Final Year Project Report

The Waiter Robot With

Wireless Ordering System
B.S. Electronic Engineering, Batch 2007
Internal Adviser
Engr. Muhammad Rafay Khan
Lecturer
Electronic Engineering Deppt.
SSUET, KARACHI
Submitted by
Malik Usama Waheed
Ahsan Parwez
Saghir Ahmed
Huzaifa Saifuddin
Muhammad Dawood Qamer
Sajid Gul Amber Khan

External Adviser
Mr. Abrash Parwez
Masters Student
Engg Management
Stanford University
2007-EE-128
2007-EE-134
2007-EE-139
2007-EE-158
2007-EE-159
2007-EE-168

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

Sir Syed University Of Engineering & Technology
University Road, Karachi-75300
January, 2011
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PREFACE
The creation of intelligent robots is surely one of the most exciting and challenging
goals of Artificial Intelligence. A robot is, first of all, nothing but an inanimate
machine with motors and sensors. In order to bring life to it, the machine needs to be
programmed so as to make active use of its hardware components. This turns a
machine into an autonomous robot. Since about the mid-nineties of the past century,
robot programming has made impressive progress. State-of-the-art robots are able to
orient themselves and move around freely in indoor environments or negotiate
difficult outdoor terrains, they can use stereo vision to recognize objects, and they are
capable of simple object manipulation with the help of artificial extremities. At a time
where robots perform these tasks more and more reliably, we are ready to pursue the
next big step, which is to turn autonomous machines into reasoning robots. A
reasoning robot exhibits higher cognitive capabilities like following complex and
long-term strategies, making rational decisions on a high level, drawing logical
conclusions from sensor information acquired over time, devising suitable plans, and
reacting sensibly in unexpected situations. All of these capabilities are characteristics
of human-like intelligence and ultimately distinguish truly intelligent robots from
mere autonomous machines.
Our interest in robots leaned more toward the popular concept of robots as humanlike
friends and servants. We did not have the funds to build a computer-controlled robot
that is why we used microcontrollers.
To increase the effectiveness and efficiencies of restaurants we have worked on
Digitized Menu cards that will be installed on tables, that will eliminate any Queuing
at the counter. Our theme is to create an organized environment that will facilitate all
group ages.
This thesis provides an in-depth look into THE WAITER ROBOT WITH
WIRELESS ORDRING SYSTEM, providing complete knowledge of the project that
describes the devices used in the formation and those associated with it. The text also
elaborates the terminologies and factors related to the project.

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Chapter 1: This chapter gives introduction about the types of service robots and the
scope of robotics in different fields.
Chapter 2: This chapter further gives background of the robotics and describe the
types in more detail.
Chapter 3: Provides indept knowledge about the RF module and wireless
Communication.
Chapter 4: This chapter describes the design phase and entire methodology of our
project.
Chapter 5: This chapter describes the hardware design of entire project.
Chapter 6: Chapter includes description of components used in the project and how
they were used.
Chapter 7: Gives details about the softwares and their development process.
Chapter 8: This chapter contains the flowcharts and the schematics of the project.
Chapter 9: Conclusion and Future Enhancements are listed in this chapter.
Appendices: Appendix A contains time and cost analysis and Appendix B contains
datasheets of major components.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost we are thankful to Almighty Allah, through His guidance we have
reach this point in our lives.
We are grateful to our parents who provided us with all the resources and luxuries,
and supported us in every possible way during the duration of this project.
We are deeply indebted to Mr. Muhammad Rafay Khan (Lecturer, Electronics Dept),
our internal advisor, who offered his valuable time whenever we needed. His full
encouragement and even more cooperation was always with us, during the completion
of this project. Finally yet importantly, we acknowledge the efforts of our teachers
who have been our source of inspiration throughout the university years and have
shared their knowledge and skills with us.
We are also deeply indebted to Mr. Abrash Pervaiz, our external advisor, who
provided his valuable knowledge about the PIC micro-controller and its interfacing
and programming. We are also grateful to Mr. Sohail Memon who provided his
expertise about the mechanical design of robot.

