Build an UWB Indoor Positioning System using ESP32 and Qorvo DWM3000

This project shows how to build an indoor positioning system with centimetre-level accuracy using the combination of:

A host microcontroller: ESP32

A UWB (Ultra-Wideband) module: Qorvo DWM3000

Unlike GPS (which works well outdoors but fails to deliver high accuracy indoors) the system uses UWB radio ranging to locate a moving tag relative to fixed anchors in a room. The article explains how to set up the hardware, firmware and software to achieve indoor localisation down to ~10 cm accuracy.

1. DIY Indoor Positioning System using ESP32 & Qorvo DWM3000

2. Introduction Indoor positioning remains a challenge as GPS performs poorly indoors. For applications like warehouse robotics, AR/VR, or asset tracking, centimetre -level accuracy is essential. Traditional methods ( WiFi , Bluetooth) are limited to metre -level accuracy, while UWB (Ultra-Wideband) offers precise time-of-flight measurement with nanosecond precision.

3. Key Components Components Required : • Qorvo DWM3000 UWB module (IEEE 802.15.4z compliant) • ESP32 microcontroller as host Hardware Components: • 4 × DWM3000 modules (1 tag + 3 anchors) • 4 × ESP32 boards • Power supply, wiring, breadboard

4. Technology Overview How it Works: 1. Anchors are fixed at known positions. 2. Tag (ESP32 + DWM3000) performs ranging with anchors. 3. The DS‑TWR technique measures distances. 4. WiFi sends data to the PC for trilateration and visualisation . UWB signals provide high precision and resist multipath reflections.

5. Design & Implementation Connections: SPI Interface: SCK‑GPIO18, MOSI‑GPIO23, MISO‑GPIO19, CS‑GPIO4 Power: VCC‑3.3 V, GND‑GND

6. Results & Demonstration Accuracy: ~10 cm indoors with proper calibration. Demo Setup: Anchors placed at fixed coordinates in a room. Tag’s real-time (x, y) position displayed on screen. Observations: Anchor geometry and calibration affect accuracy. NLOS and reflections can degrade results.

7. Conclusion & Future Work Future Enhancements: Add multiple tags and anchors Implement TDoA for larger coverage Integrate with mobile apps or robotics Expand to 3D positioning Reference: https://circuitdigest.com/microcontrollers-projects/diy-indoor-uwb-positioning-system-using-esp32-and-qorvo-dwm3000