Optimal Deployment of Collaborative Wireless Microsensors in Manufacturing Facilities

A fundamental requirement in advanced manufacturing facilities is the reliance on networked sensors, which are increasingly designed as e-Work networks with sensor collaboration. Recently, wireless microsensor network (WSN) systems have been developed and are about to gain widespread use as technology and reliability improve and prices drop. Especially, the densely distributed WSNs can significantly and costeffectively improve the quality of service, processes, and productivity in manufacturing systems. A major design challenge, however, is that they must be designed to overcome several constraints, including limited energy for communication, network connectivity, scalability, and the geometry of the network of collaborating sensors. This research initiative, which has been supported by the Indiana 21st Century Fund for Science and Technology, Purdue’s PRISM Center, and Purdue’s CAM (Center for Advanced Manufacturing) has applied several heuristic and deterministic models to obtain optimal/near-optimal solutions for wireless microsensor deployment design. The models are also supported by collaborative e-work network framework. Network design parameters such as the number of sensors, sensor density, and radio transmission range are being considered to minimize the overall energy consumption under given geometry. Results are also evaluated through specific simulations, applying the Teamwork Integration Evaluator (TIE).