference, enhancing indoor tracking performance. By combining machine learning with BLE and UWB technologies, an adaptive and interference-resistant solution can be achieved, significantly improving indoor tracking performance in challenging environments.

Battery Consumption

Challenge: Indoor navigation apps often drain device batteries quickly, posing an issue for users without easy access to charging.

Solution: Optimizing the indoor navigation app’s energy consumption is crucial. Developers should focus on reducing unnecessary background processes and utilizing efficient programming techniques. Additionally, incorporating low-power mode options can help extend device battery life while using the navigation application.

Conclusion

Tauro Technologies’ experience in RF communications, power management as well as firmware and software design enables the development of reliable and energy-efficient location tracking systems. Tauro Technologies has experience in a wide variety of applications, including military, scientific, medical, industrial robotics, and communications. Get in touch with us for more information.

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Wireless Communication in Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are extensively used in wireless and mobile communication systems, from smartphones and laptops to home appliances, industrial automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). They leverage a variety of wireless communication protocols such as WiFi, BLE, Zigbee, Cellular, and Z-Wave. Collectively, these wireless protocols have brought us closer together and more connected than ever before.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essential elements of wireless communication technologies in embedded systems. We’ll explore the differences between low-power and high-power solutions, weigh the strengths of Bluetooth, Wifi, LoRa, Cellular Networks, Z-Wave, and Zigbee, look at the contrasts between long-range and short-range communications, and consider the trade-offs of high and low bandwidth. Furthermore, we’ll talk about communication architectures, differentiating point-to-point communication from mesh networks. We’ll also discuss how to cleverly blend these features to tailor them to the precise needs of your embedded application. So, let’s get started and unravel the world of wireless communication in embedded systems.

Wireless Communication Protocols in Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are like specialized multitaskers. They are built around tiny but powerful computers (microcontrollers, microprocessors) and are programmed to handle specific jobs. To get their work done, these systems need to talk to other devices, whether it’s through wired or wireless connections. This is where communication protocols come into play, which define how data is transferred between devices.

Wireless communication protocols are the backbone of seamless connectivity and data exchange in embedded systems, serving various applications, from IoT devices to industrial automation. Among the popular choices, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) shines for low-power, short-range communication, making it ideal for wearables and smart home appliances. Similarly, Zigbee finds its place in applications requiring low data rates, minimal power consumption, and short-range connectivity, often used in industrial control and home automation systems.

Choosing the right protocol depends on application-specific factors such as power efficiency, communication range, data rate, and network architecture. Choice is key to building robust, reliable, and scalable solutions that meet the diverse needs of an expanding embedded systems landscape. These protocols work together to build intelligent and connected automotive embedded ecosystems, enabling features such as real-time traffic updates, and in-car entertainment.

Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers serve as the cornerstone of wireless communications within embedded systems. These devices combine both transmission and reception functions, enabling a two-way flow of data over the airwaves. RF transceivers are versatile, facilitating communication in various protocols and frequency bands like Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, and more.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the common communication protocols and technologies you’ll find in embedded systems:

• Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for data exchange between devices over short distances. It uses UHF radio waves of frequency ranging from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz in the ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) radio band. In the most widely used mode, transmission power is limited to 2.5 milliwatts, giving it a very short range of up to 10 meters. Data can be shared at a maximum data rate of 3 Mbps.

Bluetooth is mainly used as an alternative to wired connections to exchange files between nearby portable devices. That is why Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth Classic radios are designed to meet the unique needs of developers worldwide.

– Bluetooth Classic is the original version of Bluetooth technology, which was designed for high-bandwidth applications. Operating over 79 channels in the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band, it enables devices like phones and headphones to form personal area networks (PANs) to transmit data over short distances. Bluetooth Classic has become important to daily life, particularly as the trend toward smartphone devices without headphone jacks continues. The process of connecting two devices via Classic Bluetooth is now a common skill.

– Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a version of Bluetooth technology designed for very low-power operation. Transmitting data over 40 channels in the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band, this version provides developers a tremendous amount of flexibility to build products that meet the unique connectivity requirements of their market. BLE devices can run on a coin cell battery for months or even years. Although originally known for its device communication capabilities, BLE is now also widely used as a device positioning technology to address the growing demand for high-precision indoor location services. It now includes features that allow one device to determine the presence, distance, and direction of another device.

• WiFi

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is the most popular IoT communication protocol for wireless local area networks that utilizes the IEEE 802.11 standard through 2.4 GHz UHF and 5 GHz ISM frequencies. 2.4 GHz WiFi can reach a maximum of 600 Mbps in ideal conditions, but in an average home network, a max speed of 150 Mbps is more likely. A 5 GHz WiFi connection can reach up to 1300 Mbps. 2.4 GHz WiFi can reach up to 46 meters indoors and 92 meters outdoors, meanwhile, 5 GHz frequency spans around one-third of the distances of 2.4 GHz WiFi. It has a data rate of up to 600 Mbps maximum, depending on the channel frequency used and the number of antennas. In embedded systems, ESP series controllers from Espressif are popular for building IoT-based Applications.

There are many development boards available that allow people to build IoT applications using WiFi, for example, Raspberry Pi and Node MCU, which allow people to build IoT prototypes and also can be used for small real-time applications.

• LoRa

LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless technology that offers long-range, low-power, and secure data transmission for M2M and IoT applications. LoRa is based on chirp spread spectrum modulation, which has low power characteristics and can be used for long-range communications.

LoRaWAN provides the ability to connect millions of devices with data rates ranging from 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps. The distance for LoRaWAN application is up to 5 km in urban areas and up to 15 km or more in rural areas. With hundreds of millions of devices connected to networks in more than 100 countries and growing, LoRa is creating a smarter planet.

• Cellular Networks

Embedded systems also leverage cellular networks for wireless communication. The final stage of connectivity is achieved by segmenting the comprehensive service area into several compact zones, each called a cell. This protocol is generally used for long-distance communications. The data of larger size and with higher speeds can be sent compared to other technologies. The fifth generation of cellular networks is 5G. Its frequencies are divided between the Sub-6 GHz range, which has been extended to cover potential new spectrum offerings from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, and the mmWave range, which includes frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 71 GHz. The trade-off for speed at mmWave frequencies is the limited range of about 600 meters, while Sub-6 GHz frequencies can cover up to 5 km.

• Z-Wave

Z-Wave, low-power RF, is a communication protocol designed for Home Automation products. Smart home products with Z-Wave inside work together, using just one app to connect and control your smart home from anywhere. While Z-Wave has a range of 100 meters in open air, building materials reduce that range, it is recommended to have a Z-Wave device roughly every 10 meters, or closer for maximum efficiency. The Z-Wave signal can hop roughly 180 meters, and Z-Wave networks can be linked together for even larger deployments. Each Z-Wave network can support up to 232 Z-Wave devices allowing you the flexibility to add as many devices as you’d like to make sure your Smart Home is working its hardest. The data packets are exchanged at data rates of 100 kbps maximum and the protocol operates at a frequency of 900 MHz in the ISM band.

• Zigbee

Zigbee, like Bluetooth but with a longer range, relies on a bridge to facilitate internet-bound data from devices, albeit with higher power consumption. Zigbee has a shorter range of about 10-20 meters indoors because it uses less power. This does dramatically increase battery life for Zigbee devices. The data rate to transfer data between communicated devices is around 250 Kbps. It has a large number of applications in technologies like M2M and IoT.

This wireless communication standard, operating on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, specializes in serving IoT applications. It offers dependable communication with low data rates and power usage, making it an ideal choice for applications where prolonged battery life is crucial. Zigbee finds its niche in domains like home automation, industrial control, and smart energy management systems, catering to various IoT needs.

