Bluetooth technology has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate with devices, and its impact on the Internet of Things (IoT) is no exception. At the forefront of this innovation are Bluetooth tags – small, low-power devices that transform ordinary items like products, packages, and equipment into smart, trackable assets. By providing location data, environmental sensing, and seamless integration with existing Bluetooth infrastructure, they offer a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to optimize operations and enhance asset management.

Background

Bluetooth technology is a wireless communication standard that enables short-range data transfer between Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices. It was first introduced in 1994 by Ericsson, and since then, it has become an integral part of numerous consumer electronics and industrial applications. For additional information on this technology, refer to our blog “Unveiling the Fascinating Origins and Cutting-Edge  Evolution of Bluetooth Technology.”

Bluetooth technology plays a crucial role in telematics by enhancing vehicle connectivity, driver security, and asset tracking. Here are a few examples of how it’s used:

1. Vehicle Connectivity: Bluetooth enables seamless wireless connections between smartphones, tablets, and in-vehicle systems. This allows companies and drivers to monitor vehicle data in real-time, receiving alerts for any issues that require immediate attention.
2. Driver Identification and Authorization: Bluetooth key fobs are employed for driver identification and vehicle access control. Vehicle access controls ensure that only authorized drivers carrying the paired Bluetooth key fob can start and operate the vehicle, enhancing security and preventing unauthorized use.
3. Bluetooth Tags: These tags are attached to valuable assets, such as packages, tools, and equipment, to transmit location and sensing data (e.g., temperature, humidity) to nearby receivers, enhancing asset tracking and management.

Bluetooth Tag Technology Evolution

Battery Life

Bluetooth tags continue to rapidly evolve, addressing previous limitations and opening new possibilities for their use. One of the most significant advancements has been in battery life. Bluetooth tags now boast extended operational periods thanks to energy-efficient designs and the implementation of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. This improvement allows tags to function for months or even years without requiring a battery change, making them more practical for long-term deployment in various scenarios.

Connectivity Range

Connectivity range has also seen substantial improvements. Bluetooth 4.0 devices typically had a maximum range of ~50 meters (164 feet) under ideal conditions. However, with the release of Bluetooth 5.0 in 2016, the range was extended up to 240 meters (800 feet) in open environments, thanks to improvements in the radio and power management systems. This expanded reach has broadened the potential applications for Bluetooth tags, particularly in large-scale industrial and commercial settings.

Location Accuracy

Location accuracy has taken a leap forward with the introduction of high-precision positioning technologies. Bluetooth 5.1 introduced Direction-Finding which utilizes Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD) to estimate the direction of a Bluetooth signal. These capabilities pinpoint the exact direction of a signal, improving location accuracy to within centimeters to create new possibilities for applications requiring detailed spatial awareness.

Mesh Networking

Another Bluetooth technology evolution is the introduction of mesh networking capabilities. Bluetooth Mesh allows multiple devices to form a network, relaying information between tags and receivers. This technology significantly expands the coverage area for Bluetooth tag systems, enabling tracking across vast spaces or complex environments where direct line-of-sight between tag and receiver might not always be possible.

Integration with Other Technologies

Furthermore, the integration of Bluetooth tags with other technologies has amplified their capabilities. By combining Bluetooth with GPS, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and other location technologies, developers have created hybrid solutions that offer the best of multiple worlds – the energy efficiency and ubiquity of Bluetooth paired with the global reach of GPS or the centimeter-level accuracy of UWB.

Bluetooth Tag Telematics Use Case Examples

These technological advancements have paved the way for a wide array of new and improved applications across various industries including the following examples:

Transportation & Logistics

Bluetooth tags can further optimize supply chain management in transportation and logistics. These tags, attached to packages and read by Bluetooth gateways or devices, enable continuous tracking of goods, reducing losses and boosting efficiency. A 2022 CargoNet study highlighted the persistent issue of cargo losses, estimating annual global losses due to theft or misplacement at $12-15 billion.

Healthcare

Bluetooth tags are now being used to track equipment within medical facilities and for in-home patient care. The tags can be used to track a wide range of assets including portable testing devices, IV pumps, trolleys, crash carts, wheelchairs, and scanners/monitors. AMR Research estimates that between 10% – 20% of a hospital’s mobile equipment is lost or stolen during their useful life at an average cost of $3,000 per asset.

