BLE 6.0 Channel Sounding: Achieving 10cm Accuracy in Indoor Positioning
How Bluetooth Low Energy evolved to deliver centimeter-level positioning accuracy — and why it matters for indoor asset tracking.
BLE 6.0 Channel Sounding: Achieving 10cm Accuracy in Indoor Positioning
The gap between Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for indoor positioning just got a lot smaller. With the introduction of Bluetooth 6.0 channel sounding, BLE can now achieve 10cm (centimeter) accuracy — a breakthrough that was previously only possible with UWB technology.
The Evolution of BLE Positioning
BLE has come a long way from its origins as a low-power alternative to classic Bluetooth:
| Version | Year | Positioning Capability |
|---|---|---|
| BLE 4.0 | 2010 | Basic RSSI-based (meter-level accuracy) |
| BLE 5.1 | 2019 | Direction Finding (AoA/AoD) |
| BLE 6.0 | 2024 | Channel Sounding (10cm accuracy) |
Traditional BLE positioning relied on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) to estimate distance. This method typically yields accuracy in the meter range — sufficient for proximity detection but not for precise tracking.
What is Channel Sounding?
Bluetooth 6.0 introduces channel sounding, a new method that enables distance measurement between devices with centimeter-level accuracy.
How It Works
Channel sounding uses phase-based ranging (PBR) to measure the distance between two BLE devices:
- Phase Measurement: The transmitter sends signals at multiple frequencies
- Phase Shift Calculation: The receiver measures the phase shift across these frequencies
- Distance Computation: The phase differences are converted to precise distance measurements
This approach is far more accurate than RSSI-based methods because it’s less affected by environmental factors like signal reflection and absorption.
Why 10cm Accuracy Matters
For indoor asset tracking and RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems), 10cm accuracy opens up new possibilities:
Warehouse & Logistics
- Precise pallet and inventory location
- Automated forklift guidance
- Dock door throughput optimization
Healthcare
- Medical equipment tracking in hospitals
- Patient flow monitoring
- Surgical instrument management
Manufacturing
- Tool and fixture tracking
- Work-in-progress (WIP) localization
- Safety compliance monitoring
Retail
- Customer footfall analysis
- Asset protection
- Inventory management
BLE vs UWB: The New Reality
| Feature | BLE 6.0 (Channel Sounding) | UWB |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ~10cm | ~10cm |
| Power Consumption | Very Low | Medium |
| Device Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Range | Up to 200m | Up to 200m |
| Ecosystem | Mature (Bluetooth SIG) | Growing |
| Smartphone Support | Broad | Limited |
BLE’s advantage lies in its ubiquitous ecosystem. Every smartphone, tablet, and laptop already supports Bluetooth — no specialized hardware required on the client side.
Practical Applications
Asset Tracking
With 10cm accuracy, BLE can now reliably track:
- Warehouse pallets and containers
- Medical equipment in hospitals
- Tools in manufacturing facilities
- Shopping carts and in retail
baskets Indoor Navigation
Centimeter-level positioning enables:
- Turn-by-turn navigation in large complexes
- Autonomous robot guidance
- Accessibility navigation for visually impaired individuals
Proximity Solutions
Precise distance measurement enables:
- Contactless access control
- Smart parking systems
- Asset proximity alerts
The Intensecomp Perspective
At Intensecomp, we’ve been watching BLE positioning technology evolve closely. The arrival of 10cm-accurate BLE is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Cost Reduction: Deploying BLE-based RTLS is significantly cheaper than UWB
- Battery Life: BLE devices can run for years on a single battery
- Integration Ease: Works seamlessly with existing Bluetooth infrastructure
- Scalability: Supports thousands of tags without infrastructure overhaul
Looking Ahead
The Bluetooth SIG’s continued investment in positioning technology signals strong market demand. As BLE 6.0 devices become more prevalent in 2026 and beyond, we expect to see:
- Increased adoption in industrial IoT
- New use cases in smart buildings and cities
- Better integration with digital twin platforms
- Enhanced analytics capabilities
Ready to explore BLE-based asset tracking for your facility? Contact Intensecomp to discuss your indoor positioning requirements.
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