IoT
Consumer Electronics
Mobile apps
Full-Cycle Product Design
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Design
Firmware Development
Mobile App Development
EVT, DVT, PVT
2018 - 2020
Keys are one of the most fundamental items in society, but are also one of the most frequently lost. Physical keys are small, light, and only used for one task: open locks. However, although we are likely to lose our keys, we almost never forget our smartphones. Therefore, to solve this issue, modern smart locks can close and open by simply connecting to your phone, without the burden of physical keys.
The most challenging parts of using intelligent padlocks are how to deal with the energy limitation and security risks. This can be solved using low-energy components and reliable data interface. After all, in the tightly interconnected world with new IoT and cybersecurity advancements, why rely on physical keys to lock your belongings?
AJProTech partnered with KWLocks to create the MoKoo: a Smart Bluetooth Padlock designed to be controlled directly by a mobile app to open and share access.
KWLocks is a leading Hong Kong manufacturer and distributor of locks and security products for worldwide retailers in China, Japan, and United States.
Our engineers at AJProTech applied our extensive experience in hardware, firmware, and software design - combined with our passion in IoT products - to create a reliable padlock witn low power consumption, long battery life, and user-friendly mobile apps.
AJProTech led the entire product design - from Idea to Manufacturing
The MoKoo is a portable, wireless, and safe smart lock designed to be controlled through a dedicated smartphone app. Instead of using physical keys, MoKoo can be unlocked by a user-defined code or via Bluetooth, using the app. Moreover, the lock can be opened by different people, through a shared-access system that can be configured in the app.
MoKoo operates with bank-grade security, using AES-128 encryption to ensure that only you and your trusted ones can have access to the lock.
The low-power consumption, water-proof design, and zinc alloy body give the MoKoo capability to operate autonomously for over a year in most environments, so you are free to use it outdoors when necessary.
Finally, the MoKoo also provides a logging system to keep track of when and where the lock was accessed, giving you an extra layer of security and control.
Here at AJProtech we want more than just making a product work: we put ourselves into the user’s shoes to see how we can make it in the most convenient and reliable way, considering all possible applications and conditions.
For this product, our design approach was based on three pillars: reliability, security, and convenience. We wanted to provide the user as much control as possible over the MoKoo, while preventing any malfunction due to power limitation, environmental conditions, or malicious attacks.
The first big issue is the power consumption, that is, how to put enough energy into such a small device. We addressed this issue by using Bluetooth low power (BLE) module and a low consumption motor system, which can operate over a year with only 2 CR2032 lithium batteries. To ensure proper operation under any condition outdoors, we designed a device that can operate with temperatures from -23°C to 65°C, with a waterproof (IP66) zinc enclosure.
To achieve the security pillar, we designed a communication system with bank-grade encryption, to prevent any malicious access to the device from third parties, and to ensure reliable communication and data transfer from the actual user. Padlock uses metal allow enclosure that can withstand brutal mechanical force and numerous break in attempts.
Finally, we addressed the convenience pillar by adding several features to the lock and the app, including unlocking by proximity, unlocking by manual code (if the smartphone is not easily accessible), access sharing between users, access tracking, and battery monitoring. Moreover, we designed the battery changing process to be as simple as possible, without any screws or complicated sequences.
Most of the mechanical design was focused on making the device strong and resilient, to mitigate degradation over time and prevent malicious incursions. Thus, we used boron carbide, a material that is both hard and light that is also applied in military tanks and bulletproof vests, to create the perfect shackle.
Moreover, an anti-shim locking mechanism was designed, significantly improving security. The final result is a lightweight, strong, and extremely resistant IP66 lock with an elegant and discrete design. Locking mechanism uses low-power motor to open/close the shackle. Jump start connector allows to connect backup battery is lock runs out of energy
Electrical Engineers at AJProTech are experts in IoT Hardware development. We have a proven process designing consumers electronics products. Starting with system architecture and components selection, we reliably produce future-proof and cost-effective electrical designs. Our Design for Manufacturing experience helps covering the entire hardware product development - from early prototypes to mass production in few sprints / iterations.
