A new wave of transformation is occurring across industries as a result of improvements in real-time location systems, which now enable accurate, dependable, and affordable monitoring and tracking of people, assets, and heavy equipment. Real-time location systems (RTLS) are among the most efficient, impactful, and minimally disruptive improvements to the manufacturing process, according to a growing body of research. With this in mind, many businesses are currently forced to choose the RTLS technology that best suits their requirements.
Ultra-wideband (UWB), radio frequency identification (RFID), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other technologies are among the RTLS solutions that are currently available. However, not all of these technologies work in the same way to produce results. This article examines how UWB and RFID can be smoothly combined with no effort or interference with current operations. In addition, we look at how combining UWB with RFID can result in sizable increases in operational productivity.
UWB Technology
In the field of asset tracking and real-time location, ultra-wideband is a cutting-edge technology. Due to its accuracy, scalability, security, and affordability, it has quickly become a leading option. Utilizing brief pulses with low power output and a wide bandwidth, UWB technology transfers data over a vast portion of the radio spectrum. Even without a straight line of sight, this low-power approach allows for the transfer of a sizable volume of data, producing high-accuracy real-time location determination.
UWB has a number of benefits, including the capacity to transmit data through walls and obstructions, the ability to deliver real-time updates, the lack of interference with the majority of other RF signals and devices, the use of distinctive radio signatures, and an increased capacity to avoid multipath propagation. So, even in congested industrial settings with reflecting metal surfaces, the method is effective. UWB, however, also has significant disadvantages. Because it is a more recent RTLS technology, there are fewer established interoperability standards and protocols and less market acceptance.
UWB tracking technology excels in harsh industrial settings and GPS-disrupted conditions, where other wireless technologies frequently fall short. The fastest return on investment for UWB is provided by applications like tracking high-value assets or situations where accuracy is essential, such as safety, security, and healthcare. It enables versatility in installation, including the capacity to operate without a direct line of sight between readers and tracker devices, thanks to its ability to work around obstructions. It is also particularly well suited for use in settings with metal and other shiny surfaces, thanks to its distinctive radio signature.
Key advantages of UWB
Precision accuracy
UWB technology offers centimeter-level accuracy, making it the top option for cutting-edge location-based applications and enabling a wide range of unattainable capabilities.
Real-time positioning
UWB provides speedy location results. Users may instantaneously feel the location, movement, and motion of people, assets, or vehicles thanks to quick millisecond communications that enable accurate real-time indoor positioning with exceptionally low latency and refresh rates above 100 times per second.
Reliable and secure
UWB permits very reliable communication with little to no interference or overlap with other radio broadcasts. UWB can also be utilized for very secure communications between devices over a short distance using the precise position of the receiving device.
How to harness Ultra Wide Band
Due to its accuracy, UWB is a good choice, especially in complex indoor positioning use cases where a high level of precision is needed. It emerges as the RTLS enabler of the future and excels in a variety of applications for asset tracking. Here are a few scenarios and uses for UWB that are already in use or could be in the future:
Physical asset tracking
Due to its unerring precision, UWB is a crucial RF standard for asset tracking. Organizations in a wide range of industries can benefit from UWB’s unrivaled accuracy, responsiveness, and dependability to track the position and condition of critical assets and equipment in real-time.
Employee tracking
Organizations can use UWB RTLS tag vital accuracy to enable a variety of location-aware apps by allowing visibility into the precise location of employees and staff.
Location services
With the help of UWB, businesses can design smart structures that make use of the precise location of people and objects to enable a variety of interactions, messaging, and other features.
Indoor navigation
Interior navigation and wayfinding supported by the accuracy of UWB location, make areas instantly familiar and explorable.
Wrapping it up
The RTLS system, backed by Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, is ultimately a game changer for tracking positions indoors. Organizations can enhance their operations, track more assets, and produce more workflows with unmatched precision and real-time updates. Most providers are concentrating on creating unique solutions for specific industries.
