Analysis of WiFi Communication (Data Interchange) for Mobile Robot in Industrial Environment

Abstract

Wireless network used in office is much cheaper than industrial-type devices. Using of office-type WiFi communication in industrial environment for exchange data between mobile platform (AGV) and base station is the core of this paper. The scope of research is data limitation flow in function of distance between system nodes and usability of office-type (low cost) equipment for establishes stable communication on industrial environment. Paper describes two experiments in two types of production environment. First one was realized in condition where several disturbance sources were active (like metal forming machine-tools, constant energy welding machines, electric overhead crane, high power electric motors, electronic inverters etc. All this machines contaminate radio environment around them and make serious obstacles for WiFi data exchange. Second experiment was executed in assembling hall of automobile production plant in which radio contamination is significantly lower.