WirVAN: Wireless in Virtual Automation Networks

This paper attempts to bring out the emerging European trends, developments, and perspectives on the role of wireless technologies in industrial environments as being currently considered within the virtual automation networks research and development project The major emphasis is on the investigation, identification, specification, design, and implementation of feasible wireless technologies and standards to provide a solid base for enabling the development of components, devices and systems catering to the specific needs of different industrial automation domains. An application scenario describing modern manufacturing systems in factory automation is also included here to illustrate a possible VAN approach.