Ubisense’s New RTK-GPS Technology Supercharges Transit Depot Management

Ubisense has introduced an advanced RTK-GPS technology integrated with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) capabilities, promising significant improvements in transit depot management and mixed fleet operations. This cutting-edge technology, known as the Dimension4™ RTK-Tag, combines UWB and signal-corrected RTK-GPS to deliver precision tracking with up to 5cm accuracy, both indoors and outdoors. Here’s how this innovation can streamline operations, particularly in the context of mixed fleet transitions and the management of electric bus charging schedules.

Introduction to Ubisense and SmartSpace

Ubisense is a leader in spatial awareness and precision real-time location systems (RTLS). Their SmartSpace platform transforms physical spaces by providing real-time visibility of asset locations, thereby enhancing planning, monitoring, and controlling process flows. SmartSpace is a flexible and scalable solution that integrates with various industry applications, making it a critical tool for efficient operations in complex environments such as transit depots.

Benefits of Dimension4™ RTK-GPS Technology

  1. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The Dimension4™ RTK-Tag facilitates real-time tracking of vehicles across vast transit depots, addressing space constraints and optimizing parking strategies. This precision tracking is crucial for maintaining on-time dispatch schedules and managing the complexities of fleet maintenance and charging, especially as fleets transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
  2. Reduced Hardware Requirements: Traditional outdoor transit and rail yard tracking systems require numerous devices, cables, and sensors. Ubisense’s RTK-GPS technology minimizes these requirements, using significantly fewer sensors that can be mounted on existing infrastructure. This reduction not only simplifies installation and maintenance but also provides a compelling return on investment.
  3. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems: The RTK-GPS tags support both Ubisense and third-party Transit Yard Management solutions, offering flexibility and compatibility with existing depot management systems. This integration ensures that transit operators can leverage advanced tracking without overhauling their current setups.

Addressing Electric Bus Charging Challenges

Charging electric buses is a time-consuming process that can take several hours, creating potential bottlenecks in transit operations. Ubisense’s RTK-GPS technology helps mitigate these challenges by providing precise real-time data on vehicle locations and movements. This data allows for:

  • Optimized Charging Schedules: By knowing the exact location and status of each bus, depot managers can better plan and prioritize charging schedules, ensuring that buses are charged efficiently and ready for dispatch when needed.
  • Enhanced Maintenance Coordination: The system enables precise tracking of buses requiring maintenance, ensuring they are promptly attended to and minimizing downtime.
  • Improved Space Utilization: Accurate vehicle tracking helps in better space management within depots, preventing congestion and ensuring smooth operations even during peak times.

Real-World Applications and Deployments

The Dimension4™ RTK-Tag is now being deployed at several sites in the US and UK, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. These deployments will show significant improvements in operational performance and efficiency, particularly in transit depots managing large and diverse fleets. You can see our TPF case study here.

Enhancing Tracking for Mixed Fleet Operations

As transit agencies increasingly incorporate electric vehicles (EVs) into their fleets, managing these mixed fleets becomes more complex. The Ubisense Dimension4™ RTK-Tag provides a robust solution to this challenge by offering precise location tracking, which is essential for effective fleet management.

  1. Real-Time Visibility: The ability to track both traditional and electric buses in real-time ensures that transit operators have comprehensive visibility over their entire fleet. This visibility is crucial for coordinating movements within the depot, managing space more efficiently, and ensuring that both types of vehicles are utilized optimally.
  2. Fleet Electrification Support: Transitioning to an electric fleet requires meticulous planning and management. The RTK-GPS technology supports this transition by enabling better scheduling and planning of charging sessions, ensuring that EVs are charged during off-peak times or as needed without disrupting overall fleet operations. This capability helps transit agencies avoid delays and ensures that buses are always ready for their routes.
  3. Maintenance and Upkeep: Maintenance needs differ between traditional and electric buses, with EVs requiring specific checks and servicing. The Ubisense RTK-GPS tags allow for precise tracking of maintenance schedules and locations, ensuring that each vehicle receives timely and appropriate maintenance. This feature helps in reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of both traditional and electric buses.

Outdoor Tracking Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Ubisense Dimension4™ RTK-Tag is its ability to provide accurate tracking both indoors and outdoors. This dual capability is particularly beneficial for transit depots that span large areas and require precise location data across different environments.

  1. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition: The RTK-GPS tags ensure seamless tracking as vehicles move from indoor facilities to outdoor areas. This continuous tracking is vital for operations that involve frequent transitions between different environments, such as maintenance checks and parking management.
  2. High Accuracy in Challenging Environments: The technology maintains high accuracy even in cluttered and multipath-rich environments, common in busy transit depots. This accuracy ensures that vehicles can be precisely located, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall operational efficiency.
  3. Reduced Infrastructure Requirements: Unlike traditional tracking systems that require extensive infrastructure, the Ubisense RTK-GPS system uses fewer sensors and leverages existing structures for installation. This reduction in infrastructure not only lowers installation and maintenance costs but also simplifies the deployment process.

Key Advantages for Transit Depot Management

  1. Improved Efficiency: By providing real-time data on vehicle locations and movements, the RTK-GPS system enables transit operators to make informed decisions that improve efficiency. This capability is especially beneficial during peak hours when quick decisions can prevent bottlenecks and delays.
  2. Cost Savings: The reduced need for extensive infrastructure and the ability to integrate with existing systems translate into significant cost savings. Additionally, the precise tracking capabilities help in optimizing resource utilization, further reducing operational costs.
  3. Enhanced Safety and Security: Knowing the exact location of each vehicle at all times enhances safety and security within the depot. It helps in preventing unauthorized movements and ensures that vehicles are parked and maintained in designated areas, reducing the risk of accidents and damage.

Conclusion

Ubisense’s Dimension4™ RTK-GPS technology offers a transformative solution for transit depot management, especially in the context of mixed fleet operations and the integration of electric vehicles. Its precise tracking capabilities, combined with reduced infrastructure requirements and seamless indoor-outdoor transition, make it an invaluable tool for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall fleet management.

As the transportation industry evolves, embracing advanced technologies will be crucial for transit agencies aiming to maintain high standards of service and operational excellence. For more detailed information on how Ubisense’s innovative technology can benefit your operations, visit the Ubisense homepage.