Effective RFID-based object tracking for manufacturing

Automated Identification and in particular, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) promises to assist with the automation of mass customised production processes by simplifying the retrieval, tracking and usage of highly specialised components. RFID has long been used to gather a history or trace of object movements, but its use as an integral part of the automated control process is yet to be fully exploited. Such (automated) use places stringent demands on the quality of the sensor data collected and the method used to interpret that data. In particular, this paper focuses on the issue of correctly identifying, tracking and dealing with aggregated objects in customised production with the use of RFID. In particular, this work presents approaches for making best use of RFID data in this context. The presented approach is evaluated in the context of a laboratory manufacturing system that produces customised gift boxes. ∗Cogent Computing Applied Research Centre, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK †Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University Engineering Department, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RX, UK