The Carrier-Based Sensor Deployment Problem in Industrial Internet of Things With Mesh Topologies

The primary aim of this research is to address the carrier-based sensor deployment problem (CSDP) in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with a specific focus on mesh scenarios. A novel approach is presented with the goal of reducing the travel paths of robots and achieving efficient sensor deployment. To elaborate, a suitable location is initially designated as the sensor reloading point, functioning as storage for sensors awaiting deployment. Subsequently, the intricate mesh topology is divided into linear backbones and branches. In the light of the limited capacity of robots carrying sensors, a deployment sequence for the robot on these backbones and branches is established. This sequence entails the robot shuttling back and forth between the reloading point to collect sensors and traveling to the backbones and branches for sensor deployment, all while minimizing the overall travel distance. Extensive experimentation and simulation validation confirm that the proposed approach significantly enhances sensor deployment efficiency compared to conventional methods, concurrently reducing travel distances. These findings hold practical significance for industrial applications, as the study spotlights critical aspects of sensor deployment and offers practical application prospects.