- Posted By: freeproject
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The buzz word Internet of Things (IoT) have changed the way we think about travel. Sensors can be used to track luggage/baggage and help prevent loss or theft. The airline and baggage companies are implementing IoT to track user’s luggage and ensure secure luggage transfer. These days, the users can know about the status of their luggage in their smartphones. This implementation of IoT for tracking baggage is covered under Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) segment.
The secure luggage tracking system is implemented using a Bluetooth, GSM and/or GPS module (to be attached with luggage) which rely on proximity to trace the luggage. The module is paired with owner’s smartphone to keep track of the luggage and perform analytics, if required. Once the bag goes out of a specified range of distance – referred as “geofence”, the owner is notified through an alert on smartphone. This system can also include an anti-tampering tag which can be used to produce alarm on separation. These tags can be used with bags in hand or in cargo.
Another way to implement a bag tracking system is by using smart RFID tags and IoT with cloud server. The real time position of the bag is transmitted to the cloud and the bag’s unique ID can be retrieved by the bag’s owner. RFID tags are a popular way of tracking luggage, are cheaper and present a more mature and secure way of tracking. Moreover, alongwith baggage tracking, this system helps in reducing check-in and check-out times at airports.
Luggage Tracking System also use a SIM card (preferably, global SIM) in the tracking device to connect to the cellular network and notify the user about the current status of luggage. The push notifications can be sent to user’s smartphone via SMS and USSD communication. LugTrack Locator and LugLoc are examples of such tracking systems.
Luggage tracking systems enable a user to keep an eye on their luggage while sitting remotely and enable more control in terms of security - rather than always being dependent on airlines or security units.
In addition, Internet of things (IoT) opens up a big umbrella to cover multiple applications for both users and service providers alongwith tracking baggage of users, for example, targetted promotions from airlines and featuring augmented reality applications for tracking. Talking about the market, companies like Sigfox, Trackdot are developing IoT solutions for luggage tracking using the above mentioned technologies.
