AsTra and Wayra asset tracking architectures
Two GiPStech models locate tags attached to physical assets, but place position computation at different points. AsTra uses connected anchors that support the estimate; Wayra computes on the tag and concentrates transport to the backend through a repeater network and gateway.
Making assets and movements visible
A scientific review of indoor localization technologies describes BLE, UWB and inertial units as families with different measurements, errors and trade-offs. This general framework helps explain an asset-tracking system, but does not by itself determine GiPStech architecture or performance.
The tag identifies the asset and exchanges signals or information with references distributed throughout the environment. These observations produce a position, which becomes a trajectory over time. A geofence or control area then compares position with known geometry to generate an event that an application can use.
The decisive question is where computation takes place. In AsTra, the connected infrastructure and processing system support the estimate. In Wayra, the tag combines radio and inertial inputs on board, then sends an already computed position. This difference changes the role of references, distributed connectivity and the data path.
In AsTra, connected anchors support measurement collection and the computation path.
The infrastructure supports computation
A NIST evaluation of UWB ranging shows why the technology suits fine time measurements, but also how walls, objects and non-line-of-sight conditions can distort results. This is a general principle: it does not document the techniques, accuracy or performance of an AsTra configuration.
AsTra uses fixed anchors with electrical power and connectivity to the system. A configuration may use PoE, which carries power and data over Ethernet cabling, or separate power with Wi-Fi connectivity. Wi-Fi provides data connectivity, not electrical power.
Anchors can transmit Bluetooth beacon signals for smartphone localization and act as locators for tags. They collect required measurements, participate in the computation path and transfer information to the central system. A project may use Bluetooth with sensor fusion or UWB when different radio references are required and the infrastructure supports them.
Positioning moves onto the tag
The Bluetooth Low Energy primer describes a radio designed for low-power communication and broadcast transmission among other uses. It is a general source on the radio medium: it does not define the proprietary Wayra protocol, device lifetime or network capacity.
The Bluetooth Mesh primer explains the general principle of multi-hop relaying, where selected nodes retransmit messages until they reach a destination. Wayra instead uses an efficient proprietary protocol in the Bluetooth band: the reference explains the mesh concept, not compliance with the Bluetooth Mesh standard.
In Wayra, the tag uses battery-powered Bluetooth beacons as references and combines positioning with an inertial component through on-board sensor fusion. The already processed position passes to compact powered repeaters without distributed data connectivity, then crosses the mesh to a gateway connected to the backend. The same beacons can also support smartphone localization.
In Wayra, repeaters propagate a position already computed by the tag.
From position to an operational event
GiPStech Solutions describe the use of localization for assets, people and flows in industry, healthcare and airports. This page remains focused on technology: scenarios show how a position feeds a process, without automatically transferring benefits or quantitative results.
A sequence of positions generates a trajectory. Comparing it with a digital area can produce entry, exit, dwell or presence events. The backend then associates each event with tag identity, timestamp and application rules. Geofencing and workflows therefore sit downstream of position computation.
Asset2Work can use this information to display asset and area status or integrate it into operational processes. Required accuracy, update rate, uncertainty handling and resulting actions must be defined for the use case. A position alone does not constitute certified safety, predictive maintenance or complete automation.
Comparing AsTra and Wayra
Research on BLE, UWB and IMU shows that different technologies address different constraints in measurement, power, infrastructure and error. The AsTra–Wayra comparison follows the same design principle: it does not declare a winner, but makes explicit where computation occurs and what infrastructure supports the flow.
AsTra uses powered, connected anchors, may adopt Bluetooth with sensor fusion or UWB, and carries measurements toward infrastructure-supported computation. Anchors can also support smartphone localization. Sizing depends on coverage, accuracy, geometry, cabling and the project's radio requirements.
Wayra uses battery-powered beacons that can be shared with smartphones, computes radio and inertial inputs on the tag, and transports position through powered repeaters, a mesh and a gateway. It reduces distributed data-connectivity needs, but does not remove design, repeater power, coverage verification, backhaul or real-world testing.
The computation point changes the infrastructure and data path.
Selection criteria, integration and limits
The GiPStech Technology page presents sensor fusion, radio, inertial inputs and integration on programmable devices as components of a modular portfolio. AsTra and Wayra should therefore be configured around the target, environment and required outcome, rather than treated as universal packages.
The Solutions pages connect localization and Asset2Work with industry, healthcare, airports and geofencing. Here these destinations remain integration examples: processes, events and operational outcomes belong to the application layer and must retain their own evidence.
Before sizing, the official brand spelling, configuration availability, protocols, devices, accuracy, update rate, battery life, coverage, density, latency, gateways, security and interfaces must be confirmed. Testing must measure the real use case and document the conditions under which each result applies.
Explore the positioning foundations in Sensor Fusion and multi-sensor indoor positioning, then see the operational context in Industry 4.0 asset tracking.
Describe assets and area
Identify asset categories, geometry, materials, obstacles, control areas, coverage and real radio conditions.
Define the required result
Specify position, trajectory or event outputs, accuracy, update rate, latency, availability and uncertainty handling.
Survey the infrastructure
Check power, PoE, Wi-Fi, data cabling, existing beacons, installation points, backhaul and installation constraints.
Select and size
Compare AsTra and Wayra, select the radio technique, and define anchors or beacons, repeaters, gateways, tags and backend integration.
Test and govern
Test coverage and position quality, validate geofences and events, and define monitoring, maintenance and acceptance criteria.
Describe your assets, area and required accuracy
Describe the available infrastructure, coverage, update rate and events to manage. We can assess AsTra or Wayra and define sizing to verify in the field.
