UWB Application Scenarios: Precise Sensing for Future Life

Have you ever fantasized about doors unlocking automatically when you approach your home? Or wished your home's lights and TV could be set up for you in advance when you sit on the couch? Perhaps you wished you could pinpoint important health monitoring devices during hospital shifts. The precise ranging capabilities of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology are making these once seemingly impossible applications a reality!

Compelling new experiences are improving user convenience, and with the development of an open and interoperable ecosystem, UWB technology is rapidly gaining popularity across multiple markets and applications.

Core UWB services

Are you curious how these applications are realized? All of these scenarios rely on the unique and precise ranging capabilities of UWB technology. From a user perspective, all application scenarios basically rely on the following three core services:

Hands-free access control

Simply approach the door and it will open automatically; when you leave from the outside, the door will lock automatically.

location-based services

Provides high-precision positioning.

Equipment-to-equipment services

Allows two Ultra Wideband (UWB) devices to share relative distance and positioning data for mutual localization.

1.Operator-less access control

Today's security access control technology usually requires the user to perform certain actions, such as entering a password on a keypad, pressing a finger on a scanner, or touching a reader with a badge/bracelet, in order to open the door to a secure area, such as a home or garage. With an access control system using UWB technology, on the other hand, all you have to do is approach the door and it automatically opens and locks when you walk out of your home.

UWB technology is able to accurately track your location, verify your security credentials, and let you through without the need for manual intervention. This technology seems to bring sci-fi to life, providing users with a convenient yet secure entry and exit experience.

UWB hands-free access control provides complete freedom of movement without sacrificing security. The authentication process is instantaneous and the door unlocks only when the user and their credentials are present and approaching the door from the "outside", ensuring that no one without security credentials can enter. To increase efficiency, the system can also be parameterized so that, for example, if you turn away suddenly before reaching the door, or if you simply stay in front of the door, the door will not open. UWB technology is able to determine whether you are approaching or leaving and knows which side of the door you are standing on, so that the unlocking and locking is triggered precisely according to your movement and position.

Working in tandem with technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC), UWB technology can be applied to cell phones, badges and other wearable devices to automatically control door locks even when the device is turned off or in sleep mode.

2. Location-based services

Satellite GPS is a very common technology when we are outdoors, but in some environments, especially inside buildings, it becomes difficult to acquire or maintain a GPS signal.UWB technology brings GPS-style positioning to indoor environments with greater accuracy.
UWB technology provides highly accurate positioning in signal multipath environments, even through walls, mechanical equipment or other obstacles. As a result, UWB technology makes it easier to navigate in large spaces, such as airports or shopping malls, and can help you pinpoint your vehicle in multi-story parking lots.
Highly accurate targeting also makes targeted digital marketing more effective. Based on data-sharing preferences set by the user, advertising displays can provide relevant, personalized content based on information about the person approaching the display. Retailers can customize offers, government agencies can adjust notifications, and entertainment venues can recommend appropriate programming based on events.

3. Device-to-device (point-to-point) services

With Angle of Arrival (AoA) technology, two UWB devices can share relative ranging and positioning data to pinpoint each other. This allows two people to locate each other via their cell phones, parents to know exactly where their children are, and carpool users to pinpoint the driver's vehicle in a sea of cars.
In a smart home, networked devices and appliances respond automatically to your presence. When you enter a room, the lights automatically turn on, the thermostat is set to your preferred temperature, and the sound system plays your favorite playlist. Technology like this becomes less intrusive and simpler to operate, supporting everyday life while helping to achieve a more energy-efficient and sustainable lifestyle.

concluding remarks

UWB technology is making a significant difference in our lives. Whether it's hands-free access control, location-based services or device-to-device pinpointing, the applications of UWB technology are expanding and providing users with a smarter living experience. With the further development of the technology, we can expect UWB to play an even more important role in the smart life of the future.