The growing popularity of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for location-based services like access control and keyless entry into vehicles, as well as UWB support in new consumer devices like smartphones, has resulted in the availability of a slew of new UWB radio chips. UWB is a broad term for radio communication with a bandwidth of 500 MHz or more significant. Unlike other radio frequency (RF) technologies, UWB was created to enable precise, secure, real-time measurement of location, distance, and direction while supporting two-way communication.
UWB is a technology based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.154a/z standard optimized for secure micro-location-based applications. It measures the time it takes radio signals to travel between devices to calculate distance and location indoors or outdoors with unprecedented accuracy within a few centimeters. Along with centimeter-level ranging accuracy, emphasis was placed on developing a standard that would make UWB robust and immune to various forms of interference, ensuring high reliability. The standard was also created with low power and low cost in mind, as well as the need to support many connected devices in mind.
The most promising application of UWB is in a new generation of micro-location-based systems. Just as Wi-Fi and global positioning system (GPS) enabled previously unthinkable applications, UWB will allow a new wave of applications that use highly accurate location and distance sensing to deliver novel experiences and capabilities. The underlying technology must be designed for the precise location to provide adequate accuracy, reliability, and real-time capacity. UWB is changing the game by providing precise location data that can be used in various ways.
Many major players have begun to recognize the numerous benefits of UWB and have started to develop or release UWB-enabled solutions. Apple was among the first to incorporate UWB into their technology with the release of the iPhone 11, which included their new U1 ultra-wideband chip. Other companies, such as Samsung, have followed suit, incorporating UWB into new smartphones and other devices. Google is also working on an API allowing UWB-powered applications to run on Android devices.
It is now a low-cost option with small enough hardware components to be embedded in many devices. The NFL even employs ultra-wideband technology to track players' real-time location and movement, inserting UWB chips into their shoulder pads to allow the league to analyze how players move around the field during games. NXP and Volkswagen are also investigating the use of UWB in automobiles to provide more secure, convenient, and safe vehicle experiences. Along with these organizations pioneering the development of UWB technology, there is a slew of UWB hardware vendors offering a variety of UWB chips, anchors, and tags with varying characteristics for specific use cases, as well as consortiums such as the UWB Alliance and FIRA. UWB technology will soon be as standard as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Some experts believe it will eventually supplant Bluetooth as the primary standard for short-range communication and localization.
Passenger Vehicles will Lead the Global Ultra-Wideband Technology-Based Vehicle Access Control Market (by Vehicle Type)
Passenger vehicles are currently credited with the highest share of the demand for the UWB technology-based vehicle access control market. Some key factors that have enabled the technical acceptance of these vehicles are high demand, higher registration of passenger cars, and less operating difficulty as compared to commercial vehicles. Transportation infrastructure is improved, and it becomes easier and faster for people to travel, which can increase the demand for passenger vehicles. Additionally, increased population, urbanization, and disposable income have significantly increased passenger car production.
Biometric has the Highest Share in Global Ultra-Wideband Technology-Based Vehicle Access Control Market (by Authentication Type)
The biometric segment accounts for the largest market share in this market. The combination of biometric and UWB technologies for vehicle access can provide a highly secure and convenient solution for keyless entry systems in vehicles. Biometric in vehicle access control technology has advanced dramatically over the years. With COVID-19 still impacting the industry, combining the two systems has created an opportunity to optimize security and physical wellness better. Real-time biometric verification enabled by an online platform can eliminate security risks. At the start of any user session, users can be live scanned with facial recognition (or at any attempt to access a compassionate application or piece of data). This prevents bad actors from accessing company data, even if they have control of a computer.
Hardware to Dominate the Global Ultra-Wideband Technology-Based Vehicle Access Control Market (by Component Type)
In 2021, the hardware segment dominated the UWB technology-based vehicle access control market. Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology-based vehicle access systems use short-range radio waves to communicate between the vehicle and the access device. These systems require specific hardware components to operate. The UWB chip is the heart of the UWB system and is responsible for transmitting and receiving data; the control module manages the UWB system's functions and is usually located inside the vehicle. The access device is used to communicate with the UWB system and is generally located outside the vehicle.
6 GHz to 10.6 GHz has the Highest Share in Global Ultra-Wideband Technology-Based Vehicle Access Control Market (by Frequency Range)
The 6 GHz to 10.6 GHz segment accounts for the largest market. The frequency range of 6 GHz to 10.6 GHz is one of the frequency bands allocated for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communications. Using a wide range of frequencies allows UWB to provide high data rates and low power consumption, making it ideal for wireless personal area networks, radar, and location-tracking applications. UWB in the 6 GHz to 10.6 GHz frequency range is used in various applications, including high-speed data transfer, radar imaging, and precision location tracking. UWB-based systems in this frequency range can provide accurate location information with sub-centimeter precision, making them suitable for asset tracking, industrial automation, automotive, and robotics applications.
Two Way Ranging (TWR) to Dominate the Global Ultra-Wideband Technology-Based Vehicle Access Control Market (by Positioning Technique)
The TWR segment accounts for the largest market. Two-way ranging is used in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology-based vehicle access systems to determine the distance between the vehicle and the access device. This technique uses time-of-flight measurements to calculate the distance based on the time it takes for a signal to travel from the vehicle to the access device and back again. Two-way ranging in UWB technology-based vehicle access systems has several advantages. It provides accurate distance measurement with sub-centimeter precision, which is critical for ensuring secure and reliable vehicle access.
North America will Lead the Global Ultra-Wideband Technology-Based Vehicle Access Control Market (by Region)
North America currently holds the largest share of the global ultra-wideband technology-based vehicle access control market. The North America region comprises the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The presence of technology providers, minimal miscalculations, product customization, and reduced production timescale are the primary driving factors of the North America ultra-wideband technology-based vehicle access control market. The U.S. government's policies for ultra-wideband technology for research and development activities also hasten the region's adoption of the ultra-wideband technology-based vehicle access control.
Competitive Landscape
Major global ultra-wideband technology-based vehicle access control market manufacturers are undertaking a variety of strategic efforts to gain market share.
The following are some key highlights in terms of major global ultra-wideband technology-based vehicle access control market manufacturers:
