This section provides an overview for position detection systems as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 21 position detection system manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked position detection system companies as of November, 2024: 1.Teledyne Optech, 2.Mesan Electric, 3.Sirena S.p.A..
Table of Contents
A position detection system is a system that detects the location of people and objects in detail and in real time.
GNSS such as GPS is used outdoors. For indoor use, there are various methods such as Beacon, camera, ultrasonic, infrared, radio wave, RFID, Wi-Fi, and UWB which must be selected according to the application. Each method has its own characteristics, and some systems combine multiple methods to improve accuracy.
In recent years, location detection systems have been used to provide new services by detecting the position of people and objects.
Indoor location detection uses a beacon to detect the whereabouts of workers in a factory, to manage the flow of workers, to check the location of medical equipment, and to check the location of administrative equipment.
When cameras are used, image analysis can detect not only the location of people but also their actions. Outdoor location detection uses GPS to detect the location of vehicles for navigation, automatic driving, and luggage tracking.
The main principles of position detection systems are as follows:
GPS receives signals emitted from a satellite system and converts them into latitude and longitude to obtain a highly accurate position.
Ultrasonic sensors emit ultrasonic waves from a transmitter, receives the ultrasonic waves bounced back from the object to be detected, and detect the position based on the time of the bounced back.
A radio wave passes through multiple pathways, bouncing off buildings, etc., before it reaches the receiver. This phenomenon is called multipath. The location of a person or object is detected by changes in the multipath.
This system uses bluetooth low energy (BLE) signal strength to detect location. When multiple beacons are installed inside a building, location can be detected using 3-point positioning.
A receiver is installed on the ceiling, and a proprietary algorithm is used to determine location based on the angle of incidence of radio waves from a dedicated tag or smartphone.
Indoor positioning is performed using an 8-GHz bandwidth radio using the time difference in arrival and angle of incidence of UWB signals emitted from at least two of the sensors installed at intervals of about 30 meters.
The introduction of a position detection system can be expected to provide not only flow line management but also other related benefits.
For example, by detecting a person's location, it is possible to determine if someone is entering a designated area. This can lead to enhanced security and safety by detecting intrusion into rooms with sensitive information or into hazardous areas that could lead to accidents or injuries. If the position detection system is linked to a machine, the machine can immediately shut down if it detects a person entering a dangerous designated area.
In addition, if the location of employees is known by location detection, it can be useful in guiding them to evacuation centers in the event of a disaster. Even in the presence of numerous employees, it is possible to check the evacuation status of each individual, leading to prompt evacuation instructions.
The disadvantage is that many employees may feel uncomfortable, as if they are being monitored at all times during their work. In order to gain the understanding of employees, it is important to explain the purpose of location detection and the scope of its use clearly to them, and avoid giving them detailed instructions about their breaks and daily activities based on the location information obtained.
When using location information to promote automation in factories, one can imagine people, such as workers and operators, or vehicles, such as forklifts and AGVs, moving around the factory.
However, in order to improve production efficiency, it is essential to properly manage the parts and products to be produced. In other words, it is necessary to accurately track the flow of things, and especially in the production process of products with many different types or custom products, the arrival status of parts and materials and their process management are key.
Especially in assembly processes and multi-product manufacturing lines, where manual operations are often required, IoT using location information can reduce the number of barcode scans to improve work efficiency and reduce human errors, such as selecting the wrong parts.
Without accurate real-time tracking of materials and vehicles, transparency regarding location, remaining transit time, and precise transit routes is lost, leading to production line downtime, reduced worker productivity, increased transit times, and inefficient use of vehicles such as forklifts and AGVs.
However, by utilizing location information, the desired component can be located in real time. By managing meta-information through a position detection system, it is possible to understand the historical information of the component simultaneously. In addition, information that used to be recorded on paper, handwritten, or scanned by barcode when crossing processes can now be managed automatically based on location information.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Sick AG, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Waldkirch, Germany, is a manufacturer of sensor and sensor solutions that aid in in production, logistics, and processes automation. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes industrial sensors, encoders, and analyzers. It has over 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as several agencies worldwide, and in the 2022 fiscal year, it generated around €2.2 billion. The company established the first subsidiary in France in 1972 and opened another subsidiary in USA in 1975. It changed to a joint stock company in 1996 and the first employee shares were issued in 1999.
elobau Elektrobauelemente GmbH & Co., founded in 1972 with headquarters in Germany, is a manufacturer of contactless sensor technology, operator controls, machine safety, and level measurement. The company's products include multi-axis joysticks, multi-function handles, push buttons, sensor components, and continuous level measurement. elobau’s products are used in both mobile (off-highway) and industrial applications. The company’s products can be found in aircraft, off-road vehicles, agricultural machinery, and industrial machinery. elobau Elektrobauelemente GmbH & Co. has been carbon neutral since 2010.
Qlight, established in 1986 in South Korea, is a manufacturer of visual and audible status indicating systems such as signal lights, indicators, and more. The company specializes in providing flawless signaling and indicating solutions for various industries. Some of their product portfolio includes LED signal lights, tower lights, and audible alarms. These solutions find diverse applications in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and transportation, offering efficient and uninterrupted signaling for process control and safety applications. The advantages of their status indicating system solutions include improved visibility, quick identification of machine status, and enhanced workplace safety.
