Terrestrial cellular networks provide reliable coverage in many regions, but their reach is limited in rural, remote, and maritime areas, as well as across certain continents where LTE-M or NB-IoT infrastructure is sparse or absent. In such cases, building new terrestrial networks often has low economic viability, leaving coverage gaps that can hinder applications such as asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure management on a global scale. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) address these limitations by extending 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-standardized Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) services to satellites. This integration allows IoT devices to connect through space-based networks when terrestrial coverage is unavailable. This article discusses how integrating NTN with terrestrial cellular technologies can close connectivity gaps, the role of <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/" target="_blank">Nordic Semiconductor</a>’s <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF9151" target="_blank">nRF9151</a> SiP module in enabling hybrid operation, and the technical considerations for implementing such solutions.<h2>What is NTN? </h2>NTN refers to satellite-based cellular IoT connectivity, defined in the 3GPP standards from Release 17 through Release 19. The concept extends NB-IoT operation beyond terrestrial infrastructure by using satellites to connect devices in locations where ground-based networks are unavailable. Devices can connect to NTN in much the same way they roam between terrestrial operators, using the same SIM, and cloud services, provided their mobile network operator (MNO) or virtual MNO (MVNO) has roaming agreements with NTN providers.<h3>GEO and LEO Satellite Constellations</h3>NTN can operate over both geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations. GEO satellites remain fixed relative to a point on Earth by orbiting at approximately 36,000 km. This constant position ensures a stable link with continuous visibility from the coverage area. These satellites connect directly to Earth stations, which then route data to the cloud, resulting in relatively high end-to-end latency for the data transfer. However, because of the long distance and the associated link budget constraints, GEO systems typically offer low data rates and require longer device connection times, which impact power consumption. On the other hand, LEO satellites orbit at altitudes of roughly 500-1000km and, due to the low orbit, move quickly across the sky, with each orbit lasting around 90 minutes. Their shorter distance to Earth enables easier link budgets, higher potential data rates, and reduced connection times for devices. In fully deployed LEO constellations with direct backhaul, latency can be low, supporting near-real-time communication. However, in early-stage networks with limited satellites and ground stations, coverage is intermittent, and data traffic relies on a store-and-forward method. In this mode, information is uploaded to the satellite when a device is within range and later transmitted to a ground station, resulting in latencies that can range from several minutes to over an hour. As more LEO satellites are deployed and ground infrastructure expands, these delays are expected to decrease significantly. <h3>Core NTN Characteristics</h3>NTN networks use licensed spectrum, similar to terrestrial LTE-M and NB-IoT, to ensure predictable performance and regulatory compliance. The long transmission distances, particularly in GEO systems, result in higher latency compared to terrestrial networks. In LEO systems without complete coverage or backhaul infrastructure, store-and-forward is used as a transitional approach, enabling basic connectivity until the network can support continuous coverage and real-time operation. While this approach ensures data eventually reaches its destination, it is best suited for applications that do not require immediate response times.<h2>Nordic’s Role in Bridging NTN and Terrestrial Connectivity</h2>Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module is designed to operate either exclusively on terrestrial networks or in a hybrid mode that combines terrestrial and NTN access. The choice of LTE stack firmware determines this flexibility. The NTN-enabled LTE stack supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, GPS, and NTN connectivity, enabling it to operate in both terrestrial networks as well as GEO and LEO satellite constellations.The NTN-enabled LTE stack allows developers to design devices that use terrestrial LTE-M where coverage is available, and switch to LEO or GEO satellite connectivity in areas without terrestrial infrastructure. This approach makes use of existing terrestrial networks for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, reserving satellite links for situations where ground-based connectivity cannot be maintained.Actual network access depends on the roaming agreements supported by the SIM in use. Many MVNOs are establishing arrangements with multiple NTN providers, enabling IoT devices to connect across a broader set of satellite constellations. This means a single hardware platform can adapt to different deployment regions and service availability without requiring hardware redesigns.From a product lifecycle perspective, IoT deployments often operate in the field for many years, and network availability can change over that time. The nRF9151 enables developers to build long-lifecycle products that remain functional as terrestrial networks evolve or as new NTN services become available, by supporting features such as SGP32 for remote SIM provisioning.The hardware for the nRF9151 is already available, and the early version of the NTN-enabled LTE stack is planned for release in the fourth quarter of 2025. This timeline allows developers to begin hardware integration now and prepare for adopting NTN once the firmware is released. In doing so, Nordic offers a single, adaptable hardware platform that supports today’s connectivity needs and can be upgraded to meet future network requirements.<h2>Satellite-Driven Applications that Benefit from Hybrid Connectivity</h2>Hybrid connectivity allows devices to switch between terrestrial and satellite networks as needed. Several application areas benefit from this capability.<h3>Asset Tracking and Logistics</h3>Uninterrupted connectivity is essential for maintaining visibility over shipments in industries that manage goods across long and varied transport routes. Hybrid NTN and terrestrial systems enable continuous monitoring in regions where LTE-M or NB-IoT coverage is lacking, such as remote areas in Africa, parts of South America, or maritime routes across open seas. Devices can use terrestrial networks where available, automatically switching to satellite links in coverage gaps. This ensures consistent location reporting, condition monitoring, and operational oversight for cross-border or intercontinental logistics.<h3>Smart Agriculture and Forestry</h3>Agricultural and forestry operations often extend across vast areas far from urban infrastructure, making continuous network access challenging. Hybrid connectivity allows the deployment of sensors and monitoring equipment in isolated fields, rangelands, or forested regions without the need to build dedicated local infrastructure. Applications include tracking soil moisture, monitoring crop or tree health, and collecting environmental data for yield optimization or conservation planning. <h3>Energy Infrastructure Monitoring</h3>Energy networks frequently span remote or inhospitable environments, such as oil pipelines crossing wilderness regions or power transmission lines running through lightly populated areas. In such locations, terrestrial coverage may be absent or inconsistent. Hybrid NTN and terrestrial connectivity enable automated systems to maintain operational oversight, detect faults, and report performance data in near real-time, where possible. This capability reduces the need for physical inspections and supports faster incident response.<h3>Disaster and Emergency Response</h3>In disaster scenarios, terrestrial networks can be damaged or completely offline due to events such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes. Hybrid connectivity provides an additional communication pathway, enabling critical systems and responders to maintain coordination. Devices and sensors can switch to satellite communication when terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable, supporting activities such as locating stranded individuals, monitoring environmental hazards, and managing resource allocation. This redundancy helps sustain essential communication links during the most critical periods of recovery and relief operations.<h2>Technical Challenges and Considerations</h2>Designing devices that operate across both TN and NTN presents several technical hurdles, particularly in antenna performance, interference management, and power efficiency.<h3>Antenna Design Across a Wide Frequency Range</h3>Supporting both TN and NTN requires antennas that can operate effectively across a broad spectrum, typically from 700 MHz to 2.2 GHz. NTN frequency bands, especially in the L-band and S-band, are a critical part of this range. Achieving consistent performance across it is challenging, particularly for compact devices with embedded antennas, where physical space limits antenna size and efficiency. The problem is more pronounced for L-band operation because it sits farther from the standard LTE-M or NB-IoT terrestrial bands, often necessitating different antenna design considerations. A practical approach for many deployments is to optimize performance for the relevant NTN bands and only the most important TN bands in the target region. Antenna manufacturers are actively developing solutions to improve performance across this wide range, but for now, trade-offs between size, coverage, and efficiency remain.<h3>GNSS Interference in the L-Band</h3>Some NTN frequency allocations in the L-band sit close to GNSS signals, particularly the B1 band. This proximity increases the risk of interference, which can degrade satellite positioning performance. In the nRF9151, this issue is addressed at the system level. The module’s design ensures that GNSS and NTN operations do not occur simultaneously. The firmware manages time-multiplexing between the two functions, so when NTN communication is active, GNSS reception is temporarily paused, and vice versa. This built-in scheduling eliminates the need for developers to manage coexistence manually and ensures reliable operation for both communication and positioning functions.<h3>Power Consumption in NTN Operation</h3>A common assumption is that NTN operation always consumes more power than terrestrial connectivity. This holds when comparing NTN with devices operating under ideal or optimal terrestrial coverage. The situations where NTN becomes important are typically at the edge of terrestrial coverage or in areas with no coverage at all.For instance, at the edge of terrestrial networks, devices may spend considerable energy maintaining a weak connection, as the LTE stack uses extended range mechanisms to compensate for poor signal quality. These same mechanisms are employed in NTN connections, meaning that the device’s power consumption in such terrestrial conditions can be similar to, or even greater than, that of NTN. In some cases, switching to an NTN link can reduce energy drain compared to continuously struggling with a weak and intermittent terrestrial signal.Similarly, in scenarios with no terrestrial coverage, devices running a terrestrial-only stack can waste substantial power repeatedly searching for a network that does not exist. On the other hand, an NTN-enabled device can establish predictable satellite connectivity, ensure communication, and avoid the energy costs of terrestrial scans.<h2>Nordic’s Strategic Position in the NTN Ecosystem </h2>Nordic views NTN as a practical enhancement to its cellular IoT portfolio. As networks such as 2G and 3G are sunsetting, NTN offers a dependable fallback, and in some cases, the only viable connectivity option for remote or underserved regions. Supporting both LEO and GEO constellations within a single design is a deliberate choice. Each constellation type offers distinct performance characteristics such as latency, throughput, and coverage patterns that make it better suited for different applications. Nordic enables both, giving developers flexibility to address diverse use cases.In practice, M(V)NO’s decide which NTN networks they set up roaming agreements with. Depending on which terrestrial M(V)NO you use, you may only be able to roam to specific NTN networks. Many M(V)NOs establish roaming arrangements with multiple NTN providers, similar to how roaming is managed between terrestrial networks, giving you more options. For user equipment (UE) devices, the primary requirement is the capability to connect to whichever NTN networks the SIM’s roaming agreements allow. Nordic’s 3GPP standards-based implementation supports this model, ensuring that devices can transition between terrestrial and satellite networks seamlessly, without requiring changes to the underlying hardware.Nordic’s existing developer ecosystem, comprising hardware platforms, software development kits, cloud integration tools, and established support channels, extends to NTN-enabled solutions. This continuity allows developers to work with the same tools and processes they already use for terrestrial IoT projects. Nordic combines a common hardware platform with a unified software and support framework, reducing the barriers to adopting NTN and enabling customers to design products that are both globally connected and adaptable.<h2>Conclusion: Toward Truly Global IoT </h2>The integration of NTN with terrestrial cellular IoT creates a path to resilient, truly global connectivity. Hybrid solutions can provide continuous coverage, maintain communication during infrastructure outages, and expand IoT deployment possibilities into previously unreachable regions.Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module, with its NTN-capable LTE stack, offers developers a way to adopt this technology using familiar hardware and development tools. Nordic provides a platform that can adapt to changing coverage conditions and application requirements by enabling both GEO and LEO connectivity alongside terrestrial technologies like LTE-M. Integrating NTN into IoT designs today positions products for long-term relevance and operational flexibility.To learn more about how Nordic Semiconductor enables hybrid NTN and cellular IoT with the nRF9151 module, visit their <a href="http://www.nordicsemi.com/cellular" target="_blank">website</a> or contact a Nordic representative for early development guidance.<h2>References</h2><ol><li>Nordic Semiconductor. [Online] Available at: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/" target="_blank">https://www.nordicsemi.com/</a> (Accessed on August 03, 2025)</li><li>nRF9151 [Online] Nordic Semiconductor. Available at: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF9151" target="_blank">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF9151</a> (Accessed on August 03, 2025)</li><li>Cellular IoT (LTE-M and NB-IoT) [Online] Nordic Semiconductor. Available at: <a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Low-power-cellular-IoT/What-is-NTN#infotabs" target="_blank">https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Low-power-cellular-IoT/What-is-NTN#infotabs</a> (Accessed on August 03, 2025)</li></ol>

Integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) with cellular IoT delivers seamless global connectivity, powered by the nRF9151 module for hybrid GEO, LEO, and terrestrial communication.

Robust Global Connectivity through the Integration of NTN and Cellular Technologies

Terrestrial cellular networks provide effective coverage in many regions, but their reach remains uneven in remote or sparsely populated areas. This results in blind spots for IoT applications that extend into maritime routes, forests, or large stretches of agricultural land. Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which extend cellular IoT connectivity to satellites, provide a way to fill these gaps.This article discusses the engineering considerations for integrating NTN capabilities into IoT devices, covering the trade-offs of remote reporting, fallback connectivity, and continuous satellite use. It also examines the technical challenges related to network access, antennas, and power management, and considers how <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/nordic-semiconductor/nordic-semi-nrf9151-sip/" target="_blank">Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module</a> provides a pathway for engineers to implement hybrid NTN and terrestrial solutions.<h2>What Are the Core Engineering Challenges in Hybrid NTN + Terrestrial Devices?</h2>Designing devices that rely exclusively on terrestrial networks or exclusively on NTNs is straightforward. For instance, a terrestrial-only device operates within the familiar LTE-M or NB-IoT frameworks where the challenges primarily relate to coverage limitations and spectrum availability. Similarly, a device intended only for NTN connectivity can be designed around fixed parameters such as satellite frequency bands, latency expectations, and power requirements. In both cases, the system is optimized for a single connectivity environment, and the hardware and firmware can be streamlined to support that environment alone.The challenge arises when a device is expected to operate smoothly across both terrestrial and NTNs. Hybrid devices are expected to maintain connectivity in a wide range of conditions, moving fluidly between ground-based and satellite infrastructure without manual intervention. This dual requirement creates added layers of complexity in both design and operation. Hybrid designs accommodate variation in latency, signal strength, and handover behavior as the device transitions between networks.In this regard, the process of switching between terrestrial and satellite networks is the key challenge. Relying too heavily on terrestrial networks can result in connectivity gaps when coverage is unavailable, but defaulting to satellite connectivity too readily can drain batteries and increase costs unnecessarily. Therefore, firmware should be designed to evaluate network conditions in real time, weighing parameters such as signal quality, location, and data transmission requirements before initiating a switch.Hybrid devices also face the challenge of maintaining consistency from the perspective of the application or cloud service they connect to. Ideally, the device should continue to deliver data reliably and in a format that does not disrupt backend systems, while the underlying network may change. Achieving this continuity adds to the engineering considerations, since switching networks may involve differences in latency, data throughput, and availability. <h2>Application Scenarios</h2><h3>Remote Reporting</h3>The simplest entry point for integrating NTNs into IoT devices is in remote reporting applications. These are typically low-complexity systems that transmit small amounts of data at long intervals and are suited for the limited bandwidth and higher latency associated with satellite links. Weather stations, forestry sensors, dam monitoring systems, and power line inspection devices fall into this category. As these devices are usually installed in locations where maintenance is infrequent, they can be fitted with larger enclosures and battery packs that offset the higher power needs of satellite communication. This design flexibility allows engineers to prioritize reliability over form factor, ensuring continued delivery of essential data such as temperature, rainfall, or structural strain measurements in areas without terrestrial coverage.An extension of this approach is asset tracking in industries such as transportation and logistics. Devices that record and transmit position data only once every few hours present a manageable challenge as they do not require real-time location updates, so a system can conserve energy by connecting opportunistically to satellites when needed.<h3>NTN as a Fallback to Terrestrial</h3>Another use case involves devices that primarily rely on terrestrial networks but retain NTN access as a secondary option when ground-based infrastructure is unavailable. This fallback model is common in position tracking and sensor applications that deliver consistent reporting but do not transmit large volumes of data. Devices in this category typically send small payloads at extended intervals. The engineering challenge lies in determining the right conditions under which to switch from terrestrial to satellite connectivity.If a device spends excessive time searching for a weak or unavailable terrestrial signal, it risks draining its battery without successfully transmitting data. Strategies such as implementing geofences can help avoid this problem by instructing devices to rely on NTNs only when they are known to be in regions where terrestrial coverage is absent, such as open oceans or sparsely populated landscapes. Another approach is to configure the device firmware to evaluate connection quality and select the most reliable mode automatically. However, this adds to development complexity and often requires close collaboration with module manufacturers to optimize firmware behavior.Engineers must also weigh the trade-offs between persisting with a degraded terrestrial signal and switching to an NTN. As terrestrial networks weaken, devices tend to reduce bandwidth and adopt more robust modulation schemes, which prolongs connectivity but at the cost of efficiency. Deciding when it is better to abandon a weak terrestrial link in favor of satellite connectivity requires consideration of both energy consumption and data reliability.<h3>Continuous NTN Connectivity</h3>The most demanding application scenario is continuous reliance on satellite networks. Devices that need to maintain an uninterrupted link to an NTN face several engineering constraints. For instance, maintaining a satellite connection over extended periods requires more frequent transmission cycles and longer active times, which can consume more power and quickly deplete batteries in compact devices.Data cost can also become more significant in continuous NTN connectivity. Transmitting large amounts of data can substantially increase operating costs, since bandwidth on satellite networks is limited and expensive relative to terrestrial infrastructure. This usually forces developers to design systems that compress data, prioritize critical information, or otherwise limit the volume of transmitted packets.Timing is also a technical consideration. For example, acquiring a GPS lock from a cold start can take up to 35-45 seconds, which complicates synchronization with satellite constellations. Suppose the device cannot reliably predict when a satellite will be overhead. In that case, this delay can lead to missed transmission opportunities or require additional active time that further drains the battery. Moreover, satellite constellations themselves have finite capacity, and engineers must account for potential congestion when many devices attempt to access the same link simultaneously. These limitations show that careful planning when designing IoT systems that depend exclusively on NTNs for their operation is imperative.