An In-Depth Analysis of Highly Accurate Indoor Localization Technologies from 33 Companies
The indoor localization market is maturing, and as it does, the companies in the area are specializing based on markets and technology benefits. The 33 companies analyzed in this report deliver highly accurate sub-meter accuracy in indoor localization, some for smartphones and other mobile devices, and some for dedicated devices. These technologies are particularly suited to those areas where sub-meter accuracy is important, such as industrial use, embedded electronics, sports use, and more.
The technologies profiled in this report achieve sub-meter accuracy localization in a variety of ways. A small number use standard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth radio, but most use much more complex methods, such as angle measurement or ultra-wideband (UWB). Others use visual approaches, using images from smartphone cameras to determine location or measure movement, often with self-learning SLAM algorithms. Others use dedicated LED lights that transmit location fingerprints using visible light communication (VLC). Others use ultrasonic sound, either based on dedicated hardware or smartphone microphones and speakers. Finally, many use dedicated hardware with a variety of innovative radio methods.
In some of these areas there are market leaders emerging, but even in these areas other companies are succeeding well. Decawave has succeeded in opening up the market of UWB chips for localization, and Quuppa is building markets for angle-of-arrival based sub-meter accuracy on both smartphone and hardware localization, but both are facing strong competition. Several major companies are bringing LED-based VLC to market, with none yet cornering their market. We expect to see mergers and consolidation, as well as (unfortunately) shutdowns, over the upcoming few years.
For those who want highly accurate localization of smartphones or tags, the technologies and solutions in this report are how to achieve it.
The report also profiles several companies delivering near-submeter accuracy, using smartphone-based technologies.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Summary Tables of Companies and Technologies
Indoor Location Positioning: Current State and Trends
Sub-Meter Localization of Smartphones Using Radio (3 companies)
Sub-meter localization using visual techniques (5 companies)
Sub-Meter Localization of Smartphones Using Dedicated Lighting (3 companies)
Sub-meter localization using ultrasonic sound (2 companies)
Chip-Based Sub-Meter Localization (5 companies)
Sub-Meter Localization of Dedicated Hardware (7 companies)
Sub-Meter Localization Solutions Based on Other Company's Tech (6 companies)
Virtually Sub-Meter Localization of Smartphones - A Brief Look (4 companies)
Closed-Down Companies with Sub-Meter Localization Technology (2 companies)
Sample Academic Research in Sub-Meter Location Positioning