Point-To-Point vs Mesh Topology in IoT Networking

Point-to-Point Topology and Mesh Topology are two distinct network architectures employed in computer networking. These topologies differ significantly in terms of their structure, connectivity, scalability, fault tolerance, and implementation.

Mesh Topology is a type of networking where all nodes cooperate to distribute data amongst each other. Originally developed over 30 years ago for military applications, mesh networks are now commonly used for various applications, including home automation, smart HVAC control, and smart buildings. Industry standards that rely on mesh network Topology include Zigbee and Z-Wave.

Mesh Topology can be further categorized into two types: Full Mesh and Partial Mesh. In a Full Mesh Topology, every device has a direct link to every other device, creating a fully connected network. In a Partial Mesh Topology, only some devices have direct links to all other devices, while others have links to only a subset of devices.

One significant advantage of mesh Topology is that it has low transmit power and shorter links (<100 ft). This characteristic not only extends the battery life significantly but also facilitates efficient data movement across the network. The other advantage of mesh Topology is its ability to facilitate self-healing networks in the face of node failures. If one node goes down, alternative connections can be established, enhancing fault tolerance. The primary disadvantage of mesh Topology is that the range between two mesh nodes is quite limited, which means that you may have to add additional nodes into your network that aren’t strictly necessary.

While mesh networks are well-suited for connecting multiple devices, Point-to-Point Topology is employed to connect two specific endpoints. Point-to-Point Topology is a network configuration where two endpoints have a direct connection or link. Serial connections between two devices or a USB connection between a computer and a printer are examples of point-to-point connections.

The primary advantage of Point-to-Point Topology is its simplicity, as it involves a direct flow of data either unidirectional or bidirectional between two points. Point-to-Point networks are still relevant in certain applications such as SCADA systems, traffic data systems, or Point-to-Point broadcast systems like police or fire radios. However, they are less suitable for IoT applications, where connecting to multiple nodes is often more practical.

The Future of Wireless Communications in Embedded Systems

The future of wireless communication in embedded systems promises remarkable advancements and innovations. Here are some key aspects that will define the future landscape:

The integration of 5G networks is set to bring a transformative impact to embedded systems. 5G offers significantly higher data rates, lower latency, and the ability to connect massive numbers of devices, revolutionizing real-time applications, ultra-high-definition video streaming, autonomous systems, and large-scale IoT deployments.

Private 5G networks differ from public 5G networks in that they provide restricted access and utilize licensed or unlicensed wireless spectrum within a confined area, such as a manufacturing plant, port, airport, campus, or business park. This allows owners to tailor the network to specific needs and requirements.

The key differences between public and private 5G have to do with restricted access and isolation. Typically, the public 5G networks available through service providers offer equal access rights to all users, sometimes leading to degraded service performance. A higher service availability is fundamental to support always-on operations. 

A private 5G network offers greater control. Unlike public 5G, a private 5G network can be reconfigured to permit different levels of access when certain network activities are deemed more business-critical than others.

Open RAN is a revolutionary shift in mobile network design, allowing service providers to use components from different vendors. This open approach is guided by industry standards, enabling flexibility and innovation in the creation of mobile network equipment. In Open RAN, traditional components like remote radio heads and baseband units are replaced with disaggregated radio units, distributed units, and centralized units. These components can be virtualized or containerized, offering programmable, intelligent, and interoperable functions. The O-RAN Alliance, established in 2018, defines the standards for Open RAN, bringing together global stakeholders in telecommunications. Open RAN represents the future of wireless communication, emphasizing openness, flexibility, and collaboration among suppliers.

As the volume of data generated by embedded devices continues to surge, edge computing will play a pivotal role in optimizing wireless communication. By relocating computation and data processing closer to the network’s edge, embedded systems can reduce latency, enhance real-time decision-making, and alleviate bandwidth constraints.

