Deployment and Optimization of an UWB based Indoor Positioning System for Smart Factory: Enhancing Accuracy and Reliability through Optimization and Installation Scenarios

Abstract

With the rapid development of automation and smart factories, the use of indoor positioning devices is increasing. This emphasizes the importance of precise indoor positioning systems for increased safety and productivity. Various indoor localization technologies, including WIFI, Bluetooth, RFID, ZigBee, and UWB, have been developed to meet indoor positioning demands. Among these, UWB stands out as the technology with the highest positioning accuracy. However, their outputs are affected by multipath effects resulting from poor installation conditions, which have rarely been addressed. Thus, this study discusses various installation scenarios and a method for obtaining optimized positioning results. Then, the trilateration principle combined with the time-of-flight (TOF) is implemented to measure the tag position. Furthermore, a series of installation experiments was conducted with anchors and tags to optimize the results of the experimental setup. Finally, a generalized experimental configuration was selected with six positioning base stations within an area of 34.3 m x 24.5 m. The positioning accuracy was evaluated by measuring the positions at 21 different locations. The results demonstrated an average positioning accuracy of 22.6 cm. These findings highlight the potential of UWB technology to achieve high-precision indoor localization, making it a promising solution for applications in automation and smart factories.