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Sir Syed University Of Engineering & Technology

University Road, Karachi-75300, Pakistan

Tel: 4988000-2,4982393, Fax: (92-21) 4982393
http://www.ssuet.edu.pk

The Faculty of Electronic Engineering

Project Approval
Project Title

The Waiter Robot With Wireless Ordering System

Internal Advisor

Engr. Muhammad Rafay Khan

External Advisor

Mr. Abrash Parwez

Academic Year

2007-2010

Group Members:
Malik Usama Waheed

2007-EE-128

Ahsan Parwez

2007-EE-134

Saghir Ahmed

2007-EE-139

Huzaifa Saifuddin

2007-EE-158

Muhammad Dawood Qamer

2007-EE-159

Sajid Gul Amber Khan

2007-EE-168

The Department of Electronic Engineering Sir Syed University of Engineering &

Technology has approved this Final Year Project. The project is submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of science in Electronic
Engineering.
Approval Committee:

Engr. Muhammd Rafay Khan

Internal Advisor

Mr. Abrash Parwez

External Advisor

Mr. Muhammad Sharif

FYP Committee Incharge

Mr. Bilal Alvi

Chairman EE Department

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Synopsis

Through technical advances we humans have automated vast areas of our working
lives. Apart from industrial and communication fields, fields like that of gardening,
cleaning and cooking are also being automated, that are intelligent and can operate as
per requirement with minimum of human interference.

Through our knowledge and observations we are designing a Robot based on PIC18
that can deliver food items inside a restaurant; our prototype will exhibit some level of
intelligence as it navigates through the restaurant. This prototype will take
orders\input wirelessly by the use of RF modules for reception and transmission.

Each table will be implanted\installed with our custom designed module containing
PIC18 and RF transmitter and input buttons for selection, resetting and transmitting
along with a LCD display for displaying information of selected items.

The inputs are processed by PIC18 and data is delivered to RF transmitter. The RF
transmitter from the table directs the information to the Counter RF receiver where
data is decoded by max232 IC and delivered through the serial port to a computer that
has a GUI (designed in Visual Studio 2008-2010) along with a database based on SQL
Management Server 2008.

The Robot receives its codes and orders from the Counter in the same way using RF
transmitter receiver pair. When send order button is pressed in the GUI the codes
are transmitted through a RF transmitter installed on the counter, the Robot receives
the orders and acts accordingly. In its way to the table or back from table to the
Counter the Robot may encounter an obstacle, to detect obstacles of any kind we have
installed Ultrasonic sensors that will detect the obstructions, the Robot will stop and
sound an alarm\beep.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface..(ii)
Acknowledgment.(iv)
Certificate.....(v)
Synopsis......(vi)

Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction...2
1.2 Service Droids and Robots...2
1.3 Types of Service Robots.................................................................3
1.4 Problem Statement..........................................................................3
1.5 Scope Of Robotics..........................................................................4
1.6 Conclusion.4

Chapter 2 Background Of Robotics

2.1 History...........................................................................................6
2.2 Types Of Robot....6
2.2.1 Rectangular Robot.....6
2.2.2 Cylindrical Robot......6
2.2.3 Spherical Arm Robot........6
2.3 Selection Compliance Assembly Robot.....7
2.3.1 Articulated Robot..7
2.3.2 Mobile Robots...7
2.3.3 Rolling Robots...7

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2.3.4 Walking Robots......8

2.3.5 Stationary Robots.......8
2.3.6 Autonomous Robots.......8
2.3.7 Remote-Control Robots..9
2.4 Beam Robots...............9
2.4.1 Biology......9
2.4.2 Electronics...10
2.4.3Aesthetics..........10

2.4.4 Mechanics...10
2.4.5 Robots As Waiters.......10
2.5 Conclusion..11

Chapter 3 RF Module And Wireless Communication

3.1 Wireless Communication...13
3.2 Modes Of Wireless Communication......13
3.3 RF.....13
3.3.1 The RF Advantage........14
3.4 RF In Warehouses And Distribution Centers.15
3.4.1 Shipping And Receiving.....15
3.4.2 Internal Transport....15
3.4.3 Stock And Location Management....16
3.4.4 Order Picking..16
3.4.5 Stock Control..16

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3.4.6 Stock Replenishment......,17

3.5 RF Purchasing Considerations.....17
3.6 Conclusion,,..17

Chapter 4 Methodology And Procedure

4.1 Introduction.19
4.1.1 Design Phase.....19
4.1.2 Implementation Phase...20
4.1.3 Testing Phase.....20
4.2 Conclusion....20

Chapter 5 Hardware Design

5.1 Introduction.....22
5.2 Structural Design.22
5.3 Mechanical Consideration.......23
5.4 Material Selection....23
5.5 Conclusion.......23

Chapter 6 Electronic Components

6.1 PIC Microcontroller.....25
6.1.1 Use in Project....24
6.2 Transistor..26
6.2.1 Use in Project....26
6.3 7805 Regulators.......26
6.3.1 Features.....27

