Evaluating and Integrating Positioning Technologies: A Framework for Industrial Applications

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating and integrating positioning technologies tailored for industrial applications, addressing the growing demand for reliable Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS). Despite advancements in indoor positioning technologies, the industrial sector still faces challenges such as lack of standardization, interoperability issues, and the absence of a unified evaluation method. The proposed framework includes an evaluation testbed that emulates various industrial use cases, focusing on key performance metrics like accuracy, precision, robustness, and energy efficiency. By integrating technologies such as 5G, UWB, and infrared, the framework allows the empirical testing of hybrid solutions to identify the most suitable RTLS for different industrial environments. The framework is exemplified through the Twin4Trucks project, which tests multiple positioning technologies in controlled settings, ensuring better accuracy and adaptability. This work aims to fill gaps in RTLS standardization and provide insights for future optimization of industrial positioning systems.