Several specific examples of WINS applications currently under development are given below. Manufacturing Information Systems Distributed sensors and controls can enable fundamental advances in manufacturing and condition-based maintenance. Conventional sensor systems relying on wireline communication systems suffer from costly installation and restricted mobility. These systems hinder modification or reconfiguration of facilities and equipment. This is a particularly important problem in high volume production lines, where maintenance downtime is prohibitively expensive.
WINS are low cost mobile systems that can cover the entire enterprise.
WINS for manufacturing include sensors installed on rotating tool bits, machine tools, workpieces, and assemblies. Measurements can be made of diverse operations, including feed-force and vibration, stamping, joining, and painting. The mobility offered by WINS enables operations to be modified dynamically with minimum or no downtime. Mobile workers may monitor local operations and examine each operation through a WINS measurement. Workplace safety can benefit from continuously verified wireless links that update position and status.