The concept of mesh networking, where devices communicate with one another to form a network without relying on a centralized infrastructure, holds significant promise for embedded systems. Mesh networks provide increased reliability, scalability, and flexibility. They enable self-healing capabilities, allowing devices to reroute data and ensure continuous connectivity, even in cases of individual node failures.

Conclusion

Choosing the most suitable network connectivity option for your IoT project is a decision that hinges on your device requirements and the ultimate project goals. It’s a delicate balance, primarily involving trade-offs among power consumption, available bandwidth, and network coverage.

In specific scenarios, technologies like LoRa and LoRaWAN can prove to be fantastic choices. For other cases, options like WiFi or Ethernet might be clear and straightforward. Furthermore, modern cellular solutions, exemplified by innovations like Notecard, have brought global IoT connectivity into the realm of reality.

The IoT landscape continues to expand and evolve, offering a diverse range of connectivity options serving various applications. By carefully assessing your project’s unique demands and keeping the trade-offs in mind, you can make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your IoT objectives.

Interested to know more? Get in touch with us for details.

 

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We are living in the age of profound and pervasive technological transformations that are rapidly spreading across both enterprise and consumer product markets. The Internet of Things (IoT) and electric vehicles (EVs) are two examples of innovative cutting edge solutions marking the dawn of a new era of global tech development. Utilized in combination with each other, IoT and EVs can deliver a multitude of benefits, helping to minimize air pollution, optimize EV performance, reduce energy consumption, and achieve many other improvements that are part of the smart city of the future concept.

IoT and EV industries to show rapid growth over the course of the 2020s

Despite a significant drop in the number of new EV registrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic turbulence (registration of all types of new electric vehicles during 2021 financial year dropped by 20% compared to 2020), the global electric vehicle market continues to evolve and will achieve a tremendous growth over the course of the current decade. Several recent studies use slightly different approaches to quantify the anticipated growth ahead but all point to an 18-26% CAGR:

•  According to a recent study by Allied Market Research, the EV market was valued at $163.01 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $1105 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 18.2% from 2021 to 2030.

• Based on this report by AMR, it was valued at $740.47 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $4,421.62 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.67% from 2021 to 2030. 
• A study by Fortune Business Insights features lower market size estimations but follows the same growth trajectory, estimating it to grow from $478.36 billion in 2022 to $2,465.26 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 26.4% during the forecast period.

• According to a recent market research study by Custom Market Insights, the EV market was valued at USD 170 Billion in 2021, and USD 205.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $1105 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 23% from 2022 to 2030.

IoT applications in the EV industry 

Such a rapid growth of the global fleet of electric vehicles creates a number of needs and challenges, most of which can be solved with the implementation of IoT solutions:

• The need to implement and maintain an extensive network of charging stations for EVs.
• Battery management solutions to monitor and control the EV battery charging and discharging cycles and other processes.
• Vehicle speed, mileage, and acceleration monitoring.
• Safety, driving errors and fault alert tracking systems.
• Protection against theft.
• Preventive maintenance for vehicle components.
• Crash detection.

Benefits of IoT Integration for EV Management and Monitoring 

Let’s review the IoT solutions and technologies that can be implemented as part of electric vehicles and supporting equipment (charging stations, maintenance and repair stations) for the benefit of EV manufacturers, drivers, cities/communities and the environment.  

EV Charging Stations

The integration of IoT components into the EV charging stations allows to overcome a number of challenges and achieve multiple goals.

Here are a few examples:

• The integration of IoT-based telematics technology into EVs and EV charging stations enables collection of real-time data and automatic generation of various reports.
• IoT-powered charging applications allow drivers to easily locate nearby stations and schedule a time slot for charging.
• Implementation of IoT sensors would allow charging station operators to track their status and energy consumption remotely through a centralized system, quickly reacting when the station is disconnected or damaged.
• The collection of data through IoT sensors enables drivers to access real-time notifications with charging time estimations, information about cable position, weather conditions, etc.
• The stream of real-time data from charging stations and connected electric vehicles allows station operators to send targeted ads and promo materials to the owners of EVs.

