Clairvoyant - IoT Asset Tracking

Clairvoyant - IoT Asset Tracking


IoT Embedded Systems Software Development Asset Tracking Shipping Logistics Monitoring

Overview

Clairvoyant is an advanced IoT solution specifically designed for tracking shipping containers, providing accurate and real-time localization data throughout the containers’ journeys. Developed in response to the complex tracking requirements of a global shipping firm, Clairvoyant seamlessly integrates dynamic sensing, robust wireless communication, and satellite-based localization to ensure container integrity and location visibility.

Motivation

Nearly 90% of global trade relies on shipping containers. However, tracking containers accurately and reliably throughout complex logistics chains remains challenging, especially when containers are tightly packed or located in harsh conditions. Clairvoyant addresses these limitations by ensuring precise localization, dynamic sensor adaptability, and reliable alerts for container status throughout their global journeys.

Key Requirements & Features

  • Real-time Container Tracking
    Utilizes satellite and proximity-based positioning technologies to provide accurate global and local container locations.

  • Customizable Sensor Modules
    Supports quick sensor module replacement (less than five minutes), enabling flexible adaptation to cargo types (from toys to hazardous materials).

  • Satellite Compatibility
    Compatible with satellite communication to ensure uninterrupted tracking, even during maritime transit.

  • Robust & Removable Modules Modules withstand extreme environmental conditions and can be quickly installed/uninstalled (less than one minute) without specialized training.

  • Alert & Tamper Detection
    Automatically alerts key personnel upon unauthorized container access or tampering.

  • Extended Battery Life
    Over four months of continuous battery operation with easy battery replacements.

Technology and Architecture

Clairvoyant employs an advanced multi-layer architecture:

Hardware Layer

  • S3 Router (S3R): Specialized routers (dock, ship, truck) for reliable global connectivity using Ethernet, WiFi, LTE, and Satellite communications.
  • S3 Nodes (S3N): Primary IoT nodes installed on container doors, relaying data from sensor nodes via ZigBee and LoRa.
  • Peripheral Modules: Sensing, tamper detection, GPS, satellite communication, NFC, and security logging modules.

Network Layer

  • Combines satellite positioning with proximity sensing, zoning mechanisms, and electromagnetic curtain technology for precise localization even in densely packed environments.

Software Layer

  • Centralized backend (S3.IO Cloud) for data collection, analytics, real-time dashboarding, and alerts.
  • Custom LoRa MAC Protocol (MoT) ensures deterministic latency and reliable network communication.

Performance and Deployment

Clairvoyant has successfully met stringent industry requirements, including:

  • Real-time data reporting with latency as low as one second for critical alerts.
  • Proximity and global tracking precision under harsh maritime and dockyard conditions.
  • Seamless interoperability across various global logistics providers.

Applications & Use Cases

Ideal for various industries including:

  • Maritime Shipping & Container Logistics
  • Asset Management and Monitoring
  • Secure & Sensitive Cargo Transportation
  • Supply Chain Visibility and Risk Mitigation

Early Research & Foundational Work

Clairvoyant was developed leveraging research from the PILoT framework, demonstrating effective cross-continent collaboration and streamlined IoT development.

  • “Democratizing the Internet of Things Through Platform Virtualization” (PhD Thesis, Queen’s University, 2022)
    Read Thesis

Get Involved

Interested in deploying Clairvoyant for your logistics tracking needs, or exploring further development opportunities?

Contact Me →