Key Takeaways
- Lumitracker is a new technology developed by Garver that allows city and state transportation departments to measure the effectiveness of street lighting while traveling at highway speeds.
- The technology is a vehicle hitch-mounted device that collects street lighting data and provides it to users via a cloud-based mapping software.
- Lumitracker helps users identify areas where street lights need to be replaced or adjusted, such as when a nearby tree is blocking the light.
- The technology has been invested with around $300,000, including labor, and is available for rent at $6,700 weekly.
- Lumitracker is expected to become a viable part of Garver’s business and help the company enter new markets.
Introduction to Lumitracker
Garver, an Arkansas engineering firm, has recently released a first-of-its-kind technology called Lumitracker, which allows city and state transportation departments to measure the effectiveness of street lighting while traveling at highway speeds. This innovative technology is a vehicle hitch-mounted device that enables users to obtain street lighting data while driving. The collected data is then provided to users via a cloud-based mapping software, similar to a geographical information system. This software shows the effectiveness of each street light, highlighting areas where lights need to be replaced or adjusted, such as when a nearby tree is blocking the light.
Development of Lumitracker
The development of Lumitracker was led by Bart Gilbreath, electrical resiliency and illumination leader at Garver in Rogers, who worked as an adviser on the project with Garver’s Innovation Incubator. Gilbreath has worked for Garver for nearly 21 years and identified a need for this technology over the years. Cities and highway departments wanted to be proactive in maintaining their street lights, rather than reactive when a light goes out or has an issue. Gilbreath collaborated with Keith Tencleve, director of innovation and business support at Garver in Fayetteville, and the innovation incubator team to develop Lumitracker. Tencleve said that there is no other integrated lighting system like Lumitracker that is rentable and can collect lighting data.
Features and Benefits of Lumitracker
Lumitracker is an integrated system that includes a vehicle hitch-mounted device and a cloud-based mapping software. The device collects street lighting data while driving, and the software provides users with a visual representation of their entire lighting system throughout their city. This allows users to analyze their lighting system and identify areas where improvements are needed. The system is easy to use, and clients receive a link to the cloud-based software that enables them to visualize and analyze their lighting system. Lumitracker is rented for $6,700 weekly, which includes the device, the analysis portal, and everything needed to collect and analyze the data.
Investment and Availability of Lumitracker
Garver has invested around $300,000 in the development of Lumitracker, including labor. The company has built two devices, and more are being built in-house. Lumitracker is currently available for rent, and clients in Florida, Mississippi, and Texas have recently rented the devices. Tencleve expects Lumitracker usage to grow and become a viable part of Garver’s business. He also expects Lumitracker to help Garver enter new markets. With its innovative technology and user-friendly interface, Lumitracker is poised to make a significant impact in the field of street lighting maintenance.
Future of Lumitracker
The future of Lumitracker looks promising, with Tencleve expecting the technology to become a key part of Garver’s business. The company plans to make Lumitracker available across its 20-state footprint, providing cities and highway departments with a valuable tool for maintaining their street lighting systems. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, it is likely to become an essential tool for transportation departments, helping them to proactively maintain their street lights and ensure public safety. With its innovative approach to street lighting maintenance, Lumitracker is set to make a lasting impact in the industry.