Client Overview
Client: ARO
Industry: Educational Technology
Problem: Design a scalable Bluetooth ring tracking system for classrooms, with integrated environmental monitoring.
The Challenge
ARO needed a reliable presence detection system for classrooms using Bluetooth rings. Existing in-house solutions were expensive, required multiple hubs and devices, and weren’t simple to set up or scale. There was no commercial option that provided accurate Bluetooth tracking along with environmental sensor integration in a classroom setting.
This solution had to work across multiple schools and rooms, and collect data like temperature, lighting, and air quality. Storing this data would support the development of smarter classroom environments and improve teacher and student experience in the US.
Our Approach
We used Espresense, an open-source Bluetooth tracking firmware, running on low-cost ESP32 devices. Off-the-shelf ESP32 boards and prototyping sensors were used to create the first version of the system in a matter of weeks. The Bluetooth rings were tracked accurately, and low-cost sensors captured all necessary environment data.
Data was streamed via MQTT to an AWS-based architecture built on EC2. We used AWS Managed Grafana to visualize the data. Once the prototype was stable, we transitioned to pre-production by designing and sourcing PCB boards, shrinking the footprint of the device. This allowed the client to successfully demo the system and secure internal funding.
Technologies, Tools, and Platforms Used
- ESP32 controllers
- Espresense (open-source Bluetooth tracking firmware)
- AWS IoT Core, EC2, Lambda, DynamoDB, Timestream, CloudWatch, API Gateway
- AWS Managed Grafana for real-time dashboards
- KiCad for PCB design
We chose AWS for its auto-scaling, low-cost infrastructure and the ability to manage everything in one account. This helped simplify security, reduce dependency on third-party tools, and improve documentation and support.
The Solution
- Flashed Espresense onto ESP32 devices and verified stable Bluetooth detection
- Streamed data via MQTT to AWS IoT Core and processed it for ingestion
- Built dashboards in AWS Managed Grafana to display presence and environmental data in real time
- Successfully tested ring tracking accuracy across multiple rooms, verifying movement and handoff between hubs
- Integrated temperature, lighting, and air compound sensors into the same MQTT pipeline
- Developed an API using AWS API Gateway to allow the client to sync classroom metadata periodically
- Designed a custom PCB in KiCad with properties including rechargeability, compact layout, and high-quality sensor components
- Oversaw the production of the devices and coordinated housing design separately sourced by the client
The Outcome
The client received internal approval for the MVP, and funding was unlocked to support ongoing development. While not yet public, the project established a strong technical foundation for scalable presence tracking in educational settings.
Client Feedback
The client was extremely happy with the result and has continued working with us to evolve the product.
Impact
No public metrics yet, but the system is stable, low-cost, and ready for wider deployment. It replaced the need for expensive hardware setups and proved that real-time classroom presence and environmental monitoring can be done simply and reliably.
