Pingonaut

Kidswatch

Pingonaut KidsWatch

2016 - today

Pingonaut is a newly established company specializing in the sale of positioning devices. Their first product is a localizable kidswatch. This is precisely adapted in the range of functions, combined with specially developed (web) apps, to the target group of children aged 5-10.
Our task was to develop an app that allows parents to stay in touch with their children via (voice) messages or voice calls and to track their movement on a map. Via geofences, parents are able to define safe areas. When entering or leaving these areas, they receive a PUSH notification. Thus, they are up-to-date about the whereabouts of their child.

It's all about the Details

To visually represent the character of Pingonaut, we created special icons and graphics.

These appeal both to children and parents due to the two different styles, playful design and clean lines. This guarantees the joy of using the watch and app.

Challenge

Pingonaut was at the beginning of product development at the start of the project. Thus, the software development requirements were subject to dynamic prioritization, frequent changes, tight timelines and a limited budget.

The server backend is able to communicate not only with the app but also with the hardware and firmware developed in China. Partially complex information is precisely evaluated, reliably processed and securely forwarded.

The development demanded the definition of the specifications that go hand in hand with the distribution of an electronic product in Germany. Added to this was the comparatively difficult communication with the hardware manufacturer in China.

How we made it awesome

Decisive for the success of the project were the high adaptability, the broad spectrum of knowledge and the excellent analytical skills of our entire team.

Market volume was uncertain at launch. In response, we relied on a server system that could scale horizontally and expand easily.
In addition, server deployment was completely automated so that the system could be rolled out to any number of servers.

Specifications of different mobile network providers were intensively researched. Thus, we knew how to implement them into the software. This allowed us to integrate a functional, microservice-based system into the European sales market.

The Pingonaut Kidswatch is characterized by software Made and Hosted in Germany. It follows the standards and data protection according to German law.

If it wasn’t for anfema, there wouldn’t be a Kidswatch.
The concept they created is thought right down to the last detail, the platform they developed doesn’t leave a single question unanswered and exceeds all expectations. Expressing gigantic know-how, unusual flexibility and unlimited dedication, anfema is definitely one of the best agencies in the digital industry.

Stefan Hampel Chief Operating Officer, Lokato GmbH

Technology we used

We developed the Pingonaut Kids app natively for iOS and Android. The PostgreSQL backend database also serves as a message broker for microservices.
We used Mapbox as a low-cost alternative to GoogleMaps. Mapbox also offers a comprehensive API.
The localization service is complemented by Unwired Labs. This is a learning location API that includes WLANs for positioning in addition to radio cells. By using Node.js, we simultaneously keep a large number of connections (some without information flow) stable without blocking them.

Sounds interesting?

You want to know more about the project or our implementation? No matter if you are a customer or an applicant, contact us! Whether you are a customer or an applicant, please feel free to contact us! Drop by for a coffee either in Munich or Augsburg - we're looking forward to it!