NXP introduces omlox Starter Kit for industrial RTLS deployment

NXP Semiconductors has introduced the omlox Starter Kit aimed at simplifying the deployment of real-time location systems (RTLS) in industrial environments. The kit combines hardware, software and analytics into a single platform based on the omlox open standard.

For eeNews Europe readers, the development highlights how ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning is moving toward more interoperable and standardised industrial deployments, potentially reducing integration complexity and vendor lock-in.

At the core of the omlox Starter Kit is NXP’s Trimension SR048 UWB SoC, designed to support high-precision positioning across industrial use cases such as asset tracking, robot navigation and worker safety. The platform also integrates the MCX W72 wireless MCU alongside UWB anchors and tags developed with SynchronicIT.

The system supports multiple ranging methods, including time difference of arrival (TDoA), round trip time of flight (RToF) and downlink TDoA, enabling flexibility depending on deployment requirements. The hardware is complemented by SynchronicIT’s localisation engine and Flowcate’s DeepHub middleware, which converts positioning data into operational insights.

NXP positions the omlox Starter Kit as a way to accelerate prototyping and scaling, allowing pilot installations to expand to full-site deployments without major system redesign.

“The omlox Starter Kit demonstrates how open standards can fundamentally change the RTLS landscape. The fully integrated suite of omlox-compliant hardware and software, based on the new Trimension SR048, turns what was once a complex, proprietary undertaking into a straightforward, standards-driven solution that customers can trust to evolve with their needs.” said Charles Dachs, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Secure Connected Edge, NXP Semiconductors.

Industrial RTLS adoption has historically been slowed by fragmented technologies and limited interoperability. The omlox standard aims to address this by providing a technology-agnostic framework that supports multi-vendor systems and backward compatibility.

The omlox starter kit reflects this approach by combining UWB-based positioning with a unified software stack, while maintaining compatibility with emerging standards such as FiRa for mobile-based positioning.

“Achieving high-accuracy industrial positioning requires close alignment between hardware, software and standards. Our omlox-compliant anchors and tags, based on NXP’s UWB technology, as well as our location engine creates a seamless path to deploy precise, scalable UWB-based RTLS. This kit gives customers an easy, future-proof way to adopt precise positioning through their industrial environment.” said Vincent van der Locht, Managing Director, SynchronicIT.

“Interoperability is the foundation of reliable, scalable location intelligence, and omlox makes that a reality. By integrating DeepHub and our analytics suite, the omlox Starter Kit delivers precise, multi-technology location data through a single, standards-based platform, removing common barriers to RTLS adoption.” said Matthias Joest, CEO, Flowcate.

According to industry projections, UWB-based RTLS deployments are expected to grow steadily over the coming years, particularly in manufacturing, logistics and automation. Platforms such as the omlox Starter Kit may help lower the barrier to entry by offering a more integrated and standardised approach.