The Internet of Things (IoT) industry is growing rapidly – as reported by Data Analytics Edge, its global market size is expected to reach $3,352.97 billion by 2030 and various applications are being realized. IoT asset tracking as one of its warmly-welcomed applications has extended its branch in various fields, including smart homes, transportation, agriculture, and industry.
The growth of the IoT industry is driven by the increasing adoption of IoT across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The manufacturing industry is expected to significantly contribute to this growth, with the deployment of IoT devices in smart factories enabling improved efficiency, predictive maintenance, and real-time visibility of manufacturing assets.
There are a number of different technologies that can be used for asset tracking and location-based services. Bluetooth AoA and RFID are two popular technologies, and each Bluetooth technology has its own set of pros and cons. Selecting the appropriate one for your specific requirements is crucial. Read on to figure out the difference between them!
Ways of Building Up an IoT Network
There are two main ways of building up an IoT network: Bluetooth Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Both technologies are used for locating and tracking objects in industrial settings.
- Bluetooth Angle of Arrival (AoA)
Bluetooth AoA uses the angle of arrival of a signal to determine a device’s location. Bluetooth anchors are placed at known locations and used to triangulate the location of other Bluetooth devices in the area. This technology is ideal for tracking objects in indoor environments, such as warehouses or factories. The positioning principles of Bluetooth AoA are based on the signal strength, direction, and position of the Bluetooth beacons.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID uses TdoA, the time difference between signals received at multiple reader antennas to determine the location of an object. RFID tags are placed on things, and the reader antennas are placed at fixed positions throughout the facility. When a title passes through the read range of two or more antennas, the time difference between the signals is used to calculate the tag’s location. RFID TDoA is ideal for tracking objects that move through a facility, such as on a conveyor belt or in a supply chain. The positioning principles of RFID TDoA are based on the time it takes for a signal to travel from the tag to the reader antennas.
Pros & Cons of Bluetooth AoA and RFID TDoA
In a harsh, sizeable industrial factory, Bluetooth AoA and RFID TDoA have pros and cons regarding the accuracy, coverage, environmental adaptability, and installation cost.
Let’s analyze each point’s importance in this setting.
- Accuracy: Bluetooth AoA has a higher accuracy than RFID TDoA. Bluetooth AoA can achieve an accuracy of up to 30 cm, while RFID TDoA has an accuracy of about 1-2 meters. Accuracy is essential in a harsh, sizeable industrial factory, where objects constantly move and precise location tracking is crucial. Therefore, Bluetooth AoA is the preferred choice in terms of accuracy.
- Coverage: Bluetooth AoA has a more excellent coverage range than RFID TDoA. Bluetooth anchors can cover a larger area than RFID reader antennas, making them more suitable for tracking objects across a large, harsh industrial factory. This is particularly important when monitoring things in hard-to-reach or obstructed areas. Therefore, Bluetooth AoA is the preferred choice in terms of coverage.
- Environmental adaptability: Bluetooth AoA is more adaptable to harsh industrial environments than RFID TDoA. Bluetooth signals can penetrate obstacles and walls, making them more suitable for tracking objects in environments with many obstructions or interference. RFID TDoA, on the other hand, can be affected by metal objects, liquids, and other environmental factors, making it less reliable in harsh industrial settings. Therefore, Bluetooth AoA is the preferred choice in terms of ecological adaptability.
- Installation cost: Bluetooth AoA has a slightly higher installation cost than RFID TDoA. Bluetooth anchors require installation at fixed positions throughout the facility, which can be more expensive than RFID reader antennas that can be mounted on mobile equipment or fixed structures. However, the difference in installation cost is relatively small, and the benefits of Bluetooth AoA in terms of accuracy, coverage, and environmental adaptability outweigh the slightly higher installation cost. Therefore, Bluetooth AoA is still the preferred choice overall.
Bluetooth AoA Solutions for Industrial Areas
Blueiot offers a complete set of Bluetooth Angle of Arrival (AoA) solutions that can significantly enhance industrial processes while keeping costs in check. With Blueiot’s sub-meter precision, electronic fence, and individualized tracking, manufacturing facilities can guarantee safety, maintain order, and boost efficiency. Blueiot’s real-time location system (RTLS) works by deploying AoA anchors based on the actual needs and attaching Blueiot’s or its partners’ tags to people, vehicles, or assets.
The data collected by these devices is then transformed into a visualized dynamic interface on Blueiot platforms. With high accuracy, capacity, and an open ecosystem, Blueiot’s RTLS technology works effectively while providing low power consumption and small-sized tags designed to be portable and lightweight. Blueiot’s solution can benefit any industrial area looking to streamline its processes and maintain a safe working environment.
Wrapping Up
The leading supplier of Bluetooth Angle-of-Arrival-based real-time locating systems is Blueiot. Their innovative indoor tracking system offers high accuracy and has been widely applied in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics & warehouse, healthcare, smart retail, and intelligent buildings. Blueiot aims to help Bluetooth terminals enjoy a more authentic location experience by providing an open positioning platform and empowering all industries. With an exceptional R&D team, the business is now regarded as one of the most dependable providers of indoor positioning services worldwide.
Blueiot is a leader and proponent of BLE AoA plus 5G and has achieved significant milestones, such as becoming a Bluetooth SIG member and a 5G AIA Industry Member. Blueiot continues to improve its products significantly, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the indoor tracking industry.
So contact Blueiot and revolutionize your industrial processes with cost-effective, high-precision Bluetooth AoA solutions!
