Energy self-sufficient, configuration-free ultrasound tracking system for mobile objects (eCults)

eCults" addresses the area of indoor localizing of objects in intra-company logistics as compared to outdoor areas, where satellite-aided navigation methods such as GPS have attained a considerable level of maturity. There is a backlog requirement primarily for the tracking of material and goods flows with a low level of overhead but with a high degree of accuracy and in real-time.

As part of the "Smart System Integration" platform from the leading edge "MicroTEC Südwest" cluster, "eCults" addresses the area of indoor localizing of objects in intra-company logistics as compared to outdoor areas, where satellite-aided navigation methods such as GPS have attained a considerable level of maturity. There is a backlog requirement primarily for the tracking of material and goods flows with a low level of overhead but with a high degree of accuracy and in real-time. A self-calibrating ultrasound tracking system with innovative signal processing and algorithms, also including solutions for self-sufficient energy supply and remote data transmission, was made as an example of an autonomous goods transporter and passive product carrier. The remit of Hahn-Schickard was to develop the enclosure technology, i.e. with rapid prototyping for mechanical components and in PCB production (whereby the industrial environment imposes many conditions and restrictions necessitating across-the-board development work for design and integration). eCults enables more efficient warehousing for users. System providers also involved can anticipate selling a new product with advanced functionality.