<h2>Technical Considerations for NTN Integration</h2>Although hybrid NTN modules simplify some aspects of hardware integration, engineers still need to account for network access, frequency band compatibility, antenna performance, and the balance between data costs and power efficiency. Addressing these considerations early in the design process ensures that devices are reliable and adaptable in diverse deployment environments.<h3>Network Access</h3>Accessing NTN services is not just a matter of hardware capability, but it also depends on the agreements between satellite operators and terrestrial network providers. Most NTN connectivity today is made available through roaming partnerships with mobile network operators (MNOs) or mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This arrangement enables devices to connect to NTNs similarly to how they roam between terrestrial networks, provided the SIM in use is provisioned with the appropriate roaming agreements.This creates an additional planning step for the developers. The choice of MNO or MVNO influences which satellite constellations are accessible, and coverage can vary depending on the region. Therefore, the devices must be designed with roaming-enabled SIMs and flexible network stacks that can accommodate multiple potential providers. Since roaming is not always uniformly supported across markets, engineers may need to consider regional deployment strategies, selecting connectivity partners that align with the expected operating environments of their devices.<h3>Frequency Bands and Antennas</h3>NTNs typically operate in the L-band, around 1.3 GHz, or the S-band, around 2 GHz. These frequencies are chosen because they balance propagation characteristics with manageable antenna dimensions, which makes them suitable for compact IoT devices. As both geostationary and low Earth orbit constellations rely on the same general frequency ranges, this allows designers to use a single antenna configuration to support both modes. This consistency reduces hardware complexity, but does not eliminate the need for careful optimization.Antenna design directly affects link quality and device efficiency. Solutions such as dual-mode antennas can simplify integration by enabling both terrestrial and satellite connectivity within a single package. For example, commercially available dual-mode antennas, including <a href="https://eu.mouser.com/new/te-connectivity/te-connectivity-d2d-antennas/" target="_blank">TE Connectivity’s D2D series</a>, demonstrate how antenna technology can be engineered to handle this dual requirement. However, there are still trade-offs between form factor, efficiency, and reliability.Compact, embedded antennas can be sufficient for devices that only occasionally fall back on NTN links, where satellite communication is used as a backup rather than the primary channel. However, when devices are expected to rely heavily on satellite connectivity, dedicated external antennas generally provide stronger performance. The larger physical size of external antennas improves gain and link robustness, which can be critical when dealing with weaker satellite signals or challenging environmental conditions. Choosing between embedded and dedicated antennas ultimately comes down to expected usage patterns, available device space, and the acceptable balance between size and efficiency.<h3>Power and Data Management</h3>Power consumption and data management are recurring challenges in NTN-enabled designs. Satellite communication involves longer transmission distances and, in some cases, longer connection establishment times than terrestrial networks. These factors increase the energy required to transmit data, which can significantly affect the lifespan of battery-powered devices. For IoT applications intended to operate in the field for years without maintenance, overlooking power optimization strategies can compromise deployment viability.Another factor is the higher cost per kilobyte of data transmitted over NTNs compared to terrestrial networks. Devices should be designed to minimize payload size, prioritize essential transmissions, and schedule communication intervals that balance responsiveness with energy efficiency. For instance, batching non-urgent data into periodic transmissions can reduce the overhead of repeated link establishment, and adaptive reporting intervals allow devices to adjust transmission frequency based on the urgency of the data.<h2>Nordic’s Role: The nRF9151 as a Multi-Protocol Platform</h2>Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module is a practical, integrated solution for hybrid terrestrial and NTN connectivity. It supports multiple protocols, including LTE-M, NB-IoT, and NB-NTN, along with GNSS for positioning, all within a single compact system-in-package (SiP).The nRF9151’s architecture centers around an Arm Cortex-M33 processor with 1 MB of flash and 256 KB of RAM, enabling in-device application processing and flexibility. It supports LTE bands from 700 MHz to 2200 MHz and DECT NR+ bands around 1.9 GHz, covering a broad spectrum suitable for both terrestrial and NTN communications.This multi-mode capability simplifies device design and reduces complexity by providing a unified hardware and firmware platform capable of dynamically switching between terrestrial and satellite connectivity. Its power class options allow balancing transmission power and battery life according to specific deployment environments. Moreover, from a lifecycle perspective, the nRF9151 provides a foundation for devices that are expected to remain operational for many years.Nordic brings an established developer ecosystem to NTN adoption. Nordic’s ecosystem, including their SDKs, developer tools, and support services, further lowers the barriers for engineers to adopt NTN-enabled IoT solutions. The same tools, software development kits, and cloud integration frameworks that engineers already use for cellular IoT projects extend to NTN-capable solutions. This continuity reduces the learning curve and lowers the barriers to implementing hybrid devices.<h2>Conclusion: Designing for Future-Ready IoT Connectivity</h2>Integrating NTN into IoT devices introduces a spectrum of engineering trade-offs involving power consumption, network switching logic, antenna design, and data cost considerations. Hybrid devices that combine terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity extend IoT reach globally, particularly benefiting applications in remote, rural, or critical environments.NTNs are crucial global IoT deployments; however, their success requires carefully designing switching strategies, hardware components, and power management. A multi-protocol module like the Nordic NRF9151 provides a convenient way for engineers to design devices that operate in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.<h2>References</h2><ol><li>Nordic Semiconductor [Online]. Mouser Electronics. Available at: <a href="https://eu.mouser.com/manufacturer/nordic-semiconductor/" target="_blank">https://eu.mouser.com/manufacturer/nordic-semiconductor/</a> (Accessed on September 25, 2025)</li><li>Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151 Low-Power System-in-Package (SiP) [Online]. Mouser Electronics. Available at: <a href="https://eu.mouser.com/new/nordic-semiconductor/nordic-semi-nrf9151-sip/" target="_blank">https://eu.mouser.com/new/nordic-semiconductor/nordic-semi-nrf9151-sip/</a> (Accessed on September 25, 2025)</li><li>TE Connectivity D2D Dual Mode Antennas [Online]. Mouser Electronics. Available at: <a href="https://eu.mouser.com/new/te-connectivity/te-connectivity-d2d-antennas/" target="_blank" id="isPasted">https://eu.mouser.com/new/te-connectivity/te-connectivity-d2d-antennas/</a> (Accessed on September 25, 2025)</li></ol>

