Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is an advanced wireless communication technology operating across a broad frequency spectrum (500MHz to 7.5GHz). It excels in short-range distance measurement using time-of-flight (ToF) and achieves centimeter-level accuracy through angle-of-arrival (AoA) technology. UWB enables ultra-precise location services and helps determine object motion or stationary status.
Industries are rapidly embracing UWB for its ability to enhance automotive safety, industrial IoT, and consumer electronics. It reduces errors in factories, improves smart device experiences, and enables seamless spatial awareness. The UWB market is expected to grow from $1.82 billion in 2024 to $4.05 billion by 2029, reflecting a 17.37% annual expansion fueled by its precision and versatility in real-world applications.
High Precision Positioning
Low Latency
Enhanced Security
Penetration Capability
Built on DL-TDoA (Downlink Time Difference of Arrival) technology, the UWB and BLE hybrid positioning kit delivers 10cm-level accuracy for mission-critical tracking, while traditional UL-TDoA (Uplink Time Difference of Arrival) architectures require complex wiring and high-cost deployment.
UWB tags process ranging data on-device and transmit positioning information to gateways via BLE. This UWB and BLE hybrid positioning solution enables wire-free, scalable deployment of high-accuracy location services with ultra-low power consumption.
| Minew’s UWB + BLE Solution | UL-TDoA Ultra Wideband (UWB) | Bluetooth AoA/AoD | Wi-Fi | GPS | Passive RFID | |
| Accuracy | 10-30cm | 10-30cm | sub-meter | 15-50 meter | 5-10 meter outdoor only |
not applicable |
| Scalibility | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Real-time | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Transmission Stability |
high | medium | high | prone to interference | stable signal outdoor, limited indoors | high, suitable for access management |
| Power Consumption |
low | high | medium | high | high | zero |
| Tag/Tracker Cost |
low | low | very low | medium | high | ultra low |
| Deployment Cost |
low | high | low to medium | low | medium | low |
A regional e-commerce logistics provider operating a large warehouse faced operational challenges in managing a fleet of 300+ autonomous forklifts and AGVs. Manual coordination processes and legacy Bluetooth-based tracking systems with limited accuracy resulted in frequent equipment collisions, workflow bottlenecks, and delayed order processing. To address these issues, the company implemented a UWB-based real-time location system (RTLS) designed to streamline operations and improve safety.
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology delivers centimeter-level accuracy, a critical requirement for navigating confined warehouse aisles and coordinating complex multi-vehicle workflows. UWB signals reliably penetrate dense environments with metal shelving, machinery, and structural obstacles, ensuring consistent tracking performance. This capability is essential for maintaining operational continuity in industrial settings where traditional systems often fail.
The system triggers automated alerts and braking mechanisms when vehicles approach predefined safety thresholds near obstacles, infrastructure, or personnel. This reduces risks in high-traffic zones and improves compliance with workplace safety protocols.
Real-time location data enables continuous rerouting of AGVs based on congestion patterns, equipment availability, and priority orders. This minimizes idle time and ensures efficient resource allocation during peak operational periods.
The solution combines hardware and software components to deliver seamless integration with existing warehouse infrastructure:
UWB Anchors: Compact, ceiling-mounted MBM01 BLE & UWB location beacons form a positioning network across operational zones, receiving location data from MBS02 UWB Bluetooth Repeaters and helping determine the accurate location.
Vehicle Tags: Ruggedized MBS02 UWB Bluetooth repeaters are attached to the vehicles and AGVs and upload precise location data of the fleet to the gateway.
Gateways: G1 Gateway forwards data to the cloud for further tag location calculation, so the operators can schedule AGVs based on on-site usage conditions.
✅ Interoperability: The RTLS integrates with warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms via standardized APIs, enabling unified data visibility.
✅ Adaptive Performance: Machine learning algorithms analyze historical location data to predict congestion patterns and optimize workflows proactively.
“The UWB system transformed chaotic vehicle traffic into a synchronized workflow. We now process 12,000 additional orders daily without expanding our fleet.”
— Logistics Operations Director
A leading private healthcare provider operating multiple specialized clinics faced persistent challenges managing critical medical equipment across its facilities. With over 500 high-value, frequently shared devices—such as infusion pumps, portable monitors, and diagnostic tools—the organization implemented a UWB-based real-time tracking system to optimize operational efficiency and patient care.
Despite streamlined clinical workflows, the provider struggled with:
“During emergencies, staff would scramble to locate devices, sometimes borrowing from other departments and forgetting to return them,” explained a clinical operations supervisor.
After evaluating RFID and BLE systems, the provider prioritized centimeter-level accuracy and seamless EHR integration. Key implementation steps included:
80 UWB anchors (MBM01 BLE & UWB Location Beacon) installed on ceilings and equipment storage zones
400 medium-sized UWB tags (MBS02 UWB Bluetooth Repeater) affixed to high-mobility devices
Cloud-based dashboard with real-time insights:
Live equipment locations overlaid on facility maps
Automated alerts for devices left in non-designated zones
Usage analytics to optimize maintenance schedules
During a three-month pilot, alerts for infusion pumps left in recovery rooms reduced search time by 65%, while unauthorized equipment movement (e.g., devices taken to unauthorized floors) dropped by 40%.
A solutions architect from the technology provider emphasized adaptability:
“Medical environments require instant updates—equipment moves from ORs to ICUs within minutes. Our system refreshes locations every 3 seconds, leveraging UWB’s low latency. Integration with existing EHR and asset management software ensured smooth adoption.”
Minew’s product manager highlighted durability:
“The tags withstand frequent sterilization, while UWB signals penetrate lead-lined walls better than alternatives.”
35% faster equipment retrieval during code blue scenarios
30% reduction in rental costs by recovering “lost” devices
95% compliance with sterilization zone checkpoints
An unexpected benefit emerged: heatmaps of equipment movement revealed inefficiencies in workflow design. “We reconfigured storage locations based on actual usage patterns, cutting nurse travel time between wards,” noted a facilities manager.
Eliminated phantom inventory through real-time reconciliation
Reduced overtime costs by minimizing staff search time
Optimized preventive maintenance with accurate usage data
Enhanced emergency response via instant equipment location
Cut unnecessary purchases by verifying asset availability
The UWB RTLS system evolved into a strategic tool, enabling predictive analytics to redistribute equipment before peak hours and immediate recovery of misplaced assets.
No. UWB specializes in high-precision positioning (accuracy down to 10cm), while WiFi 6/7 focuses on high-speed data transfer. They complement each other (e.g., WiFi handles networking; UWB enables spatial awareness).
UWB operates at ultra-low power density (1/1000th of mobile phone signals), fully compliant with FCC/CE safety thresholds (≤-41.3 dBm/MHz).
Effective through wood/glass (90% signal retention), but metal/concrete cause >60% attenuation (strategic relay node deployment required for industrial environments).
UWB achieves <1ms latency vs Bluetooth’s 100-300ms, critical for real-time industrial automation (e.g., AGV collision avoidance at 30km/h).
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