Optimizing Bluetooth Beacons in the Tram Network (2019-20)
Optimizing Bluetooth Beacons in the Tram Network (2019-20)
Project outcomes
Sponsored by Yarra Trams
Since its inception 20 years ago, Bluetooth has been pivotal for enhanced customer experiences, being a key technology enabler for consumer wireless interaction. In 2018, nearly 4 billion devices will ship with Bluetooth technology, bringing the capability for an industrial connectivity solution in the Internet of Things (IoT).
Yarra Trams has installed Bluetooth low energy beacons at stops (fixed locations) and on trams (mobile, though fixed relative to the tram). The beacons are detectable by devices that are within a configurable range. Though initially defined for a specific passenger experience use case, a wide array of alternative use cases is possible in order to leverage the existing infrastructure.
Yarra Trams has previously trialled Bluetooth beacon technology as a means to gain insight to passenger use of stops and services, and has identified this project to build on the established Bluetooth network base and previous trials.
The current project aims at investigating uses and applications of Bluetooth contactless technology as a catalyser for improved interaction with public transport and Yarra Trams users. It will provide a benchmark of optimized solutions for low-power data-based applications that might cover: point of interest information, beacon-based navigation and wayfinding, asset and item tracking, asset maintenance information, public transport infrastructure utilization (i.e. tram stops), control systems (i.e. smart lighting control), asset detection and monitoring systems.
Project brief
Sponsored by Yarra Trams
Since its inception 20 years ago, Bluetooth has been pivotal for enhanced customer experiences, being a key technology enabler for consumer wireless interaction. In 2018, nearly 4 billion devices will ship with Bluetooth technology, bringing the capability for an industrial connectivity solution in the Internet of Things (IoT).
Yarra Trams has installed Bluetooth low energy beacons at stops (fixed locations) and on trams (mobile, though fixed relative to the tram). The beacons are detectable by devices that are within a configurable range. Though initially defined for a specific passenger experience use case, a wide array of alternative use cases is possible in order to leverage the existing infrastructure.
Yarra Trams has previously trialled Bluetooth beacon technology as a means to gain insight to passenger use of stops and services, and has identified this project to build on the established Bluetooth network base and previous trials.
The current project aims at investigating uses and applications of Bluetooth contactless technology as a catalyser for improved interaction with public transport and Yarra Trams users. It will provide a benchmark of optimized solutions for low-power data-based applications that might cover: point of interest information, beacon-based navigation and wayfinding, asset and item tracking, asset maintenance information, public transport infrastructure utilization (i.e. tram stops), control systems (i.e. smart lighting control), asset detection and monitoring systems.
The MITI team outcomes should cover:
- An Overview of Bluetooth Low energy solutions and best practices, with specific focus to Public Transport domain (report type)
- Structured documentation of the team's innovative thinking about the possible applications to maximize YT Bluetooth infrastructure (report type)
- Specific use case or proposed solution definition at prototype/app design level (business case report and prototype)
Some of the factors that the MITI team should consider are:
- Existing beacons specifications and limitations
- Contextualized needs detection for Yarra Trams: safety, passenger information (disruptions, accessibility…) both to and from Yarra Trams, enhanced sustainability
- Dependency on system architecture and workflows: SDK, apps (i.e. Tram Tracker), CMS
- For asset monitoring, AVM (Automated Vehicle Monitoring) assignment and location can be imprecise.
- Many beacons may be detected e.g. if stops (on different routes) are close by, that would need to be addressed in AVM data / beacon matching algorithms
- The project will follow a design thinking approach, and aims to generate a pragmatic and scalable solution prototype (ideally)
- Proposed solution should ensure that it delivers acceptable ROI
Applications for this project are welcome from penultimate and subsequent year undergraduates, Masters and PhD students (coursework and research) who are currently enrolled full-time at Monash including for the period December 2019 to end of February 2020.
Your application will be reviewed by senior university members and assessed against the following criteria:
- Quality of covering letter, resume and on-line application including spelling & grammar
- Relevance of your degree to the project(s) you select
- Skills, ability, knowledge and experience relevant to the project (s) you apply for
- Extra - curricular activities (i.e. sports/clubs & societies/memberships)
- Career goals & ambitions
- Academic performance
- Successful completion of group activity
- Successful interview with industry partner
Please note:
- Scope for MITI projects are determined by the industry partners, this includes student disciplines and whether they require students at undergraduate, Masters or PhD level.
- The final selection of the MITI project team will be made by the industry partner.
- Each industry project will run for 12 weeks over the summer vacation period that is December 2019 through to February 2020 - you must be enrolled as a full time student during this period.
- If selected you must be available and agree to commit for the entire 12 week period.
Please apply through the 'APPLY HERE TO LODGE YOUR OPTIONS FOR THE MITI SUMMER PROGRAM (2019-20)' Project
Your cover letter should state the following information in a clear and concise manner:
why this project is of particular interest to you
an outline of your experience either through work, study or other interests to support your application
what you can contribute as a member of the team
Yarra Trams
Yarra Trams is proudly operated by Keolis Downer, the largest private multi-modal transport operator in Australia.
Since taking over the running of the network on 30 November 2009, we have improved safety, delivered record passenger satisfaction, and maintained punctuality during a period of unprecedented growth across Melbourne.
Our guiding principle is to ‘think like a passenger’. We focus on delivering safe, reliable, clean, and easy-to-use services. And we are committed to increasing the environmental, social, and economic contribution that Melbourne’s tram network makes to the city.
We work with the Victorian Government, Public Transport Victoria and other transport agencies and operators to provide a fully integrated transport service for the people of Melbourne.