Remote Wireless Modern Digital Electricity Consuming Tracker

Learn more about the engineering considerations for integrating NTN capabilities into IoT devices, covering the trade-offs of remote reporting, fallback connectivity, and continuous satellite use.

Engineering Considerations for Integrating NTN into IoT Devices

Precision orientation and stabilization to enable safe and efficient underwater cleaning and inspection.IntroductionUnderwater environments present some of the toughest challenges for robotics:<ul><li>In aquaculture, fouled nets can restrict water flow, increase disease risk, and even cause costly fish escapes.</li><li>In shipping, hull fouling reduces efficiency and raises fuel costs.</li></ul>Thus, reliable cleaning and inspection is fundamental. But operating in dark waters, filled with debris, is certainly no easy task.That’s where <a href="https://meox.no/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meox</a>, a Norwegian robotics company, comes in. With a decade of experience in underwater systems, Meox develops robots that can clean, inspect, and handle mortality events for fish farms and shipping operators.At the core of their innovative products is the <a href="https://www.movella.com/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-3-ahrs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Xsens MTi-3 AHRS</a>, providing the precise orientation and stabilization needed to make underwater work possible.About MeoxFounded in Norway in 2015, Meox began by developing environmental monitoring sensors for fish farms. As demand grew for safer and more efficient ways to maintain underwater infrastructure, the company shifted its focus to robotics.Today, Meox operates with a core team of seven, supported by specialized partners. Their product portfolio includes:<ul><li><a href="https://meox.no/en/net-cleaning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Axuda Ray</a> – high-performance net cleaner with patented cavitation technology. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/784250530126885" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">See here the Axuda Ray in action.</a></li><li><a href="https://meox.no/en/produkt/meox-multiflex-en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Multiflex </a>– a modular, multi-purpose ROV for net cleaning, hull cleaning, and underwater inspections.</li><li><a href="https://meox.no/en/inspection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vision</a> – compact inspection ROV with advanced manoeuvrability.</li><li><a href="https://meox.no/en/dead-fish-handling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scout</a> – mortality-handling robot designed to remove dead fish quickly and hygienically.</li></ul>Despite their compact size (some units measuring only 80 cm wide), these robots deliver powerful cleaning and inspection capabilities, reducing downtime and safeguarding both equipment and livestock.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1758622341166-A%26M+-+Case+Study+Meox+Axuda+Ray.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />The Axuda Ray from Meox cleans nets using cavitation cleaningThe Underwater ChallengesTraditional net maintenance in aquaculture required bringing heavy nets to the surface for cleaning, which is a time-consuming and costly process. Onsite cleaning with high-pressure washers improved efficiency but risked damaging net coatings and accelerating wear.Operating robots underwater also come with additional challenges:<ul><li>Navigation without GPS – underwater, operators have little or no visibility.</li><li>Harsh environments – debris, barnacles, and particles cause wear on motors and thrusters.</li><li>Precise orientation required – cleaning effectiveness depends on stable heading and positioning.</li></ul>For Meox, solving these challenges meant finding a reliable, compact, and cost-effective inertial sensor for orientation and stabilization.The Solution – Xsens MTi-3 AHRSSince 2024, Meox has integrated the Xsens MTi-3 AHRS into its net and hull cleaning robots, as well as new mortality-handling systems.The connection was made possible through <a href="https://linknordic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link Nordic</a>, Xsens’ distribution partner in Scandinavia, who recognized that Meox’s navigation and stability challenges could be addressed with Xsens orientation technology. Working closely with Meox, they facilitated the adoption of the MTi-3, helping Meox kick off integration quickly and effectively.The MTi-3 provides:<ul><li>Stabilization – maintaining heading and orientation during operation.</li><li>Operator guidance – giving reference points in low-visibility conditions.</li><li>Approximate positioning – when combined with depth sensors, helps locate position within circular fish cages.</li><li>Flexible deployment – used in both monitoring (full stabilization) and cleaning (heading-only stabilization).</li></ul><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1758622218588-A%26M+-+Case+Study+Meox+Multiflex.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />The Meox Multiflex used the Xsens MTi-3 for orientation and stabilization.According to Einar Agnalt, Development Manager at Meox, the MTi-3 stood out as the best suited solution during their testing:“We tried several sensors and the MTi-3 was the best fit. It’s small, affordable, and easy to integrate. The quaternion support made orientation reliable, which is critical underwater.”Benefits &amp; Results<ul><li>By equipping its robots with the MTi-3, Meox achieved:</li><li>Improved reliability – stable heading ensures consistent cleaning results.</li><li>Ease of integration – seamless communication protocols and quick adoption.</li><li>Compact size (12 × 12 mm) – fits easily into both small (80 cm) and large (2.4 m) robotic platforms without design compromises.</li><li>Cross-platform use – the same sensor works across net cleaners, hull cleaners, and mortality-handling robots.</li><li>Enhanced operator confidence – orientation data compensates for low or no visibility environments.</li><li>Customer value – reduced operational downtime, extended equipment lifespan, and healthier aquaculture environments.</li></ul>Looking AheadMeox continues to expand its portfolio with innovative robots for aquaculture and shipping. The company is now developing automated mortality-handling solutions and enhancing inspection capabilities, with the MTi-3 serving as a trusted orientation sensor across all platforms.Future plans include refining heading stability and collaborating with Xsens engineers to optimize sensor performance.ConclusionBy combining patented cavitation cleaning technology with Xsens MTi-3 orientation sensing, Meox has set a new standard for underwater robotics in aquaculture and shipping. Their robots help operators maintain cleaner nets and hulls, safeguard fish welfare, and reduce costs, while the MTi-3 proves the reliability of Xsens technology in the harshest conditions.This collaboration was made possible through Link Nordic, Xsens’ trusted partner in the Nordic region, who connected Meox with Xsens technology and continues to support customers across Scandinavia.

