Connected padlock protects and tracks goods in transit

U-blox is collaborating with India-based Play Inc. on a connected GPS padlock for industrial applications. The lock, which also includes a location tracker, features the company's M8 GNSS receiver, MAX-M8Q, and uses their CellLocate service to extend positioning to indoor locations. The company's Bluetooth low energy with NINA-B112, and 2G, 3G and 4G cellular communication modules, including some that are ATEX certified, allow communication between users and the lock. As well as securing mobile and stationary goods, the lock’s GNSS receiver allows users to track goods in transit. The device supports a mixture of tracking modes to optimise power consumption for improved autonomy. Location-awareness further allows geofence restricted applications, in which the device can only be opened if it is within predefined geographical bounds, for example, a petroleum filling station. This robust security lock was developed to handle both physical attempts of tampering and cyberattacks. Its fibreglass-reinforced enclosure endures temperatures from -20C to +80C. The lock features Super Admin, Admin, and User access levels, 128 bit AES encryption, user-configurable passwords, and a secure protocol to ensure data-transmission accuracy.