Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab vs IEEE 802.15.4z
Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab

Centimetre-level indoor positioning for robots - without building an RF team

needCode is the wireless and positioning partner for humanoid and autonomous robotics companies. When a robot needs centimetre-grade location where GPS fails, sensor fusion to navigate, and connectivity to talk to people and the cloud - but the team is built for ML and mechatronics, not RF - we are the UWB and wireless bench you don't have to hire. Centimetre-level UWB RTLS, UWB + IMU + LiDAR fusion, NLOS-resilient, GPS-denied.
needCode IoT

We work with Industry Leaders

A robot that can't locate itself indoors can't act autonomously

Humanoid and autonomous robots are extraordinary at perception and control — and almost universally weak at one thing: knowing precisely where they are once GPS is gone. Inside a warehouse, a factory, or a hospital, the positioning problem becomes an RF problem: UWB ranging, anchor infrastructure, sensor fusion, NLOS resilience. That is a discipline most robotics teams have never staffed, and cannot ramp without pulling focus off the robot itself.

needCode is that discipline as a team. We have brought up UWB across 9 hardware platforms, built centimetre-level RTLS, and fused UWB with IMU and LiDAR odometry for navigation — so your engineers stay on autonomy while we own the wireless layer beneath it.

Positioning

GPS stops at the door. UWB delivers centimetre-level, NLOS-resilient location indoors — the layer autonomy is built on.

Fusion

No single sensor is enough. UWB + IMU + LiDAR odometry holds pose where any one source drifts or drops out.

The team gap

World-class at ML, no RF bench. Standing up a UWB team in-house is months you'd rather spend on the robot.

Four wireless layers under an autonomous robot

Autonomy rides on a wireless stack most robotics teams don't build. We own all four, so yours doesn't have to.

UWB Indoor Positioning (RTLS)

End-to-end real-time location: anchor infrastructure, TDOA/AoA/TWR algorithms, centimetre-level accuracy, NLOS-resilient and GPS-denied.

Sensor Fusion & Navigation

UWB fused with IMU and LiDAR odometry for robust pose estimation where any single source drifts, with edge inference for on-robot decisions. The difference between a position fix and reliable navigation.

BLE Human-Robot & Fleet Comms

BLE for human-robot interaction, proximity, and short-range control; BLE Mesh as the coordination layer for robot fleets - built on mesh engineering we proved at 1,000 nodes and 99.9% delivery in commercial building networks. The layer where robots talk to people and to each other.

WiFi Cloud & Edge AI Offload

WiFi 6E / 7 for high-throughput offload of perception and model inference to the cloud, with on-robot edge ML where latency demands it. Multi-radio coexistence so positioning, comms, and offload don't fight for spectrum.

Building a robot but not an RF team?

Book a discovery call with our CEO

Why robotics teams bring in needCode

The largest dedicated UWB team in Central Europe

Positioning is our core discipline, not a side capability. We understand both the reach and the limits of UWB, so you get a realistic accuracy figure for your environment — not a datasheet number that evaporates on the floor.

Proven in the environments robots actually work in

We've deployed UWB where heavy machinery, metallic structures, and RF interference defeat other systems. Robots live in exactly those spaces, and that is where most positioning approaches quietly fail.

Fusion, not just ranging

We combine UWB with IMU and LiDAR odometry and edge ML, because robust robot pose comes from fused sources, not a single radio. Ranging gets you a number; fusion gets you navigation.

Certified Qorvo partner

Direct access to the UWB silicon (QM33 / QM35) and the roadmap behind robotics positioning, so your bring-up starts ahead of the public SDK, not behind it.

Four ways to bring needCode in

From a site survey to a standing wireless squad.
We match the engagement to where the robot is in its journey.

01

Positioning Feasibility & Site Study

  • Duration:
    2–4 weeks
  • Best for:
    Validating achievable accuracy and an anchor plan in your real environment before committing
  • Deliverable:
    Accuracy assessment, anchor/site plan, integration path, leadership readout

02

RTLS Design & Sensor-Fusion Build

  • Duration:
    Phased
  • Best for:
    Taking positioning from concept to working navigation on target hardware
  • Deliverable:
    Anchor infrastructure, ranging algorithms, UWB + IMU + LiDAR fusion, test results

03

Productization & Fleet Scale-Up

  • Duration:
    Phased
  • Best for:
    Moving from a single robot to a coordinated fleet
  • Deliverable:
    Multi-robot coordination, OTA, reliability hardening, certification support

04

Embedded Wireless Team

  • Duration:
    Multi-year, retainer-based
  • Best for:
    Robotics companies who want a dedicated positioning/RF squad inside their program
  • Deliverable:
    An embedded wireless team in your cadence — the model behind the 30-FTE Qorvo programme

What we ship on

We pick the silicon, sensors, and stack that match your robot and its environment.

Fusion & edge AI

IMU
LiDAR odometry
sensor fusion
embedded ML
Ambiq Apollo
Google Coral / Astra

Silicon

Qorvo QM33 / QM35
Nordic
NXP
STMicroelectronics
Infineon
legacy DW1000 / DW3000

Positioning

UWB (IEEE 802.15.4z / 4ab)
TDOA
AoA
TWR
FiRa

Connectivity & integration

BLE 5.4 / 6.0
BLE Mesh
WiFi 6E / 7
multi-radio coexistence
Zephyr
FreeRTOS
integration with your robotics middleware (e.g. ROS 2)

Case studies

needCode doesn't publish robotics logos. What we can show is the UWB and sensor-fusion capability robot positioning is built on.

Qorvo: RF Leadership

Context: Rapid scaling for new chipset bring-up.
  • Scale: Grew from <10 to 30 FTEs.
  • Output: Supported bring-up of 9 new hardware platforms (SDKs, Drivers, Stacks).
  • Retention: Zero-churn core team retained for 5+ years.
Dedicated Development Center for RF Solutions
Bluetooth Mesh Smart Lighting Control System

Smart Lighting: Core R&D Extension

Context: Client needed deep, specialized expertise to pivot from proprietary tech to a new global standard.
  • Service: Deployed a dedicated squad of embedded engineers to function as the client's core R&D team.
  • Output: Co-authored official Bluetooth SIG protocols and delivered the world’s first certified BLE Mesh stack.
  • Value: Enabled the client to secure Series A funding and defined the industry standard for smart buildings.

Creative Werks: Innovation rescue

Context: Hardware obsolescence threatened production shutdown.
  • Action: Full-stack takeover (PCB redesign + Firmware + Mobile App).
  • ROI: 1230% ($1.6M value generated).
  • Speed: Payback period of 2–3 months.
NeedCode-case study - IoT Solution for Boat Lift Modernization - cover2s
needcode-powerpolen-case-study-cover2s

PowerPollen: AgTech automation

Context: Lack of internal expertise stalled a critical automation project.
  • Action: Re-architected system using unified MCU and ISOBUS standards.
  • ROI: 13.8x ($2.9M value generated).
  • Impact: Enabled $1.9M increase in harvester value.

Strategic Partnership

needCode is an official business partner of Qorvo, bringing over 8 years of proven expertise and trusted service to the technology sector.
qorvo-logo-banner
UWB-Alliance-logo-banner

Members of the UWB Alliance

In 2025 we became a member of the UWB Alliance. This strategic step reinforces our commitment to pioneering Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology.

Proudly Certified for Excellence and Security

needCode is officially certified for:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security
ISO certifications reflect our focus on delivering reliable IoT solutions, smart product development, and secure technology services.
ISO 9001_2015ISO - IEC 27001_2022

Testimonials

“I think the key takeaway from needCode is their ability to adapt and understand the customer's requirements. That took away probably a large portion of what could have been a lot of development time and expense for both companies.”
Bob Folkestad
Bob Folkestad
President at Creative Werks
“One aspect that truly sets needCode apart is its profound expertise in firmware development. Their proficiency in various programming languages, embedded systems and hardware architecture is truly impressive. When faced with difficult problems, their strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset shine through, allowing them to overcome obstacles with remarkable ease.”
avatar Semeh Sarhan
Semeh Sarhan
CEO at Xtrava
“I worked with needCode while leading the NWTN-Berlin team in 2018. A big chunk for our FW development has been outsourced to them and they had proven to iterate very quickly, following specs and deliver on time. It was great working with them. I recommend working with needCode’s team on any Embedded SW development.”
avatar Marco Salvioli Mariani
Marco Salvioli Mariani
CTO at NWTN Berlin GmbH
“needCode Team proved to be one of the best engineers I have ever met. The part I like the most about the team is the more difficult an obstacle seems to be, the more motivated they were to find a solution and a way forward.”
A Testimonial picture
Szymon Słupik
CTO at Silvair
“needCode is an outstanding partner. Their quick follow-up, scalability, and extensive professional network set them apart. Their expertise in wireless technologies has been valuable, supporting us from low-level drivers to architecture discussions.”
avatar Tim Allemeersch
Tim Allemeersch
Director at Qorvo, Inc.
“needCode did a great job improving the firmware of the Vai Kai connected toys and developing new features, surpassing our expectations multiple times. I would definitely recommend hiring Bartek and needCode for the embedded software projects!”
avatar Matas Petrikas
Matas Petrikas
CEO & Co-founder
at Vai Kai UG

