Case study
UWB Wearable Proximity Device
Wearable device using DWM3000 + ESP32-C3 for precision proximity detection with configurable alert thresholds.
At a glance
- Status
- Shipped
- Tech stack
- DWM3000ESP32-C3UWBWearableBLE config
Challenge
Standard BLE or WiFi RSSI-based proximity is too imprecise for safety-critical wearable applications. The client needed sub-metre accuracy in a form factor small enough to wear, with configurable distance thresholds and a low-latency alert mechanism.
Solution
We designed a compact wearable PCB around the DWM3000 UWB module paired with an ESP32-C3. The DWM3000 provides centimetre-level ranging via two-way ranging (TWR). Thresholds are configurable over BLE from a companion app. Alert output is a haptic motor driven directly from the ESP32-C3 GPIO, with latency under 100ms from range measurement to vibration.
Outcome
Shipped to production. UWB ranging accuracy achieved ±15cm in tested environments. Battery life meets the target 8-hour shift duration.
±15cm
Ranging accuracy
< 100ms
Alert latency
8+ hours
Battery life
BLE companion app
Configuration
Tech used
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