u-blox AG: Cloud Location Service Brings Power Autonomy to Constrained IoT Devices

Rhea-AI Summary

u-blox has launched CloudLocate, a service that significantly improves the energy efficiency of positioning calculations for IoT devices by offloading them to the cloud, using 90% less energy than traditional GNSS systems. This service targets applications in logistics, asset tracking, and Industrial IoT where devices require minimal power and infrequent location updates. Utilized via the u-blox Thingstream IoT platform, CloudLocate offers flexible location accuracy and is expected to enhance business growth opportunities across various industries worldwide.

Positive

• Launch of CloudLocate service, enhancing positioning accuracy for IoT devices.
• Cloud-based positioning reduces energy consumption by 90%, improving battery life.
• Broad applicability in logistics, inventory, and Industrial IoT enhances market reach.
• Flexible configuration allows users to optimize energy use versus location accuracy.

Negative

• None.

Offloading location calculations uses 90% less energy than onboard GNSS.

THALWIL, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / April 8, 2021 / u-blox (SIX:UBXN,OTC PINK:UBLXF), a leading global provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has introduced a service that offloads the position calculation from IoT devices into the cloud.

The CloudLocate service will enable accurate positioning of even the simplest IoT devices with the most constrained computing, communications, and energy resources. The service will be used to locate devices that track large assets such as containers, cargo, rental e-bikes and scooters, and small high value assets such as smart sensors and power tools. Typical applications include logistics, inventory, supply chain, production logistics, and cold-chain management.

CloudLocate is ideally suited for Industrial IoT tracking applications that must survive in the field for months or years without battery replacement and only need a few position updates per day. Therefore, many Industrial IoT solutions use low-power wide-area (LPWA) connectivity, which CloudLocate neatly complements without adding other restrictions. Furthermore, the service enables users to build enriched cloud services, grow their businesses, and expand to new markets.

"Our measurements confirm that, in nominal conditions, the energy and time required by CloudLocate to provide a location can be reduced by 90% compared to a stand-alone GNSS receiver undergoing a cold start without GNSS assistance," says Franco de Lorenzo, Principal Product Manager, Product Strategy Services Team at u-blox. "The measurement length and update rate can be configured, so users can make trade-offs between location accuracy and energy consumption to meet most of the application requirements. The service only needs an uplink from the device since it works out the device's location in the cloud. Furthermore, by using data packets of just 12 to 50 bytes, it is ideal for use in devices with very limited uplink connectivity and no downlink connectivity."

CloudLocate is available through the u-blox Thingstream IoT service delivery platform, a cloud-based delivery platform and administration interface for enterprise IoT services. Thingstream offers IoT connectivity, security, an enterprise-grade MQTT broker, visual programming, simple enterprise integration, and support for u-blox positioning chips and modules. u-blox stands behind the availability and delivery quality of CloudLocate by providing full warranty, support, and Quality of Service guarantees. The service is available worldwide.

About u-blox

u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global technology leader in positioning and wireless communication in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Their smart and reliable solutions, services and products let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and secure data services and connectivity, u-blox is uniquely positioned to empower its customers to develop innovative and reliable solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA. (www.u-blox.com)

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u‑blox media contact:
Natacha Seitz
Senior Manager PR and Content Marketing
Mobile +41 76 436 0788
natacha.seitz@u-blox.com

SOURCE: u-blox AG

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/639437/u-blox-AG-Cloud-Location-Service-Brings-Power-Autonomy-to-Constrained-IoT-Devices

FAQ

What is CloudLocate by u-blox?

CloudLocate is a new service from u-blox that offloads position calculations to the cloud, reducing energy consumption by 90% compared to traditional GNSS systems.

How does CloudLocate benefit IoT devices?

It allows IoT devices to achieve accurate positioning while using significantly less energy, which is ideal for devices with limited power resources.

What applications can use u-blox's CloudLocate service?

CloudLocate is suitable for logistics, inventory tracking, and various Industrial IoT applications where energy efficiency is crucial.

When was CloudLocate launched?

The CloudLocate service was introduced on April 8, 2021.

How does u-blox ensure the quality of the CloudLocate service?

u-blox guarantees the availability and quality of CloudLocate with full warranty, support, and Quality of Service commitments.