The project was performed in collaboration with the company Prevas AB. The aim of the project was to implement a GPS tracking device, or a GPS tracker, that has a hardware setup retrieving the GPS position of an object and then sends the position through a mobile communication module to a smartphone. A software application running on a smartphone simulator was developed to visualize the position with a Google map widget. The hardware unit consists of a GPS/GSM/GPRS module, a microcontroller, and a smartphone simulator that runs the software application made for iOS, Android and Linux operating systems using Flutter - an UI multi-platform software development kit. Implementation of the setup started with a Telit GM862 GSM/GPRS/3G-GPS module (together with a SmartGM862 development board), an Arduino UNO microcontroller board and a logical level converter. This first setup was not successful because a problem with the serial communication between the Telit GSM-GPS module and the Arduino could not be solved.  The second setup was implemented in which an Arduino GSM/GPRS/GPS shield was used with the Arduino board. The serial communication between the shield and the Arduino was functioning properly and a GPS position could be retrieved. The GPS position is published (sent) using a lightweight messaging protocol - MQTT (messaging queuing telemetry transport) through GPRS functions to the smartphone of the destination user.  To visualize the GPS position in a Google map, an Object Tracker app was implemented on the smartphone simulator app (an iPhone in this project) that subscribes and retrieves the GPS position, and then displays it on the map with a red marker indicating the position.  The GPS tracker with the second setup and the app has been tested and proved to work properly. It has, however, much room for improvement and further development, e.g., making the app more user-friendly, and designing and making a PCB so all the components are mounted on one board. It has been noticed in an initiated test that the GPS antenna placement could affect  positioning accuracy. This, thus, needs to be considered for high accuracy.

This Bachelor’s thesis, carried out by Isabelle Fredriksen at Blekinge Institute of Technology in collaboration with Embedded Art, aims to developa robust and user-friendly GPS tracker housing for cattle. The projectfocuses on improving livestock management through real-time monitoringand health surveillance, aiming to enhance animal welfare and operationalefficiency on farms. The project aims to design an innovative GPS housing that ensures secureattachment in a collar around a cow’s neck. It also seeks to optimize material selection for durability and minimal signal loss, as well as to develop anopening mechanism that protects internal components from environmentalimpacts. The project followed a structured product development processconsisting of a preliminary study, requirement specification, concept generation, concept evaluation, concept development, prototype development,and final evaluation. Through interviews and market surveys, importantrequirements for the product were identified, including ergonomic design tominimize stress and discomfort for the animals, as well as durable materialsthat can withstand various weather conditions. Three different design concepts were developed and evaluated. Several design iterations were assessed through a combination of practical tests oncattle and technical experiments, including tests for water resistance andsignal strength. The final design resulted in a modular housing, optimizedfor prolonged use without frequent maintenance. It includes a tightly sealing lid and robust fastening to ensure water resistance and protection ofinternal components. For future work, additional material testing should be performed to ensurethe final material choice is optimal for the intended environment. There isalso potential to integrate solar cells to extend battery life and reduce theneed for frequent battery replacements.

El presente trabajo de investigación desarrolla un proyecto empresarial enfocado en el diseño y comercialización de calzado para niñas, niños y adolescentes, cuyas edades oscilan entre 0 y 14 años de edad. Un aspecto relevante de este emprendimiento social es que operará bajo el modelo de negocios “Buy one, give one”, lo que implica que al efectuarse la venta de determinados modelos la empresa entregará a niños y adolescentes en situación de vulnerabilidad un par de zapatos. Además, se tiene previsto canalizar un porcentaje de las utilidades hacia entidades que realizan ayuda social. El trabajo está estructurado en siete partes: (i) Aspectos Generales, (ii) Planeamiento Estratégico, (iii) Investigación y Validación del Mercado, (vi) Plan de Marketing, (v) Plan de Operaciones, (vi) Estructura Organizacional y de Recursos Humanos y (vii) Planeamiento Económico Financiero. Se trata de un proyecto rentable. Se ha calculado una Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) FCNI de 64.32 %. Se observa que este proyecto genera un VPN FCNI de S/268,455.84 lo cual demuestra la viabilidad del mismo. / This research work develops a business project focused on the design and marketing of footwear for girls, boys and teenagers, whose ages range from 0 to 14 years old. A relevant aspect of this social enterprise is that it will operate under the “Buy one, give one” business model, which implies that when certain models are sold, the company will give children and adolescents in vulnerable situations a pair of shoes. In addition, it is planned to channel a percentage of the profits to entities that provide social assistance. The work is structured in seven parts: (i) General Aspects, (ii) Strategic Planning, (iii) Market Research and Validation, (vi) Marketing Plan, (v) Operations Plan, (vi) Organizational Structure and Human Resources and (vii) Financial Economic Planning. It is a highly profitable project. An Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 64.32 % has been calculated. It is observed that this project generates a NPV of S/268,455.84, which demonstrates its viability. / Trabajo de investigación