As many of you know, UWB is a wireless technology known for its highly accurate indoor location tracking capabilities.
But few are aware that UWB has two distinct applications (tech subsets) in warehousing for asset tracking, inventory management, and 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: Two-Way Ranging (TWR) and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS).
Both leverage UWB’s core strengths, but their implementations differ significantly. Here’s a breakdown:
Two-Way Ranging (TWR)
Uses time-of-flight calculations between two devices. It’s easier to set up, requires no anchors, and is often more cost-effective.
Ideal for smaller spaces or focused safety applications, TWR allows for the setup of warning and danger zones around a worker or a truck.
Pros:
- No networking requirements for devices.
- Simpler setup with fewer infrastructure requirements.
- Perfect for forklift, AGV and worker safety systems alone.
Cons:
- No asset or inventory tracking.
- Limited scalability for large numbers of tags.
- Higher power consumption on worker badges.
Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)
Employs trilateration with fixed anchors networked to an edge server to determine the position of workers, vehicles or assets moving in the warehouse.
RTLS reflects their positions on a digital warehouse map in real-time. It’s highly scalable, handling hundreds of tags with adjustable update (blink) rates and enables advanced features like geofencing and digital twin creation.
Pros:
- Highly scalable for tracking workers, inventory, trucks and other assets.
- Enables advanced features like geofencing and digital twin creation.
- Lower power consumption on UWB badges (blink rate dependent).
Cons:
- Higher initial setup complexity and cost.
- Might be overkill for simpler safety needs.
- Requires extensive anchor infrastructure (edge server).
TWR provides great benefits and impressive real-time accuracy for worker, forklift, and AGV proximity detection and speed zoning, regardless of warehouse size.
On the other hand, RTLS becomes essential if you plan to perform asset/inventory tracking, create a digital twin of your warehouse, or have extensive needs for geofenced zones.
Which UWB application do you prefer and why?
