Case Study: Real-Time Vehicle Intelligence with TKE’s IoEX Gateway
Smart Data Collection for NTM —Proven Engineering. Smarter Vehicles.
When NTM, a leading Nordic manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles, needed a partner to prototype a real-time data collection system, they turned to TK Engineering—experts in CAN-based embedded systems and edge connectivity solutions. As a trusted developer and integrator of CAN-based control systems, modular architectures, and IoT platforms, we support customers with end-to-end services—from system design to troubleshooting and cloud integration. Whether you’re working on off-highway machines, remote-controlled energy systems, or mission-critical defense vehicles, TKE brings the right mix of hardware, software, and real-world experience.
The Smart Data Collection case study for NTM & Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrates how TKE enables vehicle manufacturers to leverage high-performance, event-driven data architectures in demanding real-world environments. The project was powered by TKE’s IoEX Gateway software, running on the robust owasys owa5x platform—a scalable and secure edge device purpose-built for vehicular integration.
Objective: Actionable Fleet Data, Straight from the CAN Bus
The mission was clear: deploy a prototype that could harvest operational data from the vehicle’s CAN systems in the field, in real-time. The system would be tested on an end-customer vehicle, providing NTM and their clients with tangible insights from live operations. The key innovation? Event-driven data transmission. Instead of constant polling, the gateway detects state changes and pushes updates to the cloud—minimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining data integrity.

NTM Premises – May 2025
Signals Collected via CAN: Intelligent Monitoring at the Edge
The IoEX Gateway was configured to collect and interpret a variety of J1939 and proprietary CAN signals, including:
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Bin-lift cycle status
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Compaction status (manual/auto)
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Hydraulic oil temperature and pressure
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Fuel rate, vehicle speed, and weight
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Operational runtime
Engineered for Edge Intelligence
IoEX Gateway software – TKE’s modular edge stack for signal acquisition, preprocessing, and secure cloud integration
Owasys owa5x – Industrial-grade platform with:
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- i.MX8 quad-core processor + NPU (for AI/ML at the edge)
- Full CAN, CANopen, and J1939 support
- Built-in secure boot and TPM 2.0 for cybersecurity compliance
Outcome: Foundation for Smart Fleet Transformation
This PoC showed that TKE’s system can be quickly rolled out and scaled across fleet operations. With real-time CAN diagnostics and cloud integration, NTM is now ready to enhance their offerings toward:
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Predictive maintenance
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Advanced diagnostics
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Usage-based service models
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Lower TCO and increased uptime for fleet operators

Why OEMs Trust TKE
TKE isn’t just a supplier—we are a trusted engineering partner. With a strong local presence in both Finland and Sweden, we offer responsive, region-specific support that our customers can rely on. Our deep expertise in CAN technologies, ensures that we deliver technically sound solutions tailored to complex systems.
We provide custom embedded systems development with comprehensive lifecycle support, from concept and prototyping to deployment and long-term maintenance. Our experience spans multiple demanding sectors—including Off-Highway, Marine, Energy, and Defence, making us a reliable partner for OEMs seeking robust, intelligent, and future-ready engineering solutions.
With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in CAN-based systems and functional safety, TK Engineering is a trusted partner for clients who demand reliability, precision, and compliance in every detail. Our deep involvement in shaping international safety standards like CANopen Safety reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of industrial communication.
Whether you’re building the next generation of mobile work machines, advancing safety in process automation, we speak your language—protocols, profiles, and performance—working alongside your team from the first concept through to deployment.
We don’t just deliver systems. We help you deliver peace of mind. WeCAN