VroX22: Universal IoT Platform for Managing Automated Vending Device Networks

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Opis klienta:
Client Description:
Opis klienta:
The client of the project was a company from the automated sales industry, specializing in the construction and management of vending machines. The primary challenge that prompted the client to collaborate with exa22 was the need to improve the reliability and control of a network of vending machines deployed in various locations. The client sought an innovative solution that would enable remote monitoring and management of technical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and power supply, as well as integration with cashless payment systems.
Cel projektu:
Project Objective:
The goal of the project was to develop a universal IoT platform capable of remotely managing a distributed network of vending machines. The project aimed to improve communication reliability in industrial environments and enable integration with cashless payment systems, while ensuring high GSM connection continuity and resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Wyzwanie:

The Challenge:

Vending machines often operate in harsh industrial environments, where interference can impact system reliability. The need to design a system resistant to such interference was one of the key challenges, as well as ensuring continuous connection in an environment with poor GSM signal quality.
Zakres prac:
Scope of work:

1. Preliminary analysis of the technology and establishment of assumptions for the target VroX22 system.

2. Development of the electronic system using BCM2711 and STM32F466 processors, considering high resistance to electromagnetic interference.

3. Design of PCB tracks for high-speed signals sensitive to interference, and building redundancy in the GSM module to ensure continuous connection in challenging conditions.

4. Construction of a scalable cloud system on IaaS servers, ensuring data security and performance.

5. Design of the user interface in compliance with WCAG 2.1 standards, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

6. Implementation of algorithms for monitoring temperature, humidity, and other device parameters, as well as automatic alarm triggering and sales blocking in case of alarm conditions.

7. Testing the system's resistance to electromagnetic interference and compliance with CE standards. 

8. Production of a prototype and three Release Candidate versions. System testing for long-term stability and reliability.

Wyniki projektu:
Project results:
Ikona
A functional prototype of the system was created, meeting all requirements for reliability and resistance to interference. Additionally, an innovative system for remote monitoring of device parameters and remote control capabilities was developed.
Ikona
Cashless payment modules compliant with current standards were installed, and the implemented GSM connection stabilization algorithms and parameter monitoring ensure long-term reliability and system security.
Rozwiązania techniczne:
Technical solutions:
  • Advanced electronic system: The use of two processors – BCM2711 and STM32F466 – ensured adequate computational power and resistance to interference.
  • Redundant GSM module: The created GSM module with redundant connections ensured connection stability even in unpredictable conditions (e.g., in areas with poor network coverage).
  • Cloud platform: The development of a cloud-based system on IaaS servers provided scalability and data security. 
  • Monitoring algorithms: Algorithms for monitoring critical parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity) that not only collected data but also activated alarm systems and blocked sales in case of anomalies.
  • EMC testing and CE compliance: The system underwent detailed testing for EMC compliance and the CE procedure, ensuring its functionality in various electromagnetic conditions.

Kluczowe korzyści:

Key benefits:

  • Optimization of logistics processes: Through remote monitoring, the client gained full control over the vending machine network, allowing for the optimization of fleet management processes.
  • ‍Increased efficiency: The use of redundant GSM connections and an advanced cloud system ensured continuous system operation, which is crucial in the automated sales industry.
  • ‍Temperature and product expiration monitoring: The system for monitoring temperature and product expiration dates minimized the risk of selling expired or improperly stored products.
  • ‍Scalability: The solution allows for easy scalability, enabling the client to expand the vending machine network on a large scale.

Projekt zakończono osiągnięciem poziomu TRL8, co oznacza gotowość urządzenia do wdrożenia na rynek.

The project was completed by reaching TRL8, which means the device is ready for market deployment.