Long-Range RFID Indoor Positioning System for an Autonomous Wheelchair

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Indoor Positioning Systems
• Wireless Sensor Networks

Background:

• Global Positioning System (GPS) is ineffective in indoor environments.
• Existing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking systems have limited range and precision.
• Autonomous systems require robust indoor navigation solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel RFID indoor positioning system (IPS) for precise tracking of passive RFID tags.
• To implement and test the RFID IPS for an autonomous wheelchair in GPS-denied areas.
• To demonstrate a cost-effective tracking solution using inexpensive passive RFID tags.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new RFID IPS with an extended 12m detection range.
• Utilizing low-cost, sticker-form passive RFID tags for item identification.
• Integration of the RFID IPS into a custom-built autonomous wheelchair platform.

Main Results:

• The novel RFID IPS successfully locates and tracks passive RFID tags with enhanced precision.
• The system demonstrated a 12m operational range, significantly larger than traditional RFID proximity systems.
• The RFID IPS was effectively implemented for monitoring and navigation of the autonomous wheelchair.

Conclusions:

• The developed RFID IPS offers a viable and precise solution for indoor positioning.
• This technology enables reliable navigation for autonomous wheelchairs in environments lacking GPS.
• The use of affordable passive RFID tags makes the system scalable and cost-effective for various tracking applications.