KēZ

Overview

KēZ is a vehicle security system that combines cellular connectivity with Bluetooth for comprehensive protection. The LTE-M connection enables remote monitoring and control from anywhere, while Bluetooth provides a seamless local experience when near the vehicle.

NRB Tech developed the complete embedded firmware, iOS application, and backend integration for this connected security platform.

The Challenge

Vehicle security systems have to be trusted every day. A missed alert or false alarm erodes confidence quickly, and the device must continue operating in harsh automotive conditions while drawing as little power as possible from the vehicle battery.

Intelligent Auto-Arm Security

The system automatically secures the vehicle when the owner walks away, removing the need for manual arming. Bluetooth proximity sensing detects when the owner leaves and arms the system after a configurable delay.

Security logic runs entirely on the device, so core behaviour remains consistent even when cellular connectivity is unavailable.

Always-On Without Draining the Battery

The power management system maintains 24/7 security monitoring while keeping draw on the vehicle battery to a minimum:

• Coordinated power states between processor and cellular modem
• Continuous battery voltage monitoring with automatic behaviour adjustment
• Instant wake-up on user interaction or security events
• Intelligent standby modes during periods of inactivity

Designed for Long-Term Reliability

Devices deployed in vehicles face vibration, temperature extremes, intermittent power, and poor connectivity. The firmware includes multiple layers of self-healing:

• Self-Healing Systems — Automatic recovery handles cellular drops and power fluctuations
• Automatic Modem Recovery — Hardware watchdog logic power-cycles unresponsive cellular modems
• Accurate Event Logging — Precise timestamp tracking supports security audits and incident investigation
• Robust Provisioning — Atomic backend transactions prevent incomplete device registrations

Field Serviceability

Live Bluetooth diagnostics allow service technicians to stream diagnostic data directly to the mobile app, reducing troubleshooting time without requiring physical access to debug interfaces.

Over-the-Air updates enable bug fixes and new features to be deployed to devices in the field through the companion app, with no need to recall hardware or schedule service visits.

iOS Application

The companion app gives users and installers a practical interface for setup, visibility, and ongoing use:

• Subscription management with clear Basic and Premium tiers
• Device setup and configuration
• Real-time security status monitoring
• Location history and event logs

Built for Future Hardware

The architecture uses shared C++ components across iOS, Android, and firmware, helping security logic behave consistently across platforms. A Hardware Abstraction Layer separates business logic from hardware specifics, making future hardware revisions easier to support without rewriting the core system.