Automotive Dealerships

In the automotive retail sector, Bluetooth tags are solving a longstanding problem for dealerships – keeping track of key fobs. By tagging key fobs, key personnel at dealerships can easily locate specific vehicles on large lots, streamline the sales process, and prevent loss or theft of valuable keys. Research indicates the automotive dealerships typically lose an average of 5 keys per month, each costing approximately $275 to replace. This annual loss amounts to around $16,500, excluding the additional costs associated with the time spent by auto dealer sales representatives and other staff in their efforts to locate missing keys.

Challenges and Considerations

While the use Bluetooth tags to track assets continues to expand, their widespread adoption does come with the following challenges:

Security

Security concerns top the list, as any wireless technology can be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access. As Bluetooth tags become more prevalent in sensitive applications, ensuring robust security measures is crucial.

Tag Cost

Bluetooth tag cost is another consideration. Although Bluetooth tag prices are decreasing, RFID tags remain cheaper and are generally easier to deploy. However, RFID tags offer a much shorter range and have limited data capabilities. Companies need to weigh these trade-offs to decide which technology best suits their specific needs.

Infrastructure Cost

Bluetooth tags need access points or gateways to transmit data to central systems. Large facilities like warehouses, hospitals, and auto dealership lots may require a considerable investment in gateway infrastructure. However, deployment costs can be reduced using Wi-Fi routers with built-in Bluetooth radios, allowing tags to leverage the facility’s Wi-Fi network. Additional gateways would only be necessary for areas needing precise zone or meter-level tracking.

Compatibility with Existing Systems

Compatibility with existing systems is also a consideration. As businesses look to implement Bluetooth tag solutions, ensuring these new technologies can integrate seamlessly with current IoT and tracking infrastructures is essential for smooth adoption and maximum benefit.

Conclusion

Bluetooth tags have a promising future, with continued advancements in battery life, accuracy, and integration with other technologies. These improvements will extend the range of use cases and enhance their asset tracking capability. Bluetooth tags are emerging as an integral component of the IoT ecosystem, expanding connectivity in innovative ways.

The innovations we’ve explored – enhanced range, improved accuracy, and integration with other technologies – are just the beginning. As Bluetooth technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more creative and impactful applications across various industries. Whether it’s further optimizing supply chains or improving the tracking of medical equipment within hospitals, Bluetooth tags are already an indispensable part of our connected future.

About Positioning Universal

Established in 2013, Positioning Universal is the leading global provider of off-the-shelf and customizable mobile IoT devices and GPS vehicle and asset monitoring solutions. Our Systems Integration (SI) services deliver turn-key solutions for smooth IoT implementations, leveraging our team’s extensive industry knowledge. With a deep understanding of IoT technologies, we guide companies in designing and deploying IoT solutions that meet their unique needs. Our comprehensive offerings, paired with best-in-class customer support, empower companies with essential business intelligence to sustain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving markets.

Satellite constellations comprise three distinct orbits: Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Middle Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These satellite constellations have exerted a profound and transformative influence on the global economy. RTI International estimates that GPS has generated roughly $1.4 trillion in economic benefits in the U.S. since it was made available for civilian and commercial use in the 1980s.

Background

GEO constellations, positioned at a fixed point above the equator, offer continuous coverage over specific regions, catering to vital sectors such as communication and weather observation. MEO constellations strike a balance between coverage and latency, making them pivotal for applications demanding both global reach and reduced communication delays. MEO is the home to the world’s leading Global Navigation Satellite Systems. LEO constellations, orbiting closer to the Earth’s surface, deliver diverse services, from high-speed internet to communications, leveraging their proximity to deliver fast data transmission with very low latency. LEO is experiencing rapid growth led by Starlink’s plan to deploy thousands of satellites in this constellation orbit.

Constellation	Positioning	Latency	# of Satellites (est.)
GEO	35,786 km	Medium (~700 ms)	580
MEO	5,000 – 20,000 km	Low (~150 ms)	139
LEO	500 – 1,200 km	Very Low (~50 ms)	>5,000

Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

GEO satellite constellations consist of satellites positioned at a fixed point above the Earth’s equator, approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) in altitude. Due to their stationary position relative to the Earth’s rotation, GEO satellites remain above the same geographic area, providing continuous coverage of a specific region.