With Xsens MTi-3

Keeping Fish Farms Clean: How Meox Uses Xsens MTi-3 for Reliable Underwater Robotics

The field of surveying and mapping faces a complex challenge: achieving precise positioning in environments where traditional GNSS signals are degraded or completely denied. Dense urban canyons, forest canopies, tunnels, and towering construction sites compromise conventional RTK-GNSS systems, which struggle to maintain the centimeter-level accuracy required by modern surveying. These environments aren’t outliers, but represent everyday reality for surveying and mapping professionals.Fixposition’s Vision-RTK Pro is changing reliability and usability in the field. By combining computer vision with traditional GNSS and inertial measurement systems, this solution delivers results through extended availability of RTK accuracy. This technology is a move toward broader use cases, improved operational efficiency, and new opportunities for surveyors and mappers.<h1 id="isPasted">The Problem: Limitations of RTK GNSS in Real-World Conditions</h1>Centimeter-level positioning from RTK GNSS is often a must to have for surveying and mapping tasks. However, in real-world operations, RTK GNSS faces two major challenges that limit its performance and reliability.1) GNSS-Degraded or Denied Environments<ul><li>Urban Canyons: Urban canyons are city environments where streets are flanked by tall buildings. These conditions are problematic for GNSS signals that bounce off glass and metal surfaces, leading to multipath interference that can result in errors of several meters.</li><li>Construction Sites, Underpasses, Bridges, and Dense Forest Environments: In these environments, signal dropouts are routine, positional drift accumulates quickly, and data quality deteriorates significantly. The consequences of signal loss extend to costly rework, project delays, and safety concerns, as measurements degrade.</li></ul>2) Connectivity Issues to RTK Correction Services RTK depends not only on continuous satellite signals but also on a reliable data link to a correction service, either from a local base station or via a network RTK provider. In remote, obstructed, or high-interference environments:<ul><li>Cellular or radio connectivity to correction sources may be intermittent or lost entirely.</li><li>Even if GNSS signals are available, a break in correction data flow causes loss of RTK fix and reduced accuracy to the decimeter or meter level.</li></ul>The Growing Demand As professionals push operations into more complex, remote, and obstructed environments, there is an urgent need for positioning solutions that can maintain accuracy despite both GNSS signal challenges and unreliable correction service connectivity.Current Workarounds for Surveying ProfessionalsWhen RTK GNSS becomes unreliable, professionals often switch to total stations or robotic total stations. While these instruments can achieve high accuracy without relying on GNSS or correction service connectivity, they come with significant drawbacks:<ul><li>Higher equipment cost compared to GNSS rovers.</li><li>Requirement for setting up and maintaining control points.</li><li>More complex workflows and longer setup times.</li><li>Reduced efficiency, especially for larger or more dynamic worksites. These limitations make total stations a less desirable fallback, especially for projects where time and cost efficiency are critical.</li></ul><h1>The Fixposition Solution: Vision-RTK Pro</h1>Fixposition’s VIsion-RTK Pro reimagines how precise positioning can be achieved and maintained in any environment. The system combines all-band GNSS receivers, high-grade IMU sensors, and stereo cameras in a unified platform powered by proprietary xFusion software.The core of this technology lies in the ability of vision-augmented RTK to maintain accuracy during GNSS signal loss. When satellite signals are available, the system operates like a traditional high-performance RTK, delivering centimeter-level precision. When satellite signals are not available, stereo cameras take over, tracking visual features, while algorithms compute precise movement and orientation.Fixposition’s xFusion deep sensor fusion software automatically assesses all sensor data in real time to always use any data increasing accuracy. Unlike traditional systems where IMU drift accumulates over time, Vision-RTK Pro maintains accuracy within 0.5% to 1% of distance traveled without GNSS. The system’s tilt compensation and embedded antenna design also simplify setup while maintaining consistent performance.Plug-and-play capabilities also simplify integration across mobile platforms, including drones, backpack systems, and vehicle-mounted rigs. Using the automated sensor calibration and intuitive interface, field crews can focus on survey tasks rather than system management. Standard connectivity options mean the system is compatible with existing equipment and workflows.<h2 id="isPasted">Key Benefits for Surveying and Mapping</h2><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzU2OTEwMzMyNzQ5LUdNODAwMC1nYWxsZXJ5LTE1MDBweC0wMUAyeC4xNmJkNGMzNC5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />The Vision-RTK 2 integrates with GPR Mapping technology and workflows. | Source: Proceq (A Screening Eagle Company)Fixposition’s Vision-RTK Pro technology benefits surveying and mapping operations in numerous ways.<ul><li>Enhanced Uptime: Uptime is the most significant operational advantage. During field testing in Frankfurt, Germany, the Vision-RTK maintained ±3 cm accuracy between skyscrapers while RTK-only systems drifted by several meters. This level of reliability removes task interruptions and reduces costly delays associated with signal loss.</li><li>Ease of Use: The system addresses persistent complexity challenges in professional surveying. Vision-RTK Pro’s automated sensor fusion requires no manual intervention from operators. Field crews can focus on survey tasks while the system handles positioning automatically. This also reduces training requirements and operational complexity.</li><li>Affordability: Vision-RTK Pro’s integrated design eliminates the need for separate vision systems, specialized IMUs, and redundant GNSS equipment. Importantly, extended operational availability also reduces project delays and costly rework that result from positioning errors in challenging environments.</li></ul>Scalability and Integration: The system enables easy adoption across existing workflows, supports standard data formats, and provides connectivity through UART, CAN, Ethernet, and wireless interfaces. This compatibility enables integration with existing stations, data collectors, and mapping software without complete system overhauls. As a result, adoption is straightforward for organizations with established surveying workflows.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzU2ODg4NjM3MDAzLXVubmFtZWQgKDI5KS5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />Fixposition indoor-outdoor helmet-integrated tracking demonstration. Source: Fixposition on youtube.comTo illustrate the practical impact, consider a hypothetical urban mapping project that requires survey accuracy in areas ranging from open sky conditions to locations under highway overpasses, beside tall buildings and fully indoors. Traditional RTK-only systems would require multiple setups, careful timing to avoid periods of signal loss, and compromise on data quality. Vision-RTK Pro deploying Fixposition’s latest xFusion software enables continuous survey operations across these environments, maintaining accuracy regardless of interruptions in satellite visibility and delivering complete datasets without gaps or degradation. Fixposition’s video demonstrating <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OCodG8Nh_o" id="isPasted" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">real-time outdoor &amp; indoor tracking using a helmet-integrated solution</a> illustrates this concept.<h2 id="isPasted">Fixposition in the Surveying Ecosystem</h2>Fixposition’s participation in the Esri Startup Program and Esri Partner Community demonstrates the company’s growing momentum within the professional GIS ecosystem. As a first-time exhibitor at the 2025 Esri User Conference in San Diego, the world’s largest GIS conference, Fixposition demonstrated how Vision-RTK Pro technology integrates with ArcGIS applications that surveying professionals rely on.