Inferring force using UWB and IMU sensors for manufacturing applications
A novel sensor-based system combining ultra-wideband (UWB) radio and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to infer force through movement and acceleration measurements in manufacturing setups, enhancing precision with mm-level distance tracking and synchronized data analysis.
Overview
This innovative system leverages ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology and inertial measurement units (IMUs) to infer forces through detailed movement and acceleration measurements. The system is designed to be integrated into manufacturing setups where precise tracking of a component's motion is critical. By combining UWB distance measurements with acceleration data, this solution provides a comprehensive understanding of a piston's trajectory and the forces experienced during its operation. This approach can enhance existing force-based solutions, offering redundancy and improving accuracy in force analysis.
Technical specifications
- Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): These sensors are placed on both moving and stationary components to capture acceleration data at 1KHz, providing insights into the forces at play.
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Sensors: Paired sensors measure the piston's trajectory at 250Hz, with mm-level precision, capturing detailed movement data.
- Wireless Data Transmission: Sensor data is transmitted to a monitoring station via UWB or WiFi, allowing for real-time analysis.
- Time-synchronized Data: Ensures synchronized readings from all sensors for accurate force and trajectory analysis.
- Applications: Suitable for use in manufacturing processes involving pistons or flywheels, and can support Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of fixtures and molds.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 2, this technology has been conceptually validated. Plans for a prototype include deploying the system in a real-world machine setting to test and refine the solution further.
About Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is a large, technology‑focused public research university in Atlanta with a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through the Georgia Tech Research Institute for contract R&D, a Midtown innovation district with co‑located corporate labs, and a statewide manufacturing extension to support scale‑up. A long‑standing partnership with a major academic medical center enables clinical translation, and a large co‑op program delivers a steady talent pipeline. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, DoD, and NASA. Technology commercialization is managed by the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, with dedicated licensing, corporate contracting, and startup support.
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