Maritime Vehicle Safety Improvement with Autonomous Anti-collision IoT System

NIX helped the client improve their IoT web platform for maritime vehicle safety and developed a similar cross-platform app.

Business Domain

Aviation & Marine & Railroad
Service

Mobile Development, Web Development, Internet of Things
Technologies

Python, React Native, JavaScript

Business Overview

The client’s company produces marine vehicles and related equipment, as well as develops software for yachting purposes, such as navigation systems, vessel monitoring tools, and weather forecasting apps.

One of their products is an autonomous offline solution designed to prevent collisions during marine traffic. It works as an Internet of Things (IoT) system, detecting obstacles in the way of the boat, activating alarms when necessary, and more, all to ensure maximum maritime safety.

At a certain point, the client realized that the system had reached its current limit, and without modernization, future growth was impossible. The company also decided to supplement this product with a similar mobile solution to provide users with the best on-the-go experience.

The client selected us as their technology partner, leveraging a trusted referral from a partner who had previously engaged NIX for a complex software development endeavor.

Project Scope

Conduct a full audit, including technology assessment, market analysis, and target audience research, to advise on the correct approach to the development strategy.
Upgrade the system’s UI and functionality, building on the existing backend and applying a more user-centric approach.
Develop a cross-platform application with a shared codebase to ensure a consistent experience across devices, enabling users to access critical safety information from anywhere on the vessel.
Create a desktop app to work with specific devices installed on yachts.

Challenges

1

Strict deadline. Since the client had already scheduled a date to show the updated system to investors, our development timeline was limited to just three months.
2

Complex requirements analysis. Our team had to analyze the client’s vision to ensure feasibility. This involved validating that the data from the ships’ sensors was sufficient for the complex calculations required for accurate obstacle detection and collision avoidance.
3

QA challenges. Since we couldn’t test the system in real marine conditions, our QA experts used simulators while the client’s team conducted tests in real-world environments and provided feedback to refine the solution.

Solution

We revamped the front end, simplifying processes and ensuring seamless data exchange with the yacht’s sensors via MQTT—a protocol for device-to-device communication. These updates, along with a modern design, reduced back end load and boosted the overall user experience.

Our team also significantly expanded the IoT system’s functionality. We enhanced the rendering of 2D maps for better clarity and introduced 3D maps using the react-fiber framework, which enables complex UI interactions. These improvements allowed for more precise obstacle visualization, enriched navigation capabilities, and improved situational awareness. Additional features included advanced analytics for route planning, real-time collision risk assessment, and better control over the vessel’s operations.

How the System Works

How the System Works

The system operates in an IoT environment, functioning within the local network of a maritime vessel. The back end processes data from the ship’s sensors, performing critical calculations such as distance to obstacles, collision risk assessment, and optimal course plotting. This processed data is then transmitted to the front end, which displays it in appealing forms featuring interactive maps, real-time data overlays, and customizable dashboards.

The front-end interface is optimized for accessibility and can be used on various devices, including laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and multifunction displays (MFDs) built into yachts.

With this IoT system, boat users—whether owners or tenants—can:

Track detected obstacles displayed on the schematic 3D and 2D maps
Receive an audible alarm when the obstacle approaches dangerously close
View more detailed information about the threatening object, including the distance to it
See the collision risk level through the progress bar
Monitor the dynamics and speed of the yacht for better vehicle control
Manage system settings to select a convenient operating mode

Cross-platform Mobile Application

We developed a mobile cross-platform IoT application that mirrors the web system’s functionality and has similar business logic. This React Native-powered app works after connecting to the yacht’s Wi-Fi, providing users with another channel to track its movement.

Like the web system, the application works with complex 3D maps that are also available offline, if necessary.

Desktop Application

In addition to the cross-platform mobile solution, our experts developed a desktop application that can be installed on custom yacht devices, such as MFDs. This app also runs on React Native and works on a similar principle as mobile and web apps.

Outcome

The modernized IoT system provides the client with a faster, more accessible, and more user-friendly solution that significantly enhances yachting safety. Users benefit from intuitive interfaces, advanced navigation tools, and real-time insights, elevating their overall boating experience.

Moreover, the cross-platform mobile app expands accessibility, allowing users to monitor marine traffic and receive critical notifications conveniently from anywhere on the yacht. The enhanced system’s ability to attract not only yacht owners but also MFD manufacturers creates new business opportunities for the client, extending the product’s market reach.

Through our expertise, NIX contributed to making the client’s solution highly efficient, appealing, and commercially viable—a value-added product for all stakeholders involved.