TrackMe—A Hybrid Radio-Optical System for Assets Localization in Industry 4.0 Plants

Abstract

Precise localization is considered one of the most salient features of Industry 4.0 manufacturing facilities. For this reason, multiple solutions have already been proposed. The method presented in this paper entails the use of double-band radio and optical technologies for near-real-time location tracking and remote reporting, with a final tracking accuracy of 0.5 meters. To preserve low-energy operations, the system infrastructure part is deployed on passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, whereas the part installed on tracked assets implements energy-saving mechanisms. The system was deployed in an automotive production plant which allowed us to draw practical remarks on such aspects as the separation of onboard Ultra High Frequency (UHF) antennas; proper electromagnetic isolation of radio modules to prevent signal blocking; the placement and mechanical securing of RFID tags on the floor; as well as how to implement procedures to decrease the duty cycle, allowing for a trade-off between system sensitivity and energetic efficiency.