Gateworks and u-blox: enabling high-precision GNSS for smart transportation and industrial systems.​

The Customer

Gateworks Corporation, based in California, USA, specializes in industrial-grade single board computers (SBCs) and wireless communication solutions for embedded systems. Serving sectors such as smart transportation, smart factories, and railway systems, Gateworks has established a strong reputation for quality, flexibility, and US-based manufacturing.

The Challenge

Application developers in smart transportation and industrial automation require:
High-precision GNSS positioning in variable outdoor environments

• Secure, low-latency wireless connectivity
• Hardware that is rugged, reliable, and compatible with diverse wireless standards
• Support for Bill of Materials (BOM) longevity, traceability, and regulatory compliance

Traditionally, achieving centimeter-level positioning required complex infrastructure such as base stations, leading to higher costs and limited scalability. Developers also faced challenges with integrating wireless modules and GNSS chips into robust platforms suitable for edge computing applications in rail, fleet, and logistics - resulting in prolonged time-to-market.

Solution

Gateworks developed a modular, all-in-one evaluation platform and high-performance SBC development kit using u-blox ZED-F9P, NINA-B301 modules, and PointPerfect Flex GNSS correction services.
Key Products Used:
GW16143: A Mini PCIe card integrating u-blox ZED-F9P for <2 cm GNSS accuracy

GW7200 Development Kit: Combines Venice SBC, GW16143, GW16132, and a 1-month trial of PointPerfect Flex, and all of the accessories needed for out-of-the-box evaluation.
The solution allows application developers to easily evaluate and deploy precise, real-time positioning and connectivity for smart transportation use cases.

Outcomes

Precision GNSS Without Complexity

By using PointPerfect Flex over IP, developers eliminate the need for base stations while achieving centimeter-level accuracy, ideal for fleet tracking, rail monitoring (including health and safety), and autonomous systems.
US-Made, Standards-Compliant Hardware
Gateworks boards meet FCC Class B emissions standards, are ITAR, ISO 9001/AS9100D and RoHS compliant and offer wide voltage ranges and temperature tolerances (-40°C to +85°C). This wide temperature and environmental tolerance enables reliable deployment in extreme conditions, where equipment is exposed to harsh weather and system uptime is critical. Built in California, Gateworks provides full transparency and component traceability.

Seamless Integration

Gateworks and u-blox components are tightly integrated and supported by a comprehensive software stack. Gateworks open-source wiki, Ubuntu-based OS, and rapid-response tech support reduce development cycles and increase reliability. The GW7200 SBC supports a wide range of industrial interfaces, including RS-232/485, MIPI DSI, CSI, I²S audio, digital I/O, and USB, making it well-suited for connecting vehicle sensors, industrial controllers and legacy equipment

Flexibility and Customization

With low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) (100 units) for customization and full custom designs at 1000 units, developers can optimize for cost or feature sets with ease.
Scalable Infrastructure
The GW7200 development kit serves as both a test platform and scalable deployment tool for smart rail, fleet, and V2X systems. Whether for proof-of-concept or commercial rollout, developers benefit from a robust, flexible, and scalable platform.

 

These applications demand not just accuracy, but rugged reliability and long-term availability, all enabled through Gateworks’ partnership with u-blox. “u-blox gives our customers a high-quality foundation for precision GNSS and connectivity. With PointPerfect Flex, they can scale deployments without relying on base stations. It’s plug-and-play precision developers can rely on” Kelly Peralta, VP of Sales and Business Development, Gateworks Corporation

 

Conclusion

Gateworks’ solution is now used in:

1. Fleet Safety Systems with Edge AI and Real-Time Alerts

Gateworks SBCs are integral to modern fleet safety solutions, enabling:

• Edge AI Processing: Real-time analysis of driver behavior and road conditions directly on the device, reducing latency and reliance on cloud computing.
• Immediate Alerts: Instant feedback mechanisms for drivers and fleet managers to address unsafe driving practices promptly.

Benefits:

• Enhanced driver safety through proactive monitoring.
• Reduced accident rates and associated costs.
• Improved compliance with transportation regulations.

2. Rail Infrastructure Monitoring and Personnel Tracking

In the rail industry, Gateworks SBCs facilitate:

• Infrastructure Health Monitoring: Continuous assessment of track conditions, vibrations, and environmental factors using connected sensors.
• Maintenance of Way and Personnel Tracking: Real-time location tracking of maintenance-of-way crews to ensure safety and efficient deployment.
• Predictive Maintenance: Early detection of potential issues to schedule maintenance before failures occur.

Benefits:

• Increased operational safety and reduced downtime.
• Optimized maintenance schedules leading to cost savings.
• Enhanced coordination and safety for on-site personnel.

3. Autonomous Vehicles and Mobile Robotics (AMRs)

For autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics, Gateworks SBCs integrated with u-blox precision GNSS are employed to:

• Edge Intelligence: Enable split-second decision-making without relying on the cloud for obstacle avoidance, path planning and coordinated movement.
• Precise Navigation: Real-time correction and low-latency wireless connectivity to support safe and efficient autonomous navigation.
• Remote Diagnostics: Facilitate off-site monitoring and predictive maintenance to maximize uptime and system performance across large deployments.

Benefits:

• Improved safety and efficiency through accurate localization and edge control
• Scalable deployment of autonomous platforms in outdoor industrial environments
• Lower maintenance costs and faster issue resolution through remote diagnostics

Learn More

Gateworks Dev Kit with ZED-F9P and PointPerfect 
Gateworks Smart Transportation Solutions
GW16143 GNSS Card

Gateworks Wiki Documentation for GW16143/Getting Started with the Dev Kit etc.