What is UWB asset tracking?
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) asset tracking is a technology that uses radio waves to accurately locate and monitor assets in real-time within indoor environments. UWB provides high precision, typically within 2 to 10 centimeters, making it ideal for industries that require meticulous asset management.
How does UWB location work?
UWB tracking uses distance measurement via time-of-flight (abbreviated to ToF) to precisely measure location. The Detector listens for signals from the UWB Tags attached to the assets being tracked.
The detector calculates the assets location based on how long it takes for pulses of radio wave signals to travel from the UWB Tags to the UWB Detector. In this way, UWB asset tracking solution delivers precise indoor UWB positioning.
Pathfindr's UWB in Practice
Is UWB tracking secure?
At present, UWB is the only commercially available wireless technology that delivers highly accurate and highly precise locations. UWB tracking delivers fine-ranging measurements, while also supporting high-level security to protect access credentials and data communications. In short, it provides a highly accurate and secure asset tracking option.
What are the benefits of using UWB for indoor positioning?
The benefits of UWB for indoor positioning include:
High Accuracy: Achieves positioning accuracy of 2-10 cm.
NLOS Error Mitigation: Combines UWB with Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and Kalman filters to reduce non-line-of-sight (NLOS) errors.
2D and 3D Plotting: Capable of plotting asset coordinates in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces.
Long Battery Life: Devices can operate for 2-3 years on minimal power consumption.
In which industries can UWB asset tracking be applied?
UWB asset tracking can be applied across various industries, including:
Manufacturing: For tracking tools and equipment on the production floor.
Logistics: To monitor the flow of goods and manage inventory efficiently.
Healthcare: For tracking medical equipment and ensuring patient safety.
Warehousing: To optimize storage and retrieval processes.
What challenges does UWB technology address in asset tracking?
UWB technology addresses several challenges in asset tracking, such as:
Manual Labour Reduction: Minimises the need for extensive manpower to locate assets.
Accuracy in Complex Environments: Provides reliable tracking in environments with obstacles that typically cause signal interference.
Real-Time Monitoring: Enables continuous tracking and data analysis for better resource management.
How can businesses implement UWB asset tracking systems?
Businesses can implement UWB asset tracking systems by:
Choosing the Right Hardware: Selecting UWB tags and anchors that meet their specific needs.
Developing Software Solutions: Utilizing data analysis software for monitoring and navigation, often accessible via mobile applications.
Integrating with Existing Systems: Ensuring compatibility with current inventory and asset management systems for seamless operation.
What is the future of UWB technology in asset tracking?
The future of UWB technology in asset tracking looks promising, with ongoing advancements in machine learning and deep learning for error identification and mitigation. As industries continue to embrace Industry 4.0, UWB is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and asset management.
Reference List
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology Overview
Shyam, S., Juliet, S., & Ezra, K. (2022). A UWB based Indoor Asset Tracking Architecture for Industry 4.0. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Smart Systems and Inventive Technology (ICSSIT-2022). IEEE Xplore. Link to Paper
Benefits of UWB in Asset Tracking
Liu, S., et al. (2021). Development of indoor positioning system based on Bluetooth. 2021 WRC Symposium on Advanced Robotics and Automation (WRC SARA). IEEE. Link to Paper
Comparative Analysis of Positioning Technologies
Truong-Quang, V., & Ho-Sy, T. (2021). Maximum convergence algorithm for WiFi based indoor positioning system. International Journal of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Link to Paper
UWB Applications in Various Industries
Pandian, A. P. (2019). Artificial intelligence application in smart warehousing environment for automated logistics. Journal of Artificial Intelligence. Link to Journal
Challenges and Future of UWB Technology
Ivashov, S. I., et al. (2021). Design and Applications of Multi-Frequency Holographic Subsurface Radar: Review and Case Histories. Link to Paper
Integration of UWB with IoT
Smys, S., Wang, H., & Basar, A. (2021). 5G Network Simulation in Smart Cities using Neural Network Algorithm. Journal of Artificial Intelligence. Link to Journal
UWB Technology and Security
Li, J., et al. (2018). PSOT rack: A RFID-based system for random moving objects tracking in unconstrained indoor environment. IEEE Internet of Things Journal. Link to Paper