A real-time accurate positioning system using BLE and wireless mesh network in a shipyard environment

Abstract

Digitalization of the shipyard environment is a challenging problem, and also it is necessary for competing the international ship manufacturers. Thus, this study introduced a real-time accurate positioning system that is an indispensable part of a digital manufacturing system. The system implementation and measurements took place in Sedef Shipyard, the largest shipbuilding facility in Turkey. Since the shipyard includes indoor and outdoor environments, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) systems provide the best solution for locating the staff. The most challenging problem is to determine the positions in the metallic surroundings. The constructed system solves this problem by placing gateways and sensors at essential locations and using a mesh network. With the designed user interface, the position of the staff can be monitored accurately in real time, and reports can be generated.