Near-real-time NB-IoT platform powers smart mobility e-bike fleets

About the client

Founded in 2018, the company builds hardware, firmware, and analytics that convert high-value moving assets, e-bikes, scooters, and pet trackers, into data-rich IoT nodes. By 2023, it had launched a flagship NB-IoT tracker and signed enterprise deals with insurers and cargo carriers. Ongoing demand for new features, plus a global chip shortage, stretched the in-house team. They needed seasoned firmware talent able to slash power budgets, add edge intelligence, and release secure OTA updates without disrupting thousands of devices already in the field.

Problem statement

The client’s growth hinged on extending embedded functionality while keeping devices inexpensive, battery-friendly, and secure. Local hiring stalled; roadmap milestones slipped.

• Faster delivery. Accelerate feature rollout by onboarding senior C/C++ engineers within two weeks.
• Extended runtime. Cut firmware power draw to push battery life past three years.
• Edge intelligence. Add crash detection, theft alarms, and self-diagnostics without cloud latency.

Challenge

Firmware had to combine GNSS, accelerometer, and LTE-grade security in a <128-kB footprint, survive rugged outdoor conditions, and update over-the-air through spotty NB-IoT coverage. Meanwhile, edge AI models require cycle-accurate optimisation to avoid draining batteries. HW.Tech also had to retrofit new code onto units already shipped across Europe—all under GDPR and ISO 26262 safety constraints.

• Chip-shortage agility. Firmware must adapt to alternative components instantly.
• Millisecond latency. Alarms trigger locally, not after cloud round-trips.
• Encrypted OTA. Patch devices in the field without service visits.
• GDPR compliance. Anonymise telemetry and protect rider-location data.

Solution

HW.Tech executed a team-extension ramp-up: first CVs in five days, two senior firmware engineers onsite (virtually) by day ten, all through a 14-day discounted trial. Together with the client’s architects, we delivered a staged roll-out that added edge AI, OTA security, and power optimisation in under six months.

• Rapid onboarding. Hiring gap closed; roadmap pace restored.
• 60% cost savings. Nearshore rates beat local recruitment budgets.
• Crash-detection ML. Achieved 95% accuracy in real-world tests.
• OTA + SIM auth. Zero-touch updates with LTE-grade encryption.
• 30% power cut. Sleep current reduced to 1.9 µA.

Result

The nearshore squad keeps a large fleet of e-bikes connected and secure while fuelling fresh revenue streams for the client. Battery life improved significantly, feature releases accelerated markedly, and insurers now price risk using real-time ride data. The client reuses the architecture for smart containers and logistics sensors, demonstrating the solution’s scalability across multiple verticals.

• Faster release cadence. Achieved 40% acceleration in feature rollouts following HW.Tech engagement.
• Extended battery lifespan. Power-optimization techniques delivered a 30% uplift in ride time per charge.
• Lean talent acquisition. Nearshore team extension cut hiring expenses by 60%.
• Seamless over-the-air updates. Encrypted firmware delivery now reaches 10,000+ trackers, eliminating onsite service visits.
• ReScalable IoT blueprint. Core architecture has been repurposed for two additional product lines, accelerating time-to-market.