Padlock operates with a single 4-layer PCB optimized for mass production cost and manufacturability. Brain of the padlock is Texas Instruments’ CC2640R2F microcontroller with BLE4.2 and printed PCB antenna. 6 buttons allow entering manual user-defined code to open the lock when smartphones is not nearby. We paid particular attention to component cost to simplify supply chain. PCB uses impedance mathching to minimize EMI and achive maxium BLE connection range. Padlock successfully went through FCC and Bluetooth certification.
Low power motor drives the locking mechanism. Power convertor maximizes energy transfer from two CR2032 batteries and protects from battery drain. Finally, backup power connector allows to jump-start the padlock using a spare battery if padlock runs out of power.
Electronics prototyping started on development boards to rapidly validate microcontroller, motor operation, and BLE connection to a Mobile app. IoT product development involves several iterations of PCB design and prototyping. Custom PCBs are manufactured and then assembled & tested in-house to expedite the path from prototypes to production-ready designs. Each iteration includes Bill of Material optimization and Design for Manufacturing techniques.
Mechanical design includes a combination of steel, zinc alloy, and plastic parts. First, rapid prototyping was completed using CNC machining to get enclosure samples from a solid piece of metal. After initial validation, custom tooling was created to produce prototypes from zinc alloy using injection molding. KWLocks factory and manufacturing capabilities were fundamental in this step to achieve mechanical strength. After several iterations, all components worked together and the MoKoo was born
State-of-the-art embedded firmware is essential for Internet-of-Things devices, as most operations are done onboard. The MoKoo padlock is built around CC2640R2F BLE SoC, featuring BLE4.2 with AES-128 Encryption. It uses a custom GATT profile to connect to BLE-enabled smartphones, being compatible with iOS and Android.
The BLE communication also allows over-the-air firmware updates, so that padlock is always equipped with the up-to-date functionality. Firmware is optimized for low power consumption, using sleep modes and low power processing algorithms, achieving 1 year of operation with a single battery charge.
AJProTech software team created user-friendly mobile apps for iOS and Android, as well as backend cloud that supports up to 5,000,000 users
Our software engineers create reliable IoT mobile apps using Agile sprints. Starting with UX and UI, app development goes through a series our milestiones of engineering, Quality Assurance, and publication to App Stores.
The MoKoo mobile app allows to
Majority of users operate MoKoo padlock with a single tap in mobile app interface. Some users configure mobile app to open the lock automatically when they approach the padlock using Proximity Mode. Lastly, if phone is not around, padlock can be opened with a assigned code combination.
The owner of the padlock may also provide permanent of temporary access to others through mobile app.
IoT Mobile apps that connect to physical products require extensive BLE expertise. No one wants to get stuck with a padlock that does not open due to a software glitch. Software engineers at AJProTech develop IoT mobile apps and do quality assurance with Manual and Automated QA.
Cloud server is designed with scale in mind to support up to 5,000,000 padlocks. High-volume OEM clients may choose to use a dedicated server to have full control over padlock data.
Mobile apps are available on Apple App Store and Google Play. Apps comply with GDRP and California Privacy act.
AJProTech led engineering and prototyping throughout EVT (Engineering Validation), DVT (Design Validation), and PVT (Production Validation) stages.
KWLocks is a leading manufacturer and distributor of mechanucal locks and security products. AJProTech team worked closely with factory engineers at DVT stage to establish supply chain for a new product, configure production equipment, prepare test manuals, and run extensive endurance tests. Video above shows padlock being tested by an automated machine to test longevity of buttons and locking mechanism.
At PVT stage, KWLocks produced a series of pilot units validation, beta testing, and FCC/CE Compliance testing. Manufacturing routines are ready for production of MoKoo padlocks.
Download User Manual to learn about functionality, specifications, and how to operate Mokoo padlock.
Mokoo is a trademark of Innova Ideas Limited.
Mokoo padlock complies with Part 15 of FCC rules.
Innova Ideas successfully manufactured and tested pilot batch of MoKoo padlocks in Hong Kong and Japan. MoKoo padlocks are available through service partners in the U.S, Japan, and China. OEM and whitelabel versions presented to volume customers.
Learn moreMoKoo Lock mobile apps available in App Store and Google Play
Learn moreInnova Ideas registered trademark and multiple patents for MoKoo padlock
Learn more
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