Annual Pet Tracking Competition in 2025: Tracking Fido Using LoRa and GPS Technology - Loko
In 2019, Akio Sato initiated a project on website.io that would eventually become the Loko LoRa/GPS tracker - a device entered in the 2025 Pet Hacks Contest. Originally conceived as a backup locator beacon for lost drones, Loko has proven versatile, providing an efficient solution for tracking various devices, belongings, or pets, particularly in regions without cellular coverage.
Standing at just 12 grams, the compact tracking device ensures minimal discomfort for even the smallest pets, and its dimensions of 30 mm x 23 mm make it suitable for attachment to any collar. The accompanying ground station, although larger, is generally more substantial than typical pets. It pairs with a smartphone, allowing users to track Loko's precise location via a map on their mobile device.
The devices use LoRa technology to transmit data, offering a range of up to 15 km. In urban environments, connecting Loko to a LoRaWAN network could potentially extend this range. Its power-saving capabilities are impressive, with a single charge capable of lasting up to 270 days - a feature hoped to remain unnecessary for tracking a missing pet.
Loko's hardware is built around the Wio-E5 LoRa chip manufactured by Seeed, which combines an STM32 microcontroller with a LoRa radio. The firmware is written in MicroPython, and the project's codebase is available through GitHub under the MIT license. However, details about the development of the app that interfaces with this hardware are not yet provided in the repository. Although empty at the moment, the apps are free and accessible on both the iOS App Store and Google Play.
The Pet Hacks Contest, which accepts entries until May 10th, still welcomes your own creative hacks. If you're yet to start, there's still plenty of time to dive into the world of pet-related inventions and innovation.
Loko LoRa/GPS tracker's unique qualities stem from its open-source design, LoRa technology integration, water resistance, durability, and ultra-low power consumption, making it a reliable solution for various real-time location monitoring purposes.
- The Loko LoRa/GPS tracker's firmware is written in MicroPython, utilizing the Wio-E5 LoRa chip for hardware, and open-source under the MIT license.
- The Loko LoRa/GPS tracker, despite its small size suitable for collars, can potentially have its range extended in urban environments by connecting to a LoRaWAN network.
- Smartphone applications, although not fully detailed in the Loko LoRa/GPS tracker's repository, are available for free on both iOS App Store and Google Play, allowing users to track the device's location.