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6.3.2 Use in Project....27

6.4 Push Button....28
6.4.1 Use in Project..28
6.5 16 X 2 Character LCD.......28
6.5.1 Use in Project..28
6.6 Ultrasonic Sensors......29
6.6.1 Use in Project..29
6.7 Relay..29
6.7.1 Operating Principles....29
6.7.2 Use in Project......30
6.8 Dry Cell Battery Rechargeable......30
6.8.1 Use in Project......30
6.9 Buzzer And crystal....31
6.9.1 Use in Project......31
6.10 RF Transmitter And Receiver..31
6.10.1 Use in Project....32
6.11 RS 232.....32
6.11.1 Use in Project...32
6.12 Dc Gear Motor........33
6.12.1 Use in Project...33
6.13 U-Shape Sensor...33
6.13.1 Use in Project...33
6.14 MAX232 IC....34

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6.14.1 Use in Project...34

6.15 Conclusion...34

Chapter 7 Software Description

7.1 Software.....36
7.2 List Of Software Used...36
7.2.1 PIC Simulator And Compiler......36
7.2.1.1 Pic18 Simulator IDE Main Features....36
7.2.1.2 Pic18 Burner.....38
7.2.2 Visual Studio 2010..........38
7.2.2.1 Software Screenshots...38
7.3 Conclusion......43

Chapter 8 Flowcharts And Circuits

8.1 Power Supply.....45
8.2 Motor Driving....46
8.3 PIC18 General Circuit....46
8.4 Main Robot Circuit47
8.5 Table Circuit...48
8.6 PIC16 General Circuit....48
8.7 Ultra Sonic Circuit..49
8.8 LEDs Flashing Circuit....49
8.9 Counter Circuit...50
8.10 Flow Chart Of The System...51
8.10.1 Description Of The Process.......52
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Chapter 9 Conclusion And Future Enhancement

9.1 Project Review.......54
9.2 Future Enhancements And Considerations...54
9.2.1 Adding Cameras (Sense Of Sight).....54
9.2.2 Multi-Purpose Single Robot...55
9.2.3 GPS Navigational Aid Robot.....55
9.2.4 Ability To Respond To Verbal Commands....55
9.2.5 Medical Robots...55
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
(Time and Cost analysis)
(Application of the project)
(Cost of the project)
APPENDIX B
(Data sheets of all major components)

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1

Scope Of Robotics

04

Figure 2.1

Mars Explorer

07

Figure 2.2

Guidance Robot

07

Figure 2.3

Spider Robot

08

Figure 2.4

Robotic Arm

08

Figure 2.5

Robotic Nurse

08

Figure 2.6

Mining Robot

09

Figure 2.7

Beam Robot

09

Figure 2.8

Waiter Robot

10

Figure 6.1

PIC 18

25

Figure 6.2

NPN Transistor

26

Figure 6.3

Regulator

27

Figure 6.4

Push Button

28

Figure 6.5

16x2 LCD

28

Figure 6.6

Ultra Sonic Sensor

29

Figure 6.7

Relay

29

Figure 6.8

Battery

30

Figure 6.9

Buzzer & Crystal

31

Figure 6.10

RF Transmitter

31

Figure 6.11

RF Receiver

31

Figure 6.12

Serial Port

32

Figure 6.13

DC Motor

33

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Figure 6.14

U-Shaped Sensor

33

Figure 7.1

Visual Studio 2010

38

Figure 7.2

Main Order Form

40

Figure 7.3

Main Order Form Updated

41

Figure 7.4

Order Details

41

Figure 7.5

Order Details Updated

42

Figure 7.6

Database Without Data

42

Figure 7.7

Database With Data

43

Figure 7.8

Database Form

43

Figure 8.1

9V and 12V Batteries

45

Figure 8.2

Motor Driver Circuit

45

Figure 8.3

PIC18 Initializing Circuit

46

Figure 8.4

Main Robot Circuit

47

Figure 8.5

U-Shape Sensor

47

Figure 8.6

RF Input Circuit

47

Figure 8.7

Main Table Circuit

48

Figure 8.8

PIC16 General Circuit

48
Figure 8.9

Ultrasonic Sensor

49

Figure 8.10

LED Flashing Circuit

49

Figure 8.11

Counter Circuit

50

Figure 8.12

System Flow Chart

51

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INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION:

