Static and dynamic performance evaluation of a commercially-available ultra wideband tracking system

Locating and tracking resources (e.g., people, equipment, and materials) is critical in many industrial applications for monitoring productivity and safety. In construction, various technologies (e.g., global positioning systems (GPS), radio frequency identification (RFID) and radio frequency (RF) localization) have been proposed. However, the performance of these types of technologies is not well understood for this particular application. This paper presents a study for evaluating the static and dynamic performance of a commercially-available ultra wideband (UWB) tracking system in free space and under realistic construction environments. In addition, a static performance model for estimating position error as a function of receiver position and initial calibration error was also developed. Results and experiences are in particular useful for researchers or practitioners in need for adapting UWB technology for their application.

Graphical AbstractLocating and tracking resources (e.g., people, equipment, and materials) is critical in many industrial applications for monitoring productivity and safety. In construction, various technologies (e.g., global positioning systems (GPS), radio frequency identification (RFID) and radio frequency (RF) localization) have been proposed. However, their performance is not well understood for this particular application. This paper presents a study for evaluating the static and dynamic performance of a commercially-available ultra wideband (UWB) tracking system in free space and under realistic construction environments. In addition, a static performance model for estimating position error as a function of receiver position and initial calibration error was also developed. Results and experiences are in particular useful for researchers or practitioners in need for adapting UWB technology for their application.Research Highlights
► Real-time location tracking of construction resources (e.g. people, equipment, and materials).
► Error and performance evaluation of real-time location tracking technologies.
► Open space construction environments and field trials on large sites.
► Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Robotic Total Station measurements.
► Construction safety and productivity applications.