Ad hoc localization for agile production

FlexLoc opens up human-machine interaction

The Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Internet Technologies CCIT has three research centers developing cognitive web-based industry solutions. One of the cluster’s three centers is the Research Center IoT-COMMs. This is where we develop localization and connectivity solutions that use cognitive sensors to flexibly self-adapt to agile production and logistics processes.

We developed our FlexLoc (flexible localization) system to enable human-machine and human-vehicle interaction in a production environment. The system uses smart sensor nodes to connect automated guided vehicles with one another or with the operator carrying the corresponding tag. FlexLoc allows us to establish ad hoc localization systems that permit workpieces to be processed with the help of multiple mobile tools. Thanks to ultra-wideband (UWB) localization anchors, which offer precision down to just a few centimeters, the system is scalable as well as flexible.