Insights

FAQ

Yes - nneedCode designs UWB real-time location systems with centimetre-level accuracy, including anchor infrastructure and TDOA/AoA/TWR ranging, for humanoid and autonomous robots that need precise location where GPS is unavailable. The system is NLOS-resilient and GPS-denied capable, and we tune achievable accuracy to your actual environment rather than a datasheet figure. As the largest dedicated UWB team in Central Europe and a certified Qorvo partner, positioning is our core discipline.

UWB measures distance by time-of-flight between tags and fixed anchors, which gives centimetre-grade ranging that works indoors where satellite signals cannot reach. needCode builds the full system - anchor placement, TDOA/AoA/TWR algorithms, and NLOS handling - so a robot has reliable location inside warehouses, factories, and hospitals. Because UWB uses precise timing rather than signal strength, it resists the multipath and interference that defeat other indoor methods.

Yes - needCode fuses UWB ranging with IMU and LiDAR odometry to produce robust pose estimation, because no single sensor is reliable on its own. UWB anchors absolute position, the IMU bridges short gaps and fast motion, and LiDAR odometry adds local structure, with edge inference for on-robot decisions. This is the difference between an occasional position fix and navigation you can act on.

Yes - that is exactly the gap needCode fills for robotics companies. Most robotics teams are world-class at ML and mechatronics but have never staffed RF and positioning, and building that bench in-house takes months better spent on the robot. We supply it as a feasibility study, a full RTLS and sensor-fusion build, or a dedicated embedded wireless team integrated with your program.

Yes - needCode has deployed UWB reliably in environments with heavy machinery, metallic structures, and significant RF interference, the conditions where most wireless positioning fails. UWB's time-of-flight approach and our NLOS handling are designed for exactly these spaces, which is where autonomous robots typically operate. We validate achievable accuracy on-site before committing to numbers.

Yes - needCode designs BLE and BLE Mesh networks for multi-robot coordination. The mesh engineering behind it is proven at 1,000 nodes with 99.9% delivery in commercial building deployments - our team co-authored Bluetooth SIG mesh specifications and delivered the world's first certified BLE Mesh stack - and the same discipline applies directly to robot fleets. The same positioning infrastructure supports fleet-wide location and coordination at scale.

needCode uses WiFi 6E/7 for high-throughput offload of perception and model inference to the cloud, and on-robot edge ML where latency or connectivity demands local processing. We design the multi-radio coexistence so positioning, human-robot comms, and cloud offload do not interfere with each other. Edge inference platforms such as Ambiq Apollo and Google Coral/Astra are part of the toolkit.

needCode delivers the wireless and positioning layer and integrates it with your robotics middleware, including ROS 2, exposing position and sensor data into your stack rather than replacing it. Our depth is in the UWB, sensor-fusion, and connectivity layers beneath autonomy.

needCode supports the UWB silicon used for precision robot positioning, including Qorvo QM33 and QM35 and legacy Decawave DW1000/DW3000, alongside platforms from Nordic, NXP, ST, and Infineon. As a certified Qorvo partner with 9 hardware-platform bring-ups completed, we start from chipset-level knowledge. We also provide a dedicated UWB protocol sniffer for interop debugging that the silicon vendors do not offer.

Static accuracy is at the centimetre level, and real-world accuracy for a moving robot depends on anchor density, environment, and update rate - which is why we run an on-site study before quoting numbers. Sensor fusion with IMU and LiDAR odometry maintains pose between UWB updates and through brief NLOS conditions. We give realistic figures for your deployment rather than best-case lab numbers.

Let's work on your next project together

Book a demo and discovery call with our CEO
to get a look at:
Strategic Expertise
End-to-End Solutions
Advanced Technology
Custom Hardware Devices
Bartek Kling
Bartek Kling / CEO
© 2026 needCode. All rights reserved.

Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing machines are typically equipped with IoT sensors that capture performance data. AIoT technology analyzes this sensor data, and based on vibration patterns, the AI predicts the machine's behavior and recommends actions to maintain optimal performance. This approach is highly effective for predictive maintenance, promoting safer working environments, continuous operation, longer equipment lifespan, and less downtime. Additionally, AIoT enhances quality control on production lines.

