Why Embedded Systems Are Essential for GPS Pet Trackers

 

Pavel Moroshek,  

Head of Embedded Systems Unit at Promwad

The pet tracking industry is evolving rapidly, with GPS pet trackers becoming a must-have for pet owners. Whether you’re tracking an adventurous dog or a wandering cat, modern smart pet tracking devices ensure real-time monitoring and safety. But what makes these devices efficient, reliable, and power-saving?

The answer lies in embedded systems—specialized computing units designed to process GPS, AI, and IoT functions efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore how embedded firmware and low-power GPS pet trackers revolutionize pet monitoring. We’ll also compare wireless technologies like BLE, LoRaWAN, LTE-M, and LPWAN to see which ones suit pet tracking best.
 

GPS pet trackers rely on a combination of embedded software, wireless communication, and sensors to provide accurate location data. These devices include:

• Embedded Microcontrollers (MCUs): Manage GPS data processing and power efficiency.
• Wireless Communication Modules: Use LoRaWAN, LTE-M, or BLE for data transmission.
• AI & Sensor Fusion: Process real-time pet tracking with biometric and motion data.
• Battery Management Systems: Optimize energy use for extended battery life.
   

Why Embedded Systems Matter in Smart Pet Tracking

Embedded systems enable:

• Real-time tracking – Faster processing of GPS signals.
• Low power consumption – Essential for long battery life in pet collars.
• Seamless IoT connectivity – Supports BLE, LPWAN, and LTE-M networks.
• AI-based pet monitoring – Detects unusual behavior.
• Compact form factors – Enables lightweight smart pet wearables.

Choosing the right wireless technology impacts the performance of IoT pet care solutions. Below is a comparison of the most commonly used communication protocols for pet tracking systems:

Wireless Connectivity Comparison for Pet Trackers
 

Key Takeaways:

• BLE is best for short-range tracking and wearables.
• LoRaWAN & NB-IoT are ideal for low-power, long-range tracking.
• LTE-M supports real-time GPS tracking across large areas.

The latest smart pet collars integrate AI-powered pet tracking and IoT connectivity. These technologies enhance:

• Behavioral Monitoring – AI algorithms detect pet anxiety or illness.
• Geo-Fencing Alerts – Virtual fences notify owners if pets stray beyond safe zones.
• Predictive Analytics – AI analyzes movement patterns to prevent escapes.

Read more about AI-driven pet monitoring: Harvard AI Lab
 

Use Case: AI-Powered Smart Pet Collar

A LoRaWAN-based GPS pet tracker with embedded AI can:

• Detect irregular movement patterns and send alerts.
• Use BLE for real-time tracking indoors and switch to LoRaWAN for outdoor tracking.
• Extend battery life with adaptive power modes.

Developing energy-efficient pet gadgets requires overcoming key challenges:

1. Battery Life Optimization

Since pets roam freely, low-power GPS pet trackers must run for weeks. Solutions:

• Energy-efficient MCUs that enter sleep mode when inactive.
• Adaptive power management based on movement detection.

2. Network Availability

• LTE-M and LoRaWAN cover large areas, but require infrastructure support.
• BLE works indoors, but needs a smartphone or base station.

3. Hardware Miniaturization

Pet wearables must be compact and lightweight.

• FPGA-based pet monitoring systems provide processing power in smaller sizes.
• Advanced PCB design reduces space and improves durability.

Learn more about compact IoT designs at Promwad: FPGA Solutions

The next generation of pet monitoring technology will focus on:

• Hybrid GPS + AI models for real-time pet tracking with biometric sensors.
• Edge AI processing to reduce dependence on cloud computing.
• LPWAN advancements for nationwide pet tracking with ultra-low power.
• Smart pet tracking devices with voice-enabled controls.

Explore next-gen pet tracking trends at IoT World: IoT Analytics

Embedded systems are the core technology behind GPS pet trackers. They enable real-time tracking, IoT connectivity, and AI-powered pet monitoring while ensuring low energy consumption.

Whether using LoRaWAN, BLE, or LTE-M, smart pet devices are evolving rapidly, helping pet owners monitor, track, and care for their pets more efficiently than ever.

Looking for expert hardware & software development for smart pet wearables? Check out Promwad's IoT solutions: Smart Pet Devices Development

Our Case Studies in Industrial Design