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1757486317498-ArcGIS+x+Vision-RTK+Pro.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />Fixposition’s ecosystem participation enhances value for GIS professionals because it ensures interoperability with existing workflows and tools. Instead of requiring users to adopt new software platforms and data formats, Fixposition’s technology integrates with familiar ArcGIS environments that surveying teams already use for data collection, analysis, and visualization. This compatibility means reduced training requirements and accelerated adoption across organizations that have invested in ArcGIS-based workflows. “Fixposition’s initial integration with  ArcGIS provides powerful capabilities for not only field collectors to know their specific location in GNSS degraded environments, but also for others to monitor a fleet of devices streaming positions into a real-time ArcGIS dashboard,” said Jeff Wilson, a senior executive on Esri’s Global Partners &amp; Alliances team. Alignment with ArcGIS tools supports diverse applications across utility mapping, construction surveying, public safety operations, and environmental monitoring. For utility companies, Vision-RTK Pro enables continuous positioning accuracy, even when working beneath overhead obstructions. Construction teams can benefit from data collection that transitions from outdoor boundaries to covered areas without positioning gaps, while public safety applications may gain reliable positioning for emergency response operations in challenging urban environments.<h2>Future Outlook and Use Cases</h2>Vision-RTK Pro’s capabilities are promising for numerous emerging applications.<ul><li>Autonomous Drone Mapping: Equipped with Vision-RTK Pro, drones can navigate complex environments while maintaining precise data collection across mixed satellite visibility.</li><li>Indoor-Outdoor Environments: These mixed environments benefit from positioning that allows for facility mapping transitions without discontinuity.</li><li>Construction Monitoring: Construction applications can leverage consistent accuracy across diverse site conditions to support Building Information Modeling and quality assurance processes.</li><li>Research and Development: Vision-RTK Pro technology opens new possibilities for research and development, particularly in robotics applications that require reliable positioning in difficult environments.</li></ul>Fixposition enables surveying professions to work smarter. Instead of planning complex workflows around GNSS limitations or accepting data gaps in challenging environments, professionals can approach projects with the knowledge that their positioning technology will maintain accuracy regardless of conditions.<h2>Conclusion</h2>Fixposition’s Vision-RTK Pro delivers dependable, affordable, and advanced positioning for surveying and mapping applications, even in the most challenging environments. By integrating computer vision with traditional GNSS and inertial technologies, the system provides consistent centimeter-level accuracy in environments that previously defeated conventional positioning systems. The technology is a fundamental shift toward positioning systems that work reliably in every environment that modern surveying demands.To learn more about Vision-RTK Pro, visit <a href="http://fixposition.com">fixposition.com</a> and check out <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/fixing-positioning-why-gnss-alone-fails-utility-robots-and-how-sensor-fusion-bridges-the-gap">Fixing Positioning: Why GNSS Alone Fails Utility Robots — And How Sensor Fusion Bridges the Gap</a> on Wevolver. About EsriEsri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, helps customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, USA, Esri software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organizations globally, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and universities. Esri has regional offices, international distributors, and partners providing local support in over 100 countries on six continents. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial technology and analytics, Esri engineers the most innovative solutions that leverage a geographic approach to solving some of the world’s most complex problems by placing them in the crucial context of location. Visit us at<a href="https://www.esri.com/en-us/home"> esri.com</a>.<h3>References</h3>1.Travis Turgeon. “Navigating GPS-Denied Environments: Solutions and Challenges”. GNSS Jamming. Accessed from <a href="https://www.gnssjamming.com/post/gps-denied-environments">https://www.gnssjamming.com/post/gps-denied-environments</a> 2. Fixposition “Vision-RTK 2: Precise Positioning Under All Conditions”. Accessed from <a href="https://www.fixposition.com/pages/our-product">https://www.fixposition.com/pages/our-product</a> 3. Tracy Cozzens. “Research Roundup: Navigating urban canyons”. GPS World. Accessed from <a href="https://www.gpsworld.com/research-roundup-navigating-urban-canyons/">https://www.gpsworld.com/research-roundup-navigating-urban-canyons/</a> 4. Miguel González-Calvo, et al. “Improved high-precision RTK positioning through multipath reduction and interference mitigation”. FIG Congress. Accessed from <a href="https://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2022/papers/ts08c/TS08C_gonzalez-calvo_luo_et_al_11557.pdf">https://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2022/papers/ts08c/TS08C_gonzalez-calvo_luo_et_al_11557.pdf</a> 5. Fixposition. “Vision Enhanced RTK-GNSS Positioning System for Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics”. Unmanned Systems Technology. Accessed from <a href="https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/feature/rtk-gnss-positioning-system-for-autonomous-vehicles-robotics/">https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/feature/rtk-gnss-positioning-system-for-autonomous-vehicles-robotics/</a> 6. Caroline Rees. “Frankfurt Performance Test - Fixposition Vision-RTK2 outperforms RTK-GNSS only solution”. Unmanned Systems Technology. Accessed from <a href="https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/video/frankfurt-performance-test-fixposition-vision-rtk2-outperforms-rtk-gnss-only-solution/">https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/video/frankfurt-performance-test-fixposition-vision-rtk2-outperforms-rtk-gnss-only-solution/</a> 7. “Fixposition AG”. Esri. Accessed from <a href="https://www.esri.com/partners/fixposition-ag-a2TUU000000hz3R2AQ">https://www.esri.com/partners/fixposition-ag-a2TUU000000hz3R2AQ</a> 8. Fixposition LinkedIn post. Accessed from <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fixposition_esriuc25-fixposition-geospatial-activity-7351511212314017792-Ur8n/">https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fixposition_esriuc25-fixposition-geospatial-activity-7351511212314017792-Ur8n/</a> 9. Fixposition. “Vision-RTK 2: Precise positioning under all conditions”. Esri. Accessed from <a href="https://www.esri.com/partners/fixposition-ag-a2TUU000000hz3R2AQ/vision-rtk-2-precise-a2dUU000006UcVpYAK">https://www.esri.com/partners/fixposition-ag-a2TUU000000hz3R2AQ/vision-rtk-2-precise-a2dUU000006UcVpYAK</a> 10. Fixposition. “Unleashing Accurate Navigation in Challenging Mixed Indoor/Outdoor Environments”. Accessed from <a href="https://www.fixposition.com/blogs/news/unleashing-accurate-navigation-in-challenging-outdoor-indoor-environments">https://www.fixposition.com/blogs/news/unleashing-accurate-navigation-in-challenging-outdoor-indoor-environments</a> '11. Fixposition. “Position Partners and Fixposition Accelerate Field Robotics in Australia &amp; New Zealand”. Accessed from <a href="https://www.fixposition.com/blogs/news/position-partners-and-fixposition-accelerate-field-robotics-in-australia-new-zealand">https://www.fixposition.com/blogs/news/position-partners-and-fixposition-accelerate-field-robotics-in-australia-new-zealand</a>