GEO constellations provide stable and predictable coverage, making them ideal for applications where constant connectivity and coverage of specific areas are paramount. These constellations are commonly used for communication, broadcasting, weather observation, and navigation services.

Key players include Intelsat (52 satellites), Eutelsat (36 satellites), Inmarsat (14 satellites), and Asiasat (7 satellites).

Middle Earth Orbit (MEO)

Middle Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellations are positioned from 5,000 to 20,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. MEO satellites offer a balance between coverage area and latency, making them suitable for applications that require a mix of global reach and relatively lower communication delays.

Despite its lower number of satellites, MEO is home to the leading Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNNS) including GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and GLONASS. Refer to our blog, “Unlocking the Power of Global Navigation Satellite Systems via Interoperability,” for additional details.

Key players include SES (acquired O3b Networks in 2016), Spacelink (Electro Optic Systems), Mangata Networks, Viasat, Intelsat, and Methera Global.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites satellite constellations are positioned from 500 to 1,200 kilometers above Earth’s surface. LEO satellites offer faster data transmission, reduced latency, and improved coverage compared to the other constellations.

Key LEO players include Iridium, Globalstar, Orbcomm, Starlink, OneWeb, Project Kuiper by Amazon, Telesat, and Planet Labs.

Positioning Universal Viewpoint

Positioning Universal continues to monitor advancements in satellite constellations technology, including new GPS III satellite technology being deployed in MEO and the rapid increase in the number of services being offered in LEO.  Positioning Universal stays at the forefront of these advancements so we can further enhance the value provided to our customers.

Source: EOS Data Analytics

Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies have emerged as a vital component of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. They cater to the connectivity needs of devices and applications that require long-range communication, extended battery life, and cost-efficient data transmission. Key LPWAN use cases include smart cities, smart meters, remote & environmental monitoring, industrial monitoring & automation, health monitors, wearables, and asset tracking.

Background

Leading LPWAN technologies include NB-IoT, LTE CAT-M1, Sigfox, and LoRaWAN. Other LPWAN technologies include Weightless, RPMA, and MIOTY. IoT Analytics estimated that NB-IoT and LoRa accounted for 83% of the 2021 LPWAN market.

LPWAN Technology Comparison & Descriptions

Key decision factors for selecting the right LPWAN technology for a specific use case include available bandwidth, data speed/throughput, range, power consumption, and cost.

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

NB-IoT is a cellular technology optimized for low-power, wide-area IoT applications. It operates in the licensed spectrum, providing better security and quality of service compared to unlicensed LPWAN options. NB-IoT offers deep coverage and improved indoor penetration, making it suitable for applications like smart cities, agriculture, and industrial monitoring. Its low data rates and power consumption enable devices to operate for years on a single battery.

LTE CAT-M1

LTE CAT-M1 is a cellular technology that operates within existing LTE networks, offering enhanced coverage and better penetration compared to traditional cellular networks. LTE CAT-M1 supports both voice and data services, making it suitable for a wide range of IoT applications such as smart meters, wearables, and asset tracking. It provides a balance between data rate, coverage, and power consumption, making it suitable for applications that require reliable connectivity and extended battery life.

Sigfox

Sigfox is a proprietary LPWAN technology that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. It utilizes ultra-narrowband modulation to transmit small amounts of data over long distances. Its technology is suitable for applications requiring sporadic, low-bandwidth data transmission, such as asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and smart agriculture.

SigFox filed for bankruptcy in January 2022. In April 2022, Singapore-based IoT network firm, Unabiz, acquired Sigfox and its French network operations for a reported €25 million. Since acquiring Sigfox, UnaBiz has opened the technology to align with its positioning as a tech-agnostic service provider and integrator. In April 2023, Unabiz shared they had activated 1.6 million new devices in the last 12 months, bringing the total connected devices to 11.4 million.

LoRaWAN

LoRa technology was developed in 2009. The LoRa Alliance was founded in 2015 and the network protocol was named LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network). LoRaWAN is an open standard technology that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band. It employs chirp spread spectrum modulation to provide long-range coverage and is known for its flexibility in terms of deployment models – public, private, or community networks.

