Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

Reinventing geo-location for IoT

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Nestwave (Reinventing geo-location for IoT)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2021-09-01 al 2022-08-31

Existing tracking solutions, based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and terrestrial-based positioning solutions, are not only expensive but have technical boundaries which prevent successful scaling in IoT.
Nestwave solution uniquely combines GNSS and terrestrial signals such as 4G and optimally splits processing duties between an IoT device and the cloud. Our approach improves accuracy in urban canyon environments, increases indoor coverage, and with extremely fast signal acquisition reduces power consumption. Based in software, we eliminate the need for dedicated positioning chipsets, therefore reducing cost by 2/3.
The main objectives of the project are:
• Develop a geolocation solution for IoT up to TRL8 readiness level
• Assess technical performances of the product
• Scale up to commercial organization
Nestwave has filed 18 patents (10 granted and 8 pending) in relation to advanced signal processing techniques which improve the accuracy, increase low signal sensitivity and reduce the power consumption of the solution
The technology breakthrough developed by Nestwave, in conjunction with other technology advances, will create entirely new product categories and open new market opportunities of IoT geolocation
For example, with the reduction of power dissipation, we expect geolocation to be integrated for the next generation battery-less devices which rely upon environment-based power-harvesting (heat, vibration, solar, RF) rather than batteries that need to be recharged. This has the opportunity to change the trajectory for buried sensors (infinite life) and environmental monitoring (persistent smart dust).
The cost reduction will democratize asset tracking in the industrial, commercial and retail spaces, where every part, every module and every asset can be tracked to jointly improve customer satisfaction (inventory management, personalized products) and reduce operational and supply chain cost. Customers of our customers are already looking to develop autonomous, battery less, trackers for containers and for parcel tracking. Only Nestwave solution can be envisaged to develop such devices on a cost-effective way.
Throughout the whole project duration, we have focused on:
• Enhancing the performance of the Nestwave low-power GNSS IP by applying novel digital signal processing algorithms, while keeping in mind embedded environment constraints
• Adding new features to the Nestwave low-power GNSS solution, including new GNSS constellations, 4G/5G cellular and Wi-Fi signal support for hybrid geolocation, and GNSS augmentation support for EGNOS and WAAS
• Integrating Nestwave low-power GNSS IP onto commercial IoT chipsets with different core architectures
• Deploying a robust and optimized Nestwave cloud solution providing GNSS location services such as assistance and cloud navigation to IoT devices
• Extensively testing Nestwave’s low-power GNSS end-to-end solution in a multitude of conditions and environments (simulations, lab testing, live testing, field testing, open sky, urban, static, motion…)
• Communicating information about Nestwave’s low-power solution through various media such as social networks, TV broadcasts, publications/patents, trade shows and conferences…
• Promoting the Nestwave low-power GNSS solution to major players of the IoT market.
The work done on Nestwave’s low-power GNSS solution since the beginning of the project provides excellent results exceeding initial targets in terms of:
• Position accuracy
• Time-to-first-fix
• Sensitivity
• Power consumption
The combination of Nestwave GNSS IP algorithms and Nestwave cloud navigation provides ultra-low power consumption, offering a real breakthrough in the IoT geolocation landscape. As a result, small, low cost IoT devices will be able to provide good geolocation performance from a single, small battery for many years.
Sequans Communications GMS02SP LTE-M cellular module embedding Nestwave low-power GNSS IP.
Field testing performed in Paris
Nestwave-powered IoT device tracked on partner map website
Nestwave CEO interviewed by Itinéraire Entreprise TV
Test set-up in lab
Nestwave CEO at Nestwave booth, Barcelona MWC’21
Nestwave CEO speaking at CadenceLive 2020
Samea Innovations ultra-thin and low-power GPS tracker “ThinTrack” using Nestwave technology.
Nestwave 4G/5G cellular positioning,10x improved compared to standard cellular location solutions.
Nestwave recognized for IoT Innovation in 2020 Mobile Breakthrough Awards Program