Automotive and Transport
Automotive industry has come a long way from the first on-board radios to a 5G connected car that can ‘talk’ to other cars and the road infrastructure. The number of shipped connected vehicles will soon reach 100 million. Wireless sensor technologies play a critical role in delivering vital sensor and road data to the Cloud and enabling smart city road infrastructure, while making the driving experience safer and more convenient. Connected vehicles spawn an entire new ecosystem of products and services.
Telematics
Every day, vehicles generate huge amounts of data that can be monetized and used to improve safety and efficiency of operations. Telematics devices harvest this valuable data and transmit it to mobile devices and the Cloud. Modern vehicles feature multiple sensors such as temperature, pressure, acceleration, battery voltage and many more that monitor vital performance parameters of the engine, chassis and other parts and components of a vehicle. The sensor data is processed by the on-board computer as well as sent to the cloud. It is critical that the wireless data transmission is reliable and secure.
Wireless sensing technologies enable:
- Predictive maintenance
- Remote diagnostics
- Fleet Management
- Vehicle data harvesting
- Driving data collection
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- V2X infrastructure integration
- IoT/Cloud integration
Whether it’s a car, truck, bus or a train, a moving vehicle presents serious challenges for a wireless data transmission. Technology mix includes GNSS and cellular, as well as various short-range Sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 802.15.4-based protocols, and others. For example, the European Union requirements for V2X infrastructure allow both cellular 5G and the Wi-Fi-based DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) standards to co-exist. Besides selecting the wireless technologies that are the best fit, it is critical to ensure their seamless operation and the interference-resistant antenna performance.
The benefits of telematics solutions include:
• Optimized vehicle performance
• Reduced costs
• Increased safety
• New services and revenue streams
Fleet Management
Many businesses and Government organizations operate fleets of cars and trucks that need to be tracked and maintained on a daily basis. Pioneered by Uber, the sharing economy model expanded from cab service to food delivery and commercial trucking. Running large fleets is a major logistical challenge. Technology comes to rescue, and wireless sensor networks play a crucial role.
Fleet management tasks encompass:
- Real-time vehicle tracking
- Live map with real-time traffic information
- Geofencing
- Locating the closest driver
- Trip history
- Vehicle Health Monitoring
- Predictive maintenance
- Remote engine diagnostics
- Maintenance minders
- Battery and fuel level monitoring and alerts
- Mileage tracking
- Driver’s Performance
- Driver’s scorecard (speeding, rapid accelerations, hard braking, etc.)
- Vehicle usage monitoring and analysis
- ELD compliance
Efficient fleet management brings significant benefits to a fleet operator:
- Optimized vehicle usage
- Improved fuel economy
- Increased driving safety
- Reduced operating costs
- Better customer satisfaction
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technologies is an important part of creating an effective fleet management solution. Battery powered sensor devices transmit sensor data securely and reliably to a gateway that relays it further to the Cloud.
Combining best-in-class range with extremely low power consumption, A.N. Solutions' @ANY RF modules power wireless devices that can operate unattended for years with little maintenance. Each module comes with embedded networking software. Encrypted radio data protocols such as AES128 secure data transmission and protect against tampering. @ANY Modules can be easily added into existing telematics systems, enabling standard-based wireless solutions. Application programming interfaces (APIs) allow for seamless integration with the existing fleet management systems.
Case Study: Robust Wireless Monitoring Solution for Intelligent Transportation Systems
Our client is a manufacturer of trains known for their quality, reliability, and state-of-the-art technology. A variety of different public and private transport companies operate trains, subways, and trams (streetcars) built by this manufacturer, as part of the transit system.
Successful implementation of a reliable wireless monitoring solution for an intelligent transportation system created a solid platform with the ability to be scaled and customized for other versatile applications. It allowed to collect valuable data, facilitated predictive maintenance, and a remote diagnostic solution that resulted in a service cost reduction and prevention of breakdowns. Dedicated monitoring system helps manage potential warranty claims, and optimize future transportation system designs.