The manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by stricter environmental regulations, scarcity of raw materials, and rising production costs. To navigate these challenges, companies are transitioning from traditional manufacturing methods to intelligent manufacturing, with the "intelligent factory" at the forefront of this evolution. An intelligent factory enhances flexibility and efficiency by implementing solutions that make production processes measurable, controllable, and adaptable within an integrated environment.

Solutions for Intelligent Manufacturing

A smart factory integrates three core elements: space, data, and conditions. By employing advanced technological solutions, it collects, monitors, evaluates, and organizes data accurately and in real time. Wireless sensing equipment plays a crucial role in detecting key elements, processes, and events, enabling seamless tracking of personnel and objects on the factory floor, as well as monitoring environmental parameters. This equipment is designed for easy deployment, ensuring efficient management of both assets and environmental conditions.

Technical Principles

The UbiBot platform exemplifies the integration of intelligent sensing devices with the Internet. These devices collect target data and transmit it to the UbiTrack platform, where positioning or environmental information is analyzed and processed. Users receive feedback through various means, such as over-limit alarms, accessible via mobile phones, computers, and other communication devices.

In practical application, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) positioning anchors are deployed within the factory area, with tracking tags attached to personnel or objects. This system provides real-time, precise location data, displaying information on people, vehicles, or objects without delay in the factory control center. Such a setup facilitates safety area control, personnel monitoring, and real-time vehicle trajectory tracking, achieving accuracy up to 10 centimeters.

System Design

The data monitoring and management system for industrial manufacturing parks is based on a private cloud deployment model. It utilizes wireless sensing equipment to monitor and collect data efficiently and accurately in real time. By linking UbiTrack and UbiBot platforms, the system enables real-time interoperability of collected data, visualization of positioning information, traceability of historical data, and the combination of multiple algorithms. This comprehensive approach allows factories and manufacturing parks to achieve thorough supervision and control of critical parameters, such as exhaust gas and wastewater levels, and to implement timely adaptations to enhance worker safety measures.

Case Study

Consider a vehicle factory spanning approximately four square kilometers, comprising multiple assembly plants, a commissioning plant, painting plant, overhaul divisions, and management divisions. The factory aims to achieve:

• Accurate, real-time positioning of workers and equipment, along with real-time data collection.
• Continuous monitoring of workers' health indicators, with warning alarms.
• Definition of work and safety areas, with alarm functions for high-risk area intrusions.
• Detection and monitoring of interactions between workers and specific installations, accompanied by alarm functions.
• Traceability, analysis, and playback of data concerning the actions and behaviors of safety personnel.

By implementing UbiTrack's solutions, the factory can monitor the precise location of personnel and equipment in real time, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. The system's ability to define safety zones and provide immediate alerts enhances worker protection, while the traceability and analysis features support continuous improvement in operational processes.

Platform Functions

Real-time Location and Anti-collision: Provides real-time positioning of personnel, goods, vehicles, and other target objects, with a search function for quick access to specific information. The location data updates in real time, with positioning accuracy reaching up to 10 centimeters. When personnel enter vehicle warning areas, the tags initiate a warning, prompting both drivers and personnel to exercise caution.

Track Playback and Video Linkage: Allows for querying and playback of collected data based on various criteria, including time, tags, personnel type, and assets. The data links to video technology, enabling quick and accurate location of specific people and objects, facilitating timely assistance when needed.

In summary, UbiTrack's comprehensive data monitoring and management system offers industrial manufacturing facilities the tools necessary to transition into intelligent factories. By integrating advanced sensing technologies and real-time data analysis, these solutions enhance operational efficiency, ensure safety, and promote adaptability in an ever-evolving industrial landscape.