Platform for driver monitoring and fleet management applications

SmartDrive faced a significant business challenge in reducing the time-to-market of a production-ready next-generation telematics device that could be easily installed using a car’s built-in 12-volt power outlet and the company’s own embedded cloud-based software built on Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) cloud services platform.

The new device, which required relatively little development overhead, replaces SmartDrive’s existing OBD II dongle. SmartDrive recognised the value of Digi’s complete out-of-the-box software support in the Digi ConnectCore 6UL product development platform, which does not require porting of the OS, the development of wireless drives, or obtaining certifications as part of the development process.

These capabilities allowed SmartDrive to spend more time on application development and dramatically less time on hardware development, shortening the process to three months.

The compact 29 mm x 29 mm x 3.5 mm form factor of the Digi ConnectCore 6UL assisted in achieving the target product size, including sensors, GPS, and LTE modem, for a standard 12-volt vehicle power outlet device enclosure. SmartDrive users can reduce accidents as well as the cost of fuel and insurance by optimising their driving behavior.

“The configuration flexibility of the Digi ConnectCore 6UL SOM is essential to our new hardware platform, allowing us to focus our development resources. The Wi-Fi option allows us to expand our capabilities with new sensors or other hardware such as cameras. The Digi roadmap with cellular connectivity integration is also helpful for future developments.” said Retsu Kitagawa, CEO, SmartDrive.