Ultra-wideband (UWB) is quickly gaining a foothold in manufacturing for several reasons. The radio-based communication technology offers fast (up to 27 megabits per second) and secure data transmission, centimeter-accurate location measurements within 70 meters and low power requirements. Its bandwidth of 500 megahertz also makes it possible for UWB signals to share spectrum with other technologies without causing interference.
OEMs in the automotive industry are using UWB to their advantage on two fronts. In the plant, they use it to accurately track the position of objects as they move along assembly lines. And, on the consumer side, UWB lets drivers use a smartphone app to remotely lock or open their vehicles.