PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Track&Go is an IoT solution designed to locate lost luggage. It is a device designed to be placed next to the luggage, with the aim of keeping it always located in real-time.
This solution is based on two principles. Proximity alerts: which allow receiving notifications on the smartphone when the suitcase leaves the delimited area; and geolocation: which would make it possible to track the goods at any time and place.
For the moment, it is a POC (proof of concept) and the project has gone through two versions:
VERSION 1: LOCATION SYSTEM BASED ON BEACON TECHNOLOGY
The project was born as a solution to locate luggage using Google’s new Eddystone-EID (beacon technology). The system works with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon installed inside the suitcase, keeping it located at all times.
In a travel context, this system can help us quickly recover our luggage safely: with Eddystone-EID (Ephemeral Identifier) there is no risk of being identified by malicious third parties, even if you display your luggage information.
VERSION 2: LOCATION SYSTEM BASED ON NB-IOT TECHNOLOGY
To improve the new version of the “Track&Go” solution, we have opted for Narrowband-IOT (NB-IOT), a technology that aims to connect smart devices that are far apart, using low power. This way, they can have small batteries with great durability and reduced costs for the end user.
We have developed the hardware part using U-blox’s NB-IOT modules. With this new technology, many possibilities can be glimpsed in the field of geolocation: for example, in case your luggage is lost, you will be able to see the exact location in real-time and have all the necessary contact information to get it back.
We have also acted as consultants for Samsonite and In The Pocket (app development) to explore NB-IOT as the best technology to carry out this project in its second phase. Our company is investing, as in product development, in R&D of new technologies and we have a lot of experience in this field.
HOW IT WORKS
HOW IT WORKS
Track&Go is designed to locate lost luggage. In the first phase of the project, the system was based on beacon technology and later, NB-IOT was chosen.
HOW WE DID IT
We have acted as Samsonite’s hardware partner, the world’s leading luggage brand, to develop a real-time luggage location system, thanks to IOT technologies. We have carried out the hardware design, firmware development, and manufacturing.
Additionally, we have acted as consultants for Samsonite and In The Pocket to advise them on the potential of opting for NB-IOT in this project.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Battery: rechargeable lithium
RGB Led
Disconnection switch
Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NB-IoT (v.2)
Sensors: accelerometer, vibration, digital compass, pressure, humidity, temperature… (v.2)
Location: GPS (v.2)
THE CLIENT
Driosec emerges from the entrepreneurial spirit of the founders of MartiDerm® (a pharmaceutical laboratory specialized in skin care), with the aim of treating dermatological pathologies related to sweating.
STEP BY STEP
1. Location system based on Eddystone-EID
Samsonite wanted to develop a solution to locate suitcases and In The Pocket, their technology consultant (and who had previously purchased iBKS beacons from us), put them in contact with us.
After several meetings, our engineering team began to develop a POC based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Beacon technology is used (with our iBKS beacons) using the Eddystone-EID protocol.
2. Success of the POC but a new technology is born
The POC is approved by Samsonite and is presented as a star product at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016.
At that same congress, NB-IOT technology begins to emerge, and we see that this would be the best option to successfully launch Samsonite’s product, as it would allow the suitcase to be directly connected to the internet. Samsonite and In The Pocket find it a good option, and our team begins to develop the hardware incorporating the NB-IOT module.
3. The NB-IOT version triumphs at MWC 2017
Using U-blox’s NB-IOT modules, our engineering team develops the device to work with this technology. Since it is a technology that is not yet deployed, Vodafone enables antennas in our area to perform all necessary tests.
Once the device update with its NB-IOT version is completed, it is presented again at MWC 2017 and wins the “Best Connected Device of MWC 2017” Award.