LoRaWAN is primarily used in applications like smart cities, smart buildings, and industrial automation. In March 2021, it was estimated there were 178 million devices connected to over 140 public and private LoRa networks globally.

Other LPWAN Technologies

Weightless: An open standard that offers both wide-area and local-area coverage, suitable for industrial and smart city applications.

RPMA: Random Phase Multiple Access (RPMA) utilizes the unlicensed, globally available 2.4 GHz ISM band for long-range, low-power communication. RPMA, developed by Ingenu, is primarily used for smart grids and remote monitoring applications.

MIOTY: Based on Telegram Splitting Ultra Narrowband (TS-UNB) technology, MIOTY boasts robustness against interference and is ideal for applications in noisy environments.

Other companies leveraging LPWAN technology to address specific use cases include Nwave (smart parking), Telensa (smart streetlights) and Helium (decentralized wireless IoT network tied to the cryptocurrency Helium Network Token).

Positioning Universal’s LPWAN View

Positioning Universal’s mobile IoT hardware portfolio extensively uses LTE CAT-M1 cellular technology with several devices offering both NB-IoT and LTE CAT-M1 connectivity.

LTE CAT-M1 combines accurate tracking and monitoring with reliable data communication over cellular networks. This synergy ensures seamless tracking of vehicles and assets using LTE CAT-M1’s high bandwidth capability, fast data speeds, and extended coverage.

Source: Allion

As an example, using hard-wired devices in electric vehicles are troublesome for the following reasons:

• Electric vehicles’ electrical architecture is different from conventional vehicles so installing a telematics device without proper understanding or expertise can risk damaging their electrical components
• Electric vehicles sometimes don’t have available, or easy access to, a constant 12-volt source of power

While battery components are often overlooked while evaluating IoT device performance, poor performing batteries can hinder the performance and reliability of telematics systems by hampering their ability to gather and transmit the crucial data companies need to run their daily operations.

Background

Batteries are the heartbeat of our modern world, powering essential functions like how people connect and communicate, find information, transport people and goods, and power homes and buildings. Batteries are especially critical in powering a wide range of commercials applications. The most common battery technologies used for commercial applications include:

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, with their high energy density, long cycle life, lightweight design, and relatively low self-discharge rates, have emerged as the most dominant battery technology used for commercial applications.

Global Li-ion battery production capacity is forecast to increase eightfold by 2027. Li-ion battery production is dominated by China with 79% market share followed by U.S. with 6% market share.

Despite their increasing popularity, Li-ion batteries have several key noteworthy limitations including:

• Safety Concerns: While Li-ion batteries are generally safe, they can be prone to thermal runaway and overheating under certain conditions. Li-ion battery failures in EVs, smartphones, and e-bikes have led to fires which have made national news. Airlines also restrict bulk shipments of Li-ion batteries in cargo areas due to fire risk concerns.
• Geopolitical Concerns: China dominance of the global Li-ion market, which includes production control of most of the parts that make up a battery, are a risk given current global tensions.

Companies are working on new battery technologies to address these limitations. Examples of promising new battery technologies include solid-state, lithium sulfur, zinc–manganese oxide, and sodium-ion.

Battery Use in Telematics

Batteries play a crucial role in telematics serving as power sources for asset tracking devices and as backup batteries in devices hard-wired into vehicles or assets in the event of power loss. Recent advancements in battery technology have significantly enhanced the telematics market, improving the efficiency, reliability, and performance of connected devices.

Positioning Universal’s Smart Power^SM Technology

Positioning Universal is an established, recognized industry pioneer in providing innovative hardware, software and services. Positioning Universal’s SVR Tracking business was awarded patent 11482057 in 2022 for its method and system for battery management for mobile geofencing devices.

Our patented Smart Power^SM  technology delivers high-performance battery power management with the ability to automatically lower power consumption to preserve battery life during extreme weather conditions or in areas with poor cellular network connectivity or coverage. We use this patented technology in our self-powered wireless devices used in numerous market applications including vehicle finance, dealer lot management, equipment rental, and cargo & merchandise tracking.