Fixpositions' new Vision-RTK Pro combines all-band GNSS receivers, high-grade IMU sensors, and stereo cameras in a unified platform powered by proprietary xFusion software.

Discover how Fixposition's Vision-RTK Pro overcomes GNSS-challenged environments by fusing computer vision, GNSS, and IMU technology to deliver reliable centimeter-level accuracy for surveyors and mapping professionals.

Precision Meets Simplicity: Fixposition's Impact on Modern Surveying and Mapping

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and Matter are two of the most significant recent technologies that have changed how we perceive and interact with the physical world. <a href="https://www.qorvo.com/">Qorvo</a>, a leader in both technologies, has long been developing secure, low-power platforms that enable our smart home, enterprise, and industrial applications.  Recently, Wevolver sat with Shadi, Qorvo’s Director of Ecosystem Development, to learn more about how UWB is evolving, how Matter’s standardization is enabling scalable ecosystems, and why Qorvo’s partnerships and secure SoC platforms make it a leading player in the future of intelligent connectivity. Q: Shadi, how would you describe Qorvo’s vision for UWB and Matter over the next few years?Shadi: We’re moving toward a world where devices both communicate and perceive, and UWB and Matter will both be instrumental to that shift. At Qorvo, we view<a href="https://www.qorvo.com/innovation/ultra-wideband/products/uwb-solutions-compatible-with-apple-u1"> UWB</a> as a fundamental sensing and positioning technology that’s now expanding beyond fine-ranging and precision real-time location services into radar-based presence detection and contextual awareness. Matter, meanwhile, provides the universal language that makes this interoperability cohesive. Our vision is to merge these strengths into scalable, secure solutions for smart homes, enterprise buildings, factories, and really anywhere intelligence meets infrastructure.From an ecosystem development standpoint, it’s about short-circuiting the "chicken-or-egg" problem that stalls new tech adoption. If the infrastructure and the accessories don’t launch in sync, value doesn’t materialize. That’s where I come in—aligning stakeholders, articulating use cases, and getting everyone to market together. Q: What makes this combination so relevant to industrial and enterprise use cases? Shadi: UWB’s roots in industrial real-time location systems (RTLS) gave it an early reputation for precision and security in factory and logistics environments. That industrial DNA remains relevant today and is becoming even more important as UWB is integrated into Wi-Fi 7 Enterprise Access Points. Additionally, UWB’s evolution adding radar-based sensing capabilities is opening up new possibilities. Unlike RTLS, UWB Radar does not require paired devices but can instead passively detect presence and motion using reflected signal energy. UWB, especially in combination with Matter, provides the accuracy and interoperability needed for high-value automation. With Matter, device management becomes unified across ecosystems. And when you layer UWB into that architecture, you introduce contextual intelligence that adapts to who is in a space, what they’re doing, and what systems should respond without compromising privacy or performance.Q: Let’s talk UWB. Qorvo has made significant strides evolving from fine-ranging to full radar. What’s driving that shift? Shadi: Ranging is still foundational, but radar opens up a whole new layer of functionality. Our latest UWB chips, like the QM35825 SoC, allow developers to configure tradeoffs between power consumption, detection range, and accuracy. That unlocks presence detection, gesture recognition, and even vital sign monitoring. What makes this compelling is that the radar functionality essentially comes "for free" when you’re already using UWB. We’re also offloading processing from the cloud to the edge. This lowers power consumption and latency while enhancing privacy. A radar device can monitor breathing or heart rate without capturing video or identity.  <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1753794843640-q1p.png" style="width:813px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />UWB Radar simultaneously transmits and receives multipath signal reflections. (Source: <a href="https://www.qorvo.com/design-hub/blog/ultra-wideband-uwb-radar-beyond-ranging-to-advanced-sensing" id="isPasted">Qorvo</a>)Q: Can you give examples of use cases where UWB radar is starting to shine? Shadi:  One that comes to mind is non-contact vital sign monitoring in healthcare for neonatal and elder care. By detecting micro-movements like chest rise during breathing, UWB radar unlocks continuous monitoring of vital signs without cameras or wearables. We’re already seeing how it can be explored for neonatal care and elder monitoring, and it has the potential to truly save lives. In smart buildings, UWB offers accurate people counting and dynamic HVAC control. And in automotive, child presence detection using UWB is becoming mandatory in Europe.  Q: Matter is growing very quickly. How is Qorvo contributing to its ecosystem? Shadi: We’ve been part of the <a href="https://csa-iot.org/">Connectivity Standards Alliance </a>from the beginning, and a big focus for us has been making sure Matter works not just in theory, but in real-world deployments, especially when it comes to security and scalability. One thing that really sets us apart is our ConcurrentConnect™ technology in the QPG6200 SoC.  A lot of multi-protocol solutions out there rely on software switching between standards like Thread, Zigbee, and BLE. The problem is, that approach can introduce latency, drop packets, or even cause reliability issues in dense environments. With ConcurrentConnect, we take a hardware-based approach. It allows all three protocols to run at the same time, without stepping on each other. That means lower latency, lower power consumption, and a much more reliable user experience. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1753794888545-q2.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />Block diagram of the QPG6200. (Source: <a href="https://www.qorvo.com/resources/d/secure-trust-in-iot-with-qorvos-qpg6200" id="isPasted">Qorvo</a>) Q: What sets Qorvo’s Matter implementation apart, particularly when it comes to security?Shadi: We built QPG6200 with a dedicated secure element that supports PSA Certified Level 2, hardware-accelerated cryptography, and secure provisioning workflows. This lets OEMs bring certified, future-proof Matter devices to market faster. Features like secure boot, encrypted OTA updates, and device attestation are all built in and make sure our system meets standards like NIST IR 8425 and ETSI EN 303 645 Q: One popular example of collaboration is the battery-free Matter light switch with e-peas. Tell us more about that. Shadi: That project really highlights what’s possible when you bring the right partners together. e-peas provides the energy harvesting PMIC, we bring the ultra-low-power QPG6200 SoC, and Matter provides the standard. The result? A light switch powered entirely by ambient indoor light that requires no battery or maintenance for over a decade. That’s the kind of real-world impact this ecosystem can deliver. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1753794926895-q3.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />The battery-free Matter light switch. (Source: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/qorvo_embeddedworld2024-innovation-sustainabletech-activity-7183862608402284546-Itle" id="isPasted">Qorvo</a>) Q: Are there other ecosystem partnerships that stand out? Shadi: Absolutely. In radar, we partner with algorithm developers who help design sensing models for specific environments. That contextual learning, what does a signal mean in this factory vs. that hospital, is needed for performance. RTLS is another big area. We have a vast network of partners delivering full-stack solutions from UWB tags to cloud-based location engines. They help customers turn position data into process intelligence. Q: Let’s pivot to security and regulation. How are you preparing your platforms for global compliance? Shadi: We designed for flexibility. Security is a cat-and-mouse game, since new threats emerge, and standards evolve. Our platforms are built to adapt. We’ve baked in support for standards like NIST IR 8425 and ETSI EN 303 645, but we also go beyond compliance. Our secure provisioning processes guarantee that no sensitive key material is ever exposed. We offer features like debug authentication, secure firmware upgrades, and trusted lifecycle management to help OEMs meet today’s expectations and stay adaptable for whatever tomorrow brings.  Q: Looking to the future—how do UWB and Matter evolve when you bring edge AI into the picture? Shadi: That’s the next evolution. UWB gives you presence and context. Matter gives you interoperability. AI gives you intent. Put them together and systems can personalize and adapt in real-time. Imagine walking into your house: UWB knows it’s you, Matter connects the light and HVAC systems, and AI adjusts them based on your behavior, preferences, and even ambient conditions. This convergence will define the intelligent environments of the future. Q: Final thoughts—what advice would you give to system developers trying to future-proof their IoT strategies? Shadi: Don’t build in isolation. Join standards bodies. Collaborate with partners. And prioritize flexibility by choosing platforms that support multiple protocols and can adapt to evolving standards. At Qorvo, we're investing in silicon, software, and system-level tools to help our partners go from concept to market faster and more securely. <h2>About Shadi Hawawini</h2>Shadi Hawawini is Director of Ecosystem Development for Qorvo’s UWB and Matter solutions. He is responsible for defining and bringing new solutions and use cases to market that reduce friction when interacting with technology. Before Qorvo, he led product and customer experience at Everactive and held product marketing and system architecture roles at Qualcomm, where he pioneered QuickCharge technologies now used worldwide.