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What is a robot? The word robot comes from the Czech word Robota, which means
obligatory work or servitude. The word robot was first used in a Czech play called
R.U.R.(Rossums Universal Robots) by Karl Capek. Robotics is the science and
technology of robots and their designs, manufacture and their applications. Robotics
comprises of not only the mechanical structure but also the electronics and software in
order to function according to the desired input. Now a days Robotics has become a
very vast and broad field and robots are distinguished in various categories according
to their structure and functions they perform. Robot is defined as a mechanical design
that is capable of performing human tasks or behaving in a human-like manner.
Building a robot requires expertise and complex programming. Its about building
systems and putting together motors, solenoids, and wires, among other important
components. There are a number of subsystems that must be designed to fit together
into an appropriate package suitable for carrying out the robots task.
Wireless Ordering System reduces the flow of work, simplifies the complex orders,
receives accurate orders, provides pleasant environment & speedy service, prevents
monetary loss, & increases customer reliability in ordering. Moreover, it's also an
integrated system that automatically controls business by connecting to POS system at
the counter.
1.2 SERVICE OF DROIDS AND ROBOTS:
Service robots have no strict internationally accepted definition, which, among other
things, delimits them from other types of equipment, in particular the manipulating
industrial robot. IFR, however, have adopted a preliminary definition:
A service robot is a robot which operates semi- or fully autonomously to perform
services useful to the well-being of humans and equipment, excluding manufacturing
operations.
With this definition, manipulating industrial robots could also be regarded as service
robots, provided they are installed in non-manufacturing operations. Service robots
may or may not be equipped with an arm structure as is the industrial robot. Often, but
not always, the service robots are mobile. In some cases, service robots consist of a
mobile platform on which one or several arms are attached and controlled in the same
mode as the arms of the industrial robot.[1]
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1.3 TYPES OF SERVICE ROBOTS:

a- Industrial Robots.
b- Mobile Robots.
c- Agricultural Robots.
d- Service Robots.
e- Social Robots.
f- Entertainment Robots.
g- Tele robots.
1.4 PROBLEM STATEMENT:
Today in this modern world era many jobs are undesirable by skilled workers such as
sewerage cleaners, toll collectors at the highways, high tension wire repairman, crime
scene decontaminators, and even butlers and waiters at the fast food restaurants. Many
developed countries of the world depend on cheap unskilled labor from other 3 rd
world countries to provide the manpower to do these jobs while the population of that
country do the skilled jobs.
In order to fill the gap and eliminate the need of manpower from other countries many
specialized robots have been built to perform the tasks that humans normally dont
prefer to do.
Being a waiter at a restaurant is also one kind of job that humans dont prefer to do, at
least the skilled labor doesnt want to do, that is why we have set out our goal to build
a robot and an entire system a model and a prototype for such tasks.
Our design will greatly reduce the reliance on manpower and unskilled labor that
sometimes become a nuisance.[2]

1.5 SCOPE OF ROBOTICS:

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1.6 CONCLUSION:
This chapter was the introduction to robotics .in which robot was briefly discussed
and also its application and also the advantages for using the robot were briefly
explained.

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BACKGROUND OF ROBOTICS

2.1 HISTORY:
Stories of artificial helpers and companions and attempts to create them have a long
history. In 1837, the story of the Golem of Prague, a humanoid artificial intelligence
activated by inscribing Hebrew letters on its forehead, based on Jewish folklore, was
created by Jewish German writer Berthold Auerbach for his novel Spinoza. In 1921,

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Czech writer Karel apek introduced the word "robot" in his play R.U.R. (Rossum's
Universal Robots). The word "robot" comes from the word "robota", meaning, in
Czech, "forced labour, drudgery". In 1927, the Maschinenmensch (machinehuman), a ganoids humanoid robot, also called "Parody", "Futura", "Robotics", or
the "Maria impersonator" (played by German actress Brigitte Helm), the first and
perhaps the most memorable depiction of a robot ever to appear on film, was depicted
in Fritz Lang's film Metropolis.[3]
2.2 TYPES OF ROBOT:
2.2.1 RECTANGULAR ROBOT

Rectangular arms are sometimes called "Cartesian" because the arms axes can be
described by using the X, Y, and Z coordinate system. It is claimed that the Cartesian
design will produce the most accurate movements.
2.2.2 CYLINDRICAL ROBOT

A cylindrical arm also has three degrees of freedom, but it moves linearly only along
the Y and Z-axes. Its third degree of freedom is the rotation at its base around the two
axes. The work envelope is in the shape of a cylinder.
2.2.3 SPHERICAL ARM ROBOT

The spherical arm, also known as polar coordinate robot arm, has one sliding motion
and two rotational, around the vertical post and around a shoulder joint. The spherical
arm's work envelope is a partial sphere, which has various length radii.

