Wireless parking sensor FenSens was just flash funded $75,000 by Arrow — here’s why

After partnering with Indiegogo to bring tech entrepreneurs’ ideas to market, Arrow Electronics has been flash funding Arrow-Certified campaigns to bring projects to life. Winning recipient Andy Karuza, CEO and founder of FenSens — the world’s first wireless license plate frame sensor to offer backup sensing to any car — was just flash funded $75,000.

After noticing how difficult it was to find affordable and easy-to-install parking sensors, Karuza was inspired to use IoT technology to create a completely wireless device, allowing him to solve the price and installation problems that plague current solutions on the market.

“FenSens’ simplicity and affordability are the two key value propositions,” said Karuza. “Cheap kits can be bought online, but they are very difficult to install and the hidden cost is the professional help which costs $300 to $1,000. At the dealership level it costs upwards of $3,000 for an aftermarket parking sensor install.”

Fortunately, FenSens’ accompanying app for Android and iOS provide all the features you’d need for an affordable parking sensor. With Android, the app launches automatically once you begin a parking maneuver, and on iOS, you’ll receive a push notification that allows you to open the app and receive feedback. Instead of fiddling with the app while on the road, Karuza suggests users mount their phones before use. 

Adding to the simplicity of the device, FenSens installs with four security screws with an included custom screw set to prevent theft — no wiring or professional installation is needed. Once you’re within range of the car during daily use, the app pairs with the device, but it does require an initial pairing setup upon installation.

As for what brings the app and device together, Karuza and his team use ultrasonic sensors, lithium-ion batteries, and a Bluetooth module as the three main components to bring the technology to life.

“Almost everyone has their cell phone on them at all times with access to the app,” said Karuza. “The ultrasonic sensors work by using sound to detect an object up to 10 feet behind the vehicle. The lithium-ion batteries keep the device charged for five months and are easy to pop out and replace. The Bluetooth module provides a low energy and reliable technology for communicating between the app and the FenSens device.”

For drivers with vehicles such as a Jeep, which may have a spare tire mounted on back, it may take a bit of maneuvering for FenSens to properly work.

“Jeeps and trucks with recessed plates may have issues, so we’re going to do a truck specific version at some point,” said Karuza. “The recessed plates could cause issues by blocking the sensors or making it impossible to fit the license plate frame over top of the plate.”  

However, the sensor can work with Jeeps — there would just be a perspective issue for the driver. It could still be used for simple backup maneuvers, but isn’t recommended for parallel parking.  

When it comes to funding, Karuza said Arrow and Indiegogo have been helpful from day one. “Both teams have been very communicative and have answered any questions that we had,” he said. “Arrow is helping out as an engineering partner by doing a design review and helping us source high-quality and affordable components, while the Indiegogo team helped us build the perfect campaign page and was helpful with marketing.”

Now in the pre-production testing stage, the FenSens team is creating the EVT and DVT samples for testing the product in every scenario possible. Afterwards, they’ll make the necessary changes and begin production this upcoming December or January.

Currently, FenSens retails for $149.99, but it's available for the special price of $99 during the pre-order phase. However, this is a one-time price and is limited in supply. Additionally, Karuza and his team are looking forward to rolling out more automotive IoT products in the future. 

Arrow is flash funding innovative products now — sign up here for your shot at game-changing funds, engineering resources and tools, discounts, and personal guidance from experts.  

Electronic Products is owned by AspenCore, a subsidiary of Arrow Electronics.