Learn more about how UWB is evolving, how Matter's standardization is enabling scalable ecosystems, and why Qorvo's partnerships and secure SoC platforms make it a leading player in the future of intelligent connectivity.

Qorvo's Shadi Hawawini on UWB, Matter, and the Ecosystem That Binds Them

How a continuous lookout system makes sea navigation saferFor ocean-going vessels, maintaining a constant lookout is a fundamental safety requirement. To avoid collisions, a ship’s captain needs to know which objects are in the sea, and where they are in relation to the vessel. This role is often performed in daylight hours by the ship’s officers, but their observations are prone to human error and cannot be maintained at night.Sentry AI: Continuous Vigilance for Safe Marine OperationsThis is why the <a href="https://www.sea.ai/product-sentry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sentry AI lookout system</a> from SEA.AI is so popular among owners of commercial vessels, search and rescue fleets, and private yachts. Providing a 360°, 24/7 view of the surrounding sea through thermal and vision cameras, it uses AI software to automatically recognise objects on the surface. The Sentry cameras accurately identify everything from boats and rafts to buoys, people, and even floating debris.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1744791688011-A%26M+-+Case+Study+Sea.ai+Sentry+Overview-Small.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />The Sentry AI lookout system uses two vision and two infrared cameras to scan the surface of the seaThis system acts as a complementary tool to radar and AIS transponders, providing high-resolution visual and infrared data for enhanced situational awareness. Trained on thousands of hours of infrared footage, the AI continuously learns and improves, sending automatic alerts for potential hazards such as approaching vessels or a person overboard.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1744791775464-A%26M+-+Case+Study+Sea.ai+Marine+Monitoring+System.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />The Sentry AI lookout system can be integrated with popular marine monitoring productsThe Sentry’s four cameras must maintain a stable output for the AI software to work properly: the sea’s swell continuously shifts the camera’s field-of-view. To address this, it uses an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) from Xsens, which enables the Sentry system to cancel out the effect of roll, pitch and yaw on the cameras’ output.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1744791807158-A%26M+-+Case+Study+Sea.ai+Sentry+on+Boat-Small.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" />Sentry AI lookout system deployed on a boatHow an Xsens Sensor Ensures Stable Imaging in Dynamic Motion ConditionsTo ensure precise and stable imaging, the Sentry system integrates <a href="https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-2-vru" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Xsens MTi-2 motion sensor, </a>a small form factor and high-performance Vertical Reference Unit (VRU). The open ocean’s continuous motion, caused by rolling waves, can disrupt the camera’s field of view, affecting the AI’s ability to track objects reliably.By using real-time roll, pitch, and yaw measurements from the Xsens MTi-2, the Sentry system applies motion compensation, stabilizing images and preventing misclassification of objects. This is crucial for detecting patterns such as a distressed mariner waving for help, ensuring the AI correctly tracks and identifies objects over multiple frames.Philipp Stampfl, Product Manager at SEA.AI, chose the Xsens module because of its performance and reliability. ‘The first requirement is for accurate measurements at a high data rate to support compensation for the Sentry’s output, which operates at a rate of 8 frames/s output. Our rigorous evaluation showed that the Xsens module’s measurements are sufficiently accurate to produce excellent stabilisation and to enable tracking of objects, maintaining the object in the exact centre of the field of view.’Designing for compact embedded systems requires motion sensors that are accurate, lightweight, and easy to integrate. According to Philipp Stampfl, ‘the compact design of the Sentry system called for a sensor that could be embedded directly into our hardware with minimal space and power requirements. The Xsens MTi-2 offered the ideal balance, by delivering reliable real-time roll, pitch, and yaw data in a small form factor. Its flexible integration, combined with consistent performance in dynamic motion conditions, made it a perfect fit for our application.’The Sentry system with the Xsens MTi-2 on board is now deployed in hundreds of vessels worldwide, helping ship’s officers avoid collisions and contributing to the life-saving efforts of marine search and rescue vessels.

positioning

ORGANIZATIONS.

SHAPING THE INDUSTRY.

Fixposition

Latest Posts

Robust Global Connectivity through the Integration of NTN and Cellular Technologies

Engineering Considerations for Integrating NTN into IoT Devices

Keeping Fish Farms Clean: How Meox Uses Xsens MTi-3 for Reliable Underwater Robotics

Precision Meets Simplicity: Fixposition's Impact on Modern Surveying and Mapping

Qorvo's Shadi Hawawini on UWB, Matter, and the Ecosystem That Binds Them

Improving Vessel Safety with Motion Sensing and AI Object Detection