Alkit refines data collection with Kvaser Edge

In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, the industry has turned more towards data-driven product development. Alkit is a leader in supporting sophisticated data-driven development through their Wireless Information Collection Environment (WICE) system.

To meet the growing demand for robust in-vehicle data collection, Alkit has sought hardware that complements its WICE system. The Kvaser Edge has proved ideal, delivering capabilities in rugged in-vehicle acquisition for the most challenging environments.

Alkit’s WICE system

The Wireless Information Collection Environment (WICE) system was created in 2005 as a wireless data collection system that used 2G hotspots. Over the years, it has evolved into a sophisticated two-part system. Today, the WICE system encompasses WICE units (in-vehicle units) for data acquisition and a robust cloud-based backend to process and analyze the collected information.

In the web-based user interface, the WICE Portal, users can define precise measurement assignments to collect various data types – from time series-signals to diagnostic information to manage vehicle fleets. The WICE system also has an API, where the user can create system automations to collect data, perform analyses and control the system in various ways.

The need for robust in-vehicle hardware

The WICE system has been an asset for automotive manufacturers, giving them insights essential for data-driven product development. However, as vehicle technology evolves, so do the demands for data collection.

Alkit’s automotive clients increasingly deploy WICE across large fleets and for rigorous field testing. Mathias Johanson, CEO of Alkit explains:

“Throughout the lifetime of WICE, we’ve had many different types of hardware represented as WICE units. Depending on the customer, there are slightly different requirements for it. We’ve noticed that some customers want a more solid and robust unit than what WICE primarily has today.”

Standard hardware often struggles with extreme temperatures, vibration, and dust—conditions that can lead to data loss and system failures.

The rugged benefits of Kvaser Edge

“We think it’s a very good product from the perspective of it’s convenient to measure CAN. Also, we see that other interfaces are starting to emerge, such as LIN, which can be interesting in some cases. We believe it can meet the needs for many of our customers .”

Unlocking data potential with WICE and Kvaser Edge

Alkit has been involved in the design phase of the Kvaser Edge to ensure that it has features that can support their customers’ need for data collection. Their involvement has also helped Alkit to port their WICE system to KEOS (Kvaser Edge OS)

Alkit’s WICE system integrated in KEOS ensures continuous, reliable data logging in harsh environments. Even if the connection between the WICE system and Kvaser Edge is lost, the Kvaser Edge will continue to perform the tasks it has been assigned, ensuring that the data is safe and available when the connection with WICE has been re-established.

With WICE and KEOS combined, users can perform data-driven development on their vehicle fleet, helping them to make critical design and development decisions. Users can quickly test proof-of-concepts and perform rapid prototyping to validate new concepts without the need of dedicated hardware. Software can be deployed wirelessly to the fleet, enabling continuous development and A/B testing of different software versions.

The accessible data from the vehicle fleet reduces the development time, bringing products to markets faster. It allows users to perform enhanced control by detecting faults before going into production – saving them costs associated with recalls. WICE also features Fleet Management and State of health, which allows the users to track status, location and health of their vehicle fleets.

Expanding data collection beyond automotive

Alkit sees a future where their WICE system can be used for more applications than automotive. As more industries start to rely on precise real-world data to drive innovation and development, Alkit sees opportunities for WICE’s core capabilities. WICE’ proven adaptability makes it ideal for industries like mining, marine, heavy machinery, and other sectors that require real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. Mathias Johanson explains:

“There’s a huge manufacturing industry that needs data collection, which hasn’t come nearly as far, and we are far ahead when it comes to connected data collection. I see huge opportunities going forward – with good business on WICE, Kvaser Edge, and similar systems.”

Want to know more about Alkit and the possibilities of their WICE system? Read more here!