On March 14, 2026, the FiRa Consortium®, in collaboration with JCB Co., Ltd., supported a student hackathon at King’s College London to advance developer experimentation with UWB.
Bringing together student teams for a six-hour development sprint, the event provided a hands-on opportunity to explore how UWB can enable new applications built on precise ranging and spatial awareness. Participants developed functional prototypes using FiRa-aligned Murata Type 2BP (NXP SR150) modules, demonstrating how quickly innovative concepts can be translated into working solutions.
The projects developed during the hackathon highlight the versatility of UWB across a range of environments, from transportation and retail to hospitality and cultural spaces.
Automated train check-in and seat validation
One team developed a UWB-based system that enables passengers to check into train services automatically. By leveraging device-to-seat positioning with decimeter-level accuracy, the solution can verify seat occupancy, confirm booking validity, and alert ticket inspectors to discrepancies in real time. This approach has the potential to streamline operations while improving the passenger experience.
Proximity-based drive-through ordering and payment
Another project focused on enhancing the drive-through experience through seamless authentication and payment. Using UWB, the system detects when a user approaches an ordering point, retrieves historical order data to accelerate the process, and triggers payment automatically when the user exits the ordering zone. The result is a faster, more efficient customer journey with minimal user interaction.
UWB-based restaurant billing for groups
Addressing a common challenge in hospitality, one team created a solution for automatic group billing. By using device-to-plate positioning data, the system assigns dishes to individual diners and checks users into a table based on proximity. When leaving, users are prompted to confirm and complete payment, simplifying bill settlement for larger groups.
Context-aware audio experiences through spatial positioning
In the cultural and tourism space, a UWB-enabled audio system demonstrated how spatial awareness can enhance visitor engagement. Wearable receivers detect a user’s position and orientation, allowing audio content to adapt dynamically based on location. The system can also tailor the level of detail to user preferences, either manually or through behavioral patterns such as movement speed.
Supporting Developer Innovation in the UWB Ecosystem
The hackathon reflects the growing importance of developer engagement in accelerating UWB adoption. By enabling hands-on experimentation, events like this allow emerging developers to explore the full potential of UWB and contribute to the broader ecosystem.
The prototypes developed during the event demonstrate how UWB supports secure, precise, and seamless interactions in environments where conventional wireless technologies fall short. From automated mobility experiences to frictionless payments and personalized content delivery, these use cases illustrate the expanding role of UWB across industries.
Many thanks to JCB Co., Ltd., whose sponsorship of the event underscores its commitment to advancing UWB innovation in Europe. Additional support was provided by Avatar Pay.
Looking Ahead
As UWB continues to gain momentum, developer-led innovation will play a critical role in shaping its future applications. The outcomes of this hackathon reinforce the value of collaborative, hands-on initiatives in driving real-world use cases and accelerating adoption.