Since its inception in 1957 with the “Lock Antenna®,” HARADA has been at the forefront of automotive antenna technology. Over the decades, the company has evolved from a pioneer in radio-receiving automotive antennas to a major Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) supplier for global automakers. With offices strategically located in China, Germany, the United States, and other key markets, HARADA has cemented its reputation as a leader in the automotive industry.

In an exciting development, HARADA has partnered with UnaBiz, a prominent player in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, to develop a groundbreaking “Film-type Vehicle Smart Tracker.”

This innovative tracker leverages Sigfox 0G technology and promises to revolutionize the automotive sector by offering enhanced tracking and telemetry capabilities.

This article delves into the details of this collaboration, exploring the technology, the companies involved, and the potential impact on the automotive industry.

HARADA’s Legacy in Automotive Antennas

HARADA’s journey began with the introduction of the “Lock Antenna®” in 1957. This radio-receiving automotive antenna set the stage for the company’s future endeavors. Over the years, HARADA expanded its product portfolio to include a wide range of automotive antennas, catering to the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

Today, HARADA is recognized as a leading supplier of advanced antenna solutions, supporting a diverse range of applications including AM/FM radio, satellite radio, GPS navigation, and telematics.

The company’s success can be attributed to its relentless focus on innovation and quality. HARADA’s R&D teams are constantly exploring new technologies and materials to enhance the performance and reliability of their antennas. This commitment to excellence has enabled HARADA to build long-standing relationships with major automakers around the world.

UnaBiz and Sigfox 0G Technology

UnaBiz is a key player in the IoT ecosystem, specializing in Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies. The company’s flagship technology, Sigfox 0G, is designed to provide long-range, low-power connectivity for IoT devices. Sigfox 0G is known for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and global reach, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of IoT applications.

Sigfox 0G technology operates on a global network of base stations, providing seamless connectivity for IoT devices across 70+ countries. The technology is particularly well-suited for applications that require low data throughput and long battery life, such as asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and smart metering.

The Film-type Vehicle Smart Tracker

The collaboration between HARADA and UnaBiz centers around the development of a “Film-type Vehicle Smart Tracker.” This innovative tracker is designed to be attached to the windshield of automobiles, offering a seamless and unobtrusive solution for vehicle tracking and telemetry. The transparent film tracker is placed at the top of the windshield, ensuring that it does not obstruct the driver’s view while improving the radio wave environment for enhanced Sigfox 0G network reception.

The smart tracker is the result of joint efforts from the R&D teams at HARADA and UnaBiz. The device leverages HARADA’s expertise in antenna technology and UnaBiz’s proficiency in Sigfox 0G connectivity to deliver a powerful and reliable tracking solution. The tracker is designed to be retrofitted to existing vehicles, providing an easy upgrade path for automakers and fleet operators.

Integrated Sigfox-based Solutions

In addition to the retrofit tracker, HARADA and UnaBiz are working on fully integrated Sigfox-based solutions that can be embedded directly into vehicles during assembly. These integrated solutions will combine HARADA’s advanced antennas with Sigfox 0G connectivity, offering a comprehensive package for automakers. The integrated approach will enable a wide range of use cases, from asset tracking and stolen vehicle recovery to advanced telematics and predictive maintenance.

By embedding Sigfox 0G technology into the vehicle’s architecture, automakers can offer enhanced connectivity and data services to their customers. The integrated solutions will also facilitate the digital transformation of the automotive industry, enabling new business models and revenue streams.

Micware’s Contribution to the Collaboration

Micware, a tier 1 in-vehicle platform software provider, is also playing a crucial role in the HARADA and UnaBiz collaboration. Micware specializes in automotive control and car navigation systems, and its expertise in software development is instrumental in creating the tracking and telemetry platform for the smart tracker.

Micware’s involvement ensures that the software platform is robust, user-friendly, and capable of handling the diverse requirements of modern automotive applications. The company’s deep knowledge of in-vehicle systems and digital tools will contribute to the development of industry-leading solutions that provide a seamless and inspiring experience for end-users.

Commercial Strategies and Market Introduction

HARADA and UnaBiz are exploring various commercial strategies to bring their innovative automotive products to market. The companies plan to introduce the film-type vehicle smart tracker and integrated Sigfox-based solutions by the second half of 2024. The introduction of these products will mark a significant milestone in the collaboration, offering advanced tracking and telemetry capabilities to the automotive industry.

Keigo Harada, Executive Officer of HARADA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “It is a pleasure working with the UnaBiz team to combine our expertise in radio communication technologies to advance the automotive sector. Sigfox 0G and its global footprint are powerful, yet simple and elegant LPWAN technology that are straightforward to integrate into our portfolio of vehicle products and antennas. We are committed to leading the way, driving technological innovations that provide the best products and services for our customers.”

Global Reach and Market Presence

HARADA’s global presence, with offices in 13 cities across 9 countries, positions the company to support markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Central America. This extensive network enables HARADA to cater to the diverse needs of its customers and provide localized support and services.

UnaBiz, with networks deployed in over 70 countries through its global 0G operators, brings a wealth of experience and connectivity to the collaboration. The company’s global reach ensures that the Sigfox 0G technology can be seamlessly integrated into automotive applications, providing reliable and consistent connectivity for vehicle tracking and telemetry.

Alexis Susset, CTO of UnaBiz, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to work with HARADA, a world-class supplier for global automakers as we see more and more Sigfox 0G technology engagements and applications in the automotive sector. Our automobile OEM customers in Europe and Japan are leveraging Sigfox for asset tracking, stolen vehicle recovery, and telematics. HARADA’s antenna knowledge is unique and a key enabler for us to expand globally and deploy solutions tailored to the automotive sector. We couldn’t be more excited to launch such a key collaboration in an industry we look forward to supporting in its digital transformation.”

Impact on the Automotive Industry

The collaboration between HARADA, UnaBiz, and Micware is poised to have a significant impact on the automotive industry. The development of advanced tracking and telemetry solutions will enable automakers to offer enhanced services to their customers, improving vehicle security, efficiency, and user experience.

The film-type vehicle smart tracker and integrated Sigfox-based solutions will open up a broad range of use cases, including:

Asset Tracking: Real-time tracking of vehicles, enabling fleet operators to monitor their assets and optimize operations.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Improved vehicle recovery rates through reliable tracking and timely alerts.

Telematics: Enhanced data collection and analysis for vehicle performance, maintenance, and driver behavior.

Predictive Maintenance: Proactive identification of potential issues, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Insurance Telematics: Usage-based insurance models, offering personalized premiums based on driving behavior.

The collaboration between HARADA and UnaBiz marks a significant step forward in the evolution of automotive tracking and telemetry solutions. By leveraging Sigfox 0G technology and HARADA’s advanced antennas, the companies are poised to deliver innovative products that will transform the automotive industry.

With the support of Micware’s software expertise, the collaboration is set to create a comprehensive and user-friendly tracking platform that caters to the diverse needs of automakers and fleet operators. The introduction of the film-type vehicle smart tracker and integrated Sigfox-based solutions in 2024 will mark a new era of connectivity and data services in the automotive sector.

As HARADA and UnaBiz continue to explore new commercial strategies and market opportunities, their combined expertise and global reach will drive the digital transformation of the automotive industry, offering enhanced products and services that meet the evolving demands of modern consumers.

 

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