UWB4Industry

The project UWB4Industry aims to investigate the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology as a basis for monitoring tasks in industrial applications with new wireless and autarkic sensor networks (WSNs) and run a proof of concept for different condition monitoring use cases.

In this collaborative project, the Degree Programmes in Automation Technology at CAMPUS 02 focus on the energy management of hardware components and on methods for harvesting energy for sensors. The project consortium includes:

• Lakeside Labs (Lead)
• Messfeld GmbH (MFeld)
• CAMPUS 02 University of Applied Sciences (CAMPUS 02)
• Joanneum Research Digital (JR)
• Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Institute of Networked and Embedded Systems (AAU)
• Dewesoft GmbH (DEW)

Standard solutions for WSNs in industrial applications are based on narrowband standard protocols, such as IEEE 802.15.4 (WirelessHART, ZigBee), which run on batteries, only allow connectivity with low data rates and are prone to be affected by jamming and interference disturbance from coexisting wireless networks. In contrast, UWB technology allows connectivity with higher data rates while energy consumption stays relatively low (energy autarky possible), consists of reasonably priced hardware and due to its physical properties, is very resistant to the above-mentioned interference disturbances.

To the best of our knowledge, the project has initiated the world’s first implementation of a UWB-based WSN for industrial applications in the form of a proof-of-concept test bed using a systemic and integrative approach in combination with innovation in the areas of network communications, distributed data processing (sensor nodes, access points, central computer, etc.), and energy management/harvesting.

funded by:
Kärntner Wirtschaftsförderungs Fonds (KWF)
Land Steiermark
Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung (SFG)