2.3 SELECTION COMPLIANCE ASSEMBLY ROBOT:

The SCARA (Selection Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) is also known as a
horizontal articulated arm robot. Some SCARA robots rotate about all three axes, and
some have sliding motion along one axis in combination with rotation about another.
2.3.1 ARTICULATED ROBOT

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The last and most used design is the jointed-arm., also known as an articulated robot
arm. The arm has a trunk, shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and wrist. All joints in the
arm can rotate, creating six degrees of freedom. Three are the X, Y, and Z-axes. The
other three are pitch, yaw, and roll. Pitch is when you move your wrist up and down.
Yaw is when you move your hand left and right. Rotate your entire forearm, this
motion is called roll.
2.3.2 MOBILE ROBOTS

Mobile robots are able to move, usually they perform task such as search areas. A
prime example is the Mars Explorer, specifically designed to roam the mars surface.
Mobile robots are a great help to such collapsed building for survivors Mobile
robots are used for task where people cannot go. Either because it is too dangerous
for people to reach the area that needs to be searched.

2.3.3 ROLLING ROBOTS

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Rolling robots have wheels to move around. These are the type of robots that can
quickly and easily search move around. However they are only useful in flat areas,
rocky terrains give them a hard time. Flat terrains are their territory.
2.3.4 WALKING ROBOTS

Robots on legs are usually brought in when the terrain is rocky and difficult to enter
with wheels.

Robots have a hard time shifting balance and keep them from

tumbling. Thats why most robots with have at least 4 of them, usually they have 6
legs or more.
2.3.5 STATIONARY ROBOTS

Robots are not only used to explore areas or imitate a human being. Most robots
perform repeating tasks without ever moving an inch. Most robots are working in
industry settings.

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2.3.6 AUTONOMOUS ROBOTS

Autonomous robots are self

supporting

or

in

other

words

self

contained. In a way they rely on their own brains. Autonomous robots run a
program that give them the opportunity to decide on the action to perform depending
on their surroundings. At times these robots even learn new behavior. They start out
with a short routine and adapt this routine to be more successful at the task they
perform. The most successful routine will be repeated as such their behavior is
shaped. Autonomous robots can learn to walk or avoid obstacles they find in their
way. Think about a six legged robot, at first the legs move ad random, after a little
while the robot adjust its program and performs a pattern which enables it to move in
a direction.
2.3.7 REMOTE-CONTROL ROBOTS

An autonomous robot is despite its autonomous not a very clever or intelligent unit.
The memory and brain capacity is usually limited, an autonomous robot can be
compared to an insect in that respect. In case a robot needs to perform more
complicated yet undetermined tasks an autonomous robot is not the right choice.
Complicated tasks are still best performed by human beings with real brainpower. A
person can guide a robot by remote control. A person can perform difficult and
usually dangerous tasks without being at the spot where the tasks are performed.To
detonate a bomb it is safer to send the robot to the danger area.

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2.4 BEAM ROBOTS:

BEAM is short for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics and Mechanics. BEAM robots
are made by hobbyists. BEAM robots can be simple and very suitable for starters.
2.4.1 BIOLOGY

Robots are often modeled after nature. A lot of BEAM robots look remarkably like
insects. Insects are easy to build in mechanical form. Not just the mechanics are in
inspiration also the limited behavior can easily be programmed in a limited amount of
memory and processing power.
2.4.2 ELECTRONICS

Like all robots they also contain electronics. Without electronic circuits the engines
cannot be controlled. Lots of Beam Robots also use solar power as their main source
of energy.
2.4.3 AESTHETICS

A BEAM Robot should look nice and attractive. BEAM robots have no printed
circuits with some parts but an appealing and original appearance.
2.4.4 MECHANICS

In contrast with expensive big robots BEAM robots are cheap, simple, built out of
recycled material and running on solar energy.
2.4.5 ROBOTS AS WAITERS

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As we can see that the use of

robots is widespread they are

also being used as butlers and waiters around the world to do basic jobs such as
waiters, and interestingly enough robots perform the job effectively, they are very
handy too except for their need to be recharged at regular intervals. [3]
2.5 CONCLUSION:

In this chapter we have discussed that why robot was introduced and what was the
history behind it. Also the general structure and working principle of robot has been
discussed briefly and also the major types of robots have been discussed in this
chapter which will give an idea that how robots have been used in different areas to
perform different task.

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RF AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

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3.1 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION:

Wireless communication is the transfer of information over a distance without the use
of enhanced electrical conductors or "wires". The distances involved may be short (a
few meters as in television remote control) or long (thousands or millions of
kilometers for radio communications). When the context is