Wireless Sensor Network and RFID Fusion Approach for Mobile Robot Navigation

There are numerous applications for mobile robots that require relatively high levels of speed and precision. For many systems, these two properties are a tradeoff, as oftentimes increasing the movement speed can mean failing to detect some sensors. This research attempts to create a useful and practical system by combining a wireless sensor network with a passive radio frequency identification system. The sensor network provides fast general navigation in open areas and the radio frequency identification system provides precision navigation near static obstacles. By fusing the data from both systems, we are able to provide fast and accurate navigation for a mobile robot. Additionally, with WSN nodes and passive RFID tag mats, the system infrastructure can be easily installed in existing environments.