5 Large spatial coverage: predestined for use as an indoor GPS to prevent collisions in the workspace of tomorrow Networking the real and virtual worlds In thoughts about production of the future, networking is omnipresent; real and virtual worlds are continuing to grow together. Furthermore, intelligent and flexible components will be increasingly used. Festo is working holistically on the fundamental technologies, and at the same time has an eye on how humans and machines work together. With the eMotionSpheres, Festo is already showing how several objects can be coordinated without colliding in a three-dimensional space thanks to multifaceted networking. The objects and their surroundings are recorded using camera technology and depicted virtually on a computer. The actions calculated from this process are sent back to the objects, where they are locally implemented. This guarantees safe interaction between the spheres and people, which creates new prospects for the workspace of the future. Unlike other indoor flying objects, the spheres there- fore do not have to be shielded and can also stay in the air for much longer. Monitoring and guidance system for tomorrow’s factory The installation could find a concrete application in future factory buildings. It could be conceivably used as a monitoring system which pinpoints the positions of products in the factory, analyses them and thereby improves the production process. In the field of logistics, the system could be put to use as a way of monitoring the function of small robots or forklifts. Generally speaking, it could also be conceivably used as a guidance system – whether for people working in factories or for visitors at trade fairs, museums or large indoor events. Objects are already tracked in industry using RFID technology. In this case, a code is transferred from a transponder attached to the marked object to a scanner via electromagnetic waves. With the eMotionSpheres, Festo is pursuing a concept in which the objects are not only recorded, but also actively react to different situations and can even move around autonomously. Other benefits are the comparatively large spatial coverage, the energy-efficient way that the markers work and the ability to quickly put the system into operation. Safe handling: harmless interaction between humans and technology Networked overall system: the merging of the virtual and real worlds
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