Teledyne Optech is based in Toronto, Canada, and is a developer and manufacturer of light detection and ranging (lidar) instruments established in 1974 as a manufacturer of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. The company offers lidar systems for mobile and airborne mapping, terrestrial laser scanners for ground surveying applications, and mine cavity monitoring systems for underground mapping. It also offers related sensors and systems for process control applications. The company’s products are mainly used by clients in the aviation, space exploration, and industrial sectors.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
Tatsuta Electric Wire and Cable Co. Ltd., established in 1945 and headquartered in Higashiosaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of electric wires, electronic materials, medical products, and sensors. The company began manufacturing and selling telecommunication wires and cables in 1955. In 1981, it started manufacturing water leakage detection systems, and in 1984, it began selling bonding wire. Its telecommunications division received ISO 9001 certification in 1996, and the electric wire and cable division in 1998. The company began the production of EMI shielding film in 2003, and its product portfolio includes broadcasting cables, bonding wires, liquid leakage sensors, and functional paste.
ESTIC CORPORATION, established in 1993 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of energy-saving auto-assembly machines. The company specializes in designing, producing, and maintaining energy-saving auto-assembly machines, including servo and handheld nut runners. It offers a range of tightening and press-fitting solutions for various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction machinery. Its patented Estic pulse technology reduces reaction force during fastening, promoting safety and preventing workplace injuries. The company also provides custom-made assembly solutions and discontinued product catalogs for its clients' convenience.
IGATEC International GmbH was founded in 1983 and is based in Speyer, Germany, as a manufacturer of general industrial machinery. The product portfolio of the company consists of Swivel Joint Type W, 11-Passage Rotary Joint, Swivel Joint Scissors Walking Beam Furnace, and Floating Roof Drainage. The products ensure flexible fluid transfer, are essential for the efficient transfer of multiple media in rotating equipment, enhance the operation of walking beam furnaces, and play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of storage tanks, preventing roof damage and oil spillage. The company serves various industries, including automation, construction, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and electrotechnology.
MA Safety Signal Co. Ltd., based out of Zhejiang Province, China, is a designer and manufacturer of security and safety signal products and systems. The company's products include explosion-proof lighting fixtures, 4G CCTV systems, and mass notification alarm siren systems. These products are used in commercial buildings, industrial plants, and by law enforcement to provide safety and security in the event of an explosion or fire, as well as a means to evacuate large volumes of people. It serves sectors that include retail shopping, warehousing, and airports.
Sirena S.p.A., founded in 1974, is a manufacturer of signaling devices based in Rosta, Turin, Italy. The company introduced the first patented rotating beacons marketed under the ROTALLARM brand and has since expanded its portfolio to include industrial acoustic devices, such as electronic sirens, buzzers, and backup alarms. It also produces visual devices like industrial beacons, forklift signaling devices, and traffic lights. The company further provides signal towers, bases for modular devices, and fixing accessories. Serving customers in over 70 countries, the company collaborates with more than 100 distribution partners, specifically catering to the automotive industry.
Mesan Elektrik Mümessillik Ve Sanayi A.S. (Mesan Elektrik), founded in 1974, is an Istanbul, Turkey-based manufacturer of audible and visual signaling equipment. The company is certified by Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) and offers audible signal devices, signal towers, and motor sirens. It also produces a range of warning lights, including optical, solar, and red, green, and blue (RGB) options. Other products include audible and optical beacons, safety and traffic lights, and industrial warning devices.
Baumer Electric AG was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in the city of Frauenfeld, Switzerland. The ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company provides sensor solutions for digitalization, packaging, railway, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. A sample of the company’s sensor product listings includes object detection, distance measurement, force sensors, accessories, and connectivity devices. The company offers product support for setup and installation, product functionality, and optimized product usage.
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD, established in 1963 and headquartered in Nishiku, Japan, is a manufacturer specializing in various rubber products. Its product catalog includes O-rings, precision rubber balls, the Elastomer pressure conductive sensor (Inastomer), precision molded rubber items, and Petan cushions. These rubber solutions find applications across diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical. It plays a crucial role in sealing, cushioning, and safeguarding components in a array of applications, highlighting its significance in enhancing performance and quality in various sectors.
Auer Signal GmbH, founded in 1910 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is a signaling device and technology manufacturer and supplier. The company's products include the White Line signaling device range, which features a minimalistic and functional design for use in the pharmaceutical industry and laboratories, as well as explosion-proof audio signaling equipment used in oil and gas processing facilities. The company specializes in the development, design, and production of future-proof tower lights.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Teledyne Optech |
11.5%
|
2 | Mesan Electric |
7.7%
|
3 | Sirena S.p.A. |
7.7%
|
4 | ESTIC CORPORATION |
7.7%
|
5 | Camco Technologies |
7.7%
|
6 | Qlight |
7.7%
|
7 | elobau GmbH & Co. KG |
7.7%
|
8 | SICK AG |
7.7%
|
9 | SCHIRTEC AG |
3.8%
|
10 | EEP Elektro-Elektronik Pranjic GmbH |
3.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the position detection system page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Germany | 4 | 30.8% |
Japan | 3 | 23.1% |
United States of America | 2 | 15.4% |
Republic of Korea | 1 | 7.7% |
Canada | 1 | 7.7% |
Deutsch | 1 | 7.7% |
Belgium | 1 | 7.7% |
21 products are listed.
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