Localization Systems for Safety Applications in Industrial Scenarios

In this paper, main researches related to the implementation of tracking systems for the localization of workers in industrial areas are presented.Major systems already implemented will be investigated by focusing on hardware, software and different features. Particular attention is deserved to the passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology by virtue of its low cost, no energy consumption and possibility of identification of objects/persons with good accuracy. Moreover, since the massive introduction of connected devices in industrial environment results in new requirement of interconnected systems, e.g. design/production department, maintenance service, general information through Internet of Things, a higher required performance level has to be assured for safety of machinery. Since an interconnection between localization systems and control system of the machine (or assembly of machinery) is not covered by a harmonized safety standard, the possibility of controlling parts of the machine through the remote server of the localization system is explored. The utilization of a specific smart mode selector on single machine of the system is foreseen to allow this type of man/machine interaction without unresolved safety issues