For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

Logistics & supply chain

IoT devices - from fleet vehicles and autonomous warehouse robots to scanners and beacons - generate large amounts of data in this industry. When combined with AI, this data can be leveraged for tracking, analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, and more, offering greater visibility into logistics operations and enhancing vendor partnerships.

Example: Amazon employs over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots to assist warehouse staff with heavy lifting, delivery, and package handling tasks. Other examples include AI-powered IoT devices such as cameras, RFID sensors, and beacons that help monitor goods' movement and track products within warehouses and during transportation. AI algorithms can also estimate arrival times and forecast delays by analyzing traffic conditions.

Retail

IoT sensors monitor movement and customer flow within a building, while AI algorithms analyze this data to offer insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This information enhances understanding of customer behavior, helps prevent stockouts, and improves customer analytics to drive sales. Furthermore, AIoT enables retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences by leveraging geographical data and individual shopping preferences.

For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

Agriculture

Recent research by Continental reveals that over 27% of surveyed farmers utilize drones for aerial land analysis. These devices capture images of crops as they are and transmit them to a dashboard for further assessment. However, AI can enhance this process even further.

For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

Smart Cities

Smart cities represent another domain where AIoT applications can enhance citizens' well-being, facilitate urban infrastructure planning, and guide future city development. In addition to traffic management, IoT devices equipped with AI can monitor energy consumption patterns, forecast demand fluctuations, and dynamically optimize energy distribution. AI-powered surveillance cameras and sensors can identify suspicious activities, monitor crowd density, and alert authorities to potential security threats in real-time, improving public safety and security.

For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Healthcare

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Smart Homes

The smart home ecosystem encompasses smart thermostats, locks, security cameras, energy management systems, heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. AI algorithms analyze data from these devices to deliver context-specific recommendations tailored to each user. This enables homeowners to use utilities more efficiently, create a personalized living space, and achieve sustainability goals.

For example, LifeSmart offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered IoT tools for smart homes, connecting new and existing intelligent appliances and allowing customers to manage them via their smartphones. Additionally, they provide an AI builder framework for deploying AI on smart devices, edge gateways, and the cloud, enabling AI algorithms to process data and user behavior autonomously.

Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

When your product is successfully launched and available on the market we provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your product remains competitive and reliable. This includes prompt resolution of any reported issues through bug fixes and updates.

We continuously enhance product features based on user feedback and market insights, optimizing performance and user experience.

Our team monitors product performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and proactively addresses potential issues. This phase aims to sustain product competitiveness, ensure customer satisfaction, and support long-term success in the market.

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Our software team focuses on completing the full product feature range, enhancing the user interface and experience, and handling all corner cases. We prepare product software across the whole lifecycle by providing all necessary procedures, such as manufacturing support and firmware upgrade.

We also finalize the product's hardware design to ensure robustness, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

This includes rigorous testing procedures to validate product performance, reliability, and security. We manage all necessary certifications and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the product meets industry standards and legal obligations.

By the end of this phase, your product is fully prepared for mass production and commercial deployment, with all documentation and certifications in place.

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Our development team focuses on implementing core product features and use cases to create a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We advance to refining the hardware design, moving from initial concepts to detailed PCB design allowing us to assemble first prototypes. Updated documentation from the Design phase ensures alignment with current project status. A basic test framework is established to conduct preliminary validation tests.

This prepares the product for real-world demonstrations to stakeholders, customers, and potential investors.

This phase is critical for validating market readiness and functionality before proceeding to full-scale production.

Design (From Idea to POC)

We meticulously select the optimal technology stack and hardware components based on your smart product idea with detailed use cases and feature requirements (Market Requirements Document / Business Requirements Document). Our team conducts thorough assessments of costs, performance metrics, power consumption, and resource requirements.

Deliverables include a comprehensive Product Requirements Document (PRD), detailed Software Architecture plans, an Initial Test Plan outlining validation strategies, Regulatory Compliance Analysis to ensure adherence to relevant standards, and a Proof of Concept (POC) prototype implemented on breakout boards.

This phase aims to validate the technical feasibility of your concept and establish a solid foundation for further development.

If you lack a validated idea and MRD/BRD, consider utilizing our IoT Strategic Roadmap service to gain insights into target markets, user needs, and desired functionality. Having a structured plan in the form of an IoT Strategic Roadmap before development begins is crucial to mitigate complications in subsequent product development phases.