Makerfabs MaTouch ESP32-S3: UWB enables sub-meter indoor positioning

Thanks to GNSS, modern smartphones and affordable smartwatches can determine location with sufficient accuracy almost anywhere outdoors. However, satellite navigation delivers meter-level rather than true centimeter-level precision and fails indoors. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) offers a compelling alternative for indoor tracking: by pinging fixed anchor stations, a device can calculate its relative position in real time. Makerfabs designed its MaTouch ESP32-S MaUWB to serve as an accessible entry point into UWB technology and a versatile foundation for custom hardware projects.

The system supports up to eight anchor points, enabling positioning accuracy well under one meter. Anchor coordinates can be entered directly into the device, allowing its position to be tracked live on the built-in screen. The display itself is a 3.95-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 480 × 320 pixels. At its core is the popular ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a familiar chip for many makers. Power can be supplied either via USB Type-C (4.0 to 5.25 V) or a LiPo battery, eliminating the need for a permanent tether.

Software development is handled through the Arduino IDE, with the Light and Versatile Graphics Library (LVGL) powering the graphical user interface. According to the manufacturer, initial setup takes only a few minutes. While tailored builds naturally require additional configuration, potential application fields include VR and AR environments as well as robotics. The MaTouch ESP32-S3 MaUWB is currently available for around $60.