EV Battery Management Systems

Battery management systems (BMSs) are another crucial element of the EV infrastructure that can be significantly improved and optimized with IoT components. BMSs are used to monitor and control various processes inside the EV battery, including charging, energy consumption and distribution of power from the battery across the vehicle equipment.

IoT circuits integrated inside an EV battery management system can serve a number of important processes:

• Real-time monitoring of all key battery parameters such as temperature, current, voltage, charge, etc.
• Continuous evaluation of the State of Charge (SoC) and the State of Health (SoH) of the battery with instant notifications when changing, maintenance or repair is required.
• Location tracking to prevent theft or loss of the battery.
• Exchange of data collected by integrated IoT sensors with battery swapping stations for predictive analytics, as well as with car leasing companies.

EV Maintenance and Fault Alert

IoT-based fault alert systems, retrieving and automatically analyzing data collected by sensors integrated throughout different parts of the electric vehicle, are able to quickly identify and in many cases predict technical glitches in the EV, notifying both the car owner and connected EV service centers.

The IoT data collected by EV sensors can be utilized for the following applications:

• Monitoring the wear and tear of EV parts.
• Maintenance of the car tires.
• Tracking of lubrication cycle of the engine and other parts.
• Monitoring the temperature and moisture conditions within the eV components.
• Scheduling preventive maintenance based on mileage traveled.

Safety Control and Detection of Driving Errors

Various safety controls, such as monitoring of driver’s performance, prevention of driving errors and protection against crashes, is one more application of IoT technologies in electric vehicles.

Using IoT sensors, EV manufacturers are able to establish the following safety features:

• Real-time monitoring of vehicle speed to make sure it doesn’t surpass the speed limit.
• Automated collection and analysis of the driver behavior information such as average speed, acceleration, etc. This data can be then used to provide the EV driver with tips and notifications, as well as to share it with insurance companies.
• Tracking of vehicle location and status in real time and sending notifications to tow truck service and police in the case of emergency.
• Sending the data collected by the in-built sensors to the EV manufacturer for the analysis and improvement of the car component quality and safety of the vehicle. 
• Detection of crashes and/or EV fall down with built-in IoT accelerometers.

Protection against theft

Finally, the IoT technologies can be a great solution to protect electric vehicles against theft. With real-time tracking and geo-fencing, it is possible to prevent not just the theft of the car itself but also its separate parts by integrating IoT sensors in equipment such as batteries, which are the most expensive parts of the EVs typically comprising around 40% of the total cost of an EV. Alarms and notifications can be sent to the vehicle owner and local authorities in the case of unauthorized access to the car or removal of its parts.

Summary

As you can see, IoT technologies have a tremendous potential to empower the already rapidly growing electric vehicle industry, improving virtually all aspects of EV manufacturing, monitoring and management. The integration of IoT can significantly boost the performance of charging stations, prolong the lifespan of EV equipment, protect drivers from accidents, ensure vehicle security and reduce the energy consumption.

That’s why we believe it is safe to predict that the demand for embedded systems in the EV industry will be on the rise at least for the next ten years or so. In this increasingly complex and competitive business environment, the importance of professional approach to IoT and embedded systems design starts to play an even more important role.

The Tauro Technologies’ team of electronics engineers and firmware designers has a proven track record of successfully designing custom hardware for various kinds of embedded systems and IoT products in multiple technology fields including control systems, battery management, and IoT devices. Drawing on the specific needs of our clients, we select and apply various engineering methods to electronic product development and manufacturing in order to achieve the desired result. Utilizing our in-house assembly and debug expertise, we are able to build and evaluate your prototypes before high-volume manufacturing, rapidly and cost-efficiently.

Interested to know more? Get in touch with us for details.

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