Indoor geolocation is becoming increasingly popular in several fields of activity. Industry 4. 0 can be applied through the use of smart sensors and automation that maximize business productivity and profitability.
What is indoor geolocation?
Also known as “indoor positioning”, it is a geolocation technology that allows to know where a person, a device or a product is located in an indoor area. Especially in enclosed areas where access to GPS and satellite data is not available.
For its connectivity, this system uses different media, for example inertial sensors or radio frequency (RF) waves.
This technological innovation involves the following issues:
- optimize the overall performance of a company;
- maximize its security (people, equipment, buildings);
- to improve productivity and profitability;
- reduce its management and maintenance operations.
What technologies and uses of indoor geolocation in Industry 4.0?
Indoor geolocation applied toIndustry 4.0 relies on wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wifi networks (public and private) and UWB (Ultra Wide Band). It also uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, digital identification media that are valued in Industry 4.0 for their traceability. Less common tracking technologies are based on infrared, LED light and ultrasound. And let’s not forget the NFC (Near Field Communication) systems, which are used to transmit data from one device to another without requiring a specific mobile application. The interconnectivity between the Internet and objects (IoT) has given rise to new communication protocols that address the challenges of Industry 4.0.
Indoor geolocation systems are very useful in factories, airports, exhibition centers, cultural, commercial or sports centers. This high-precision innovation is also a valuable asset for hospitals and care centers.
It makes it easier for users to find their way around a confined space, reinforces security measures, helps reduce certain costs and optimizes staff time. The concept ofIndustry 4.0 and the food industry are not incompatible. As a preventive measure, this advanced technology is also used in the construction industry for the detection of various buried networks during the development of public or private spaces.
Before proceeding with a major technological transformation, an organization or a company must choose the technologies best suited to its specific needs, budget and type of activity. Within a few years, we can expect indoor geolocation to be integrated into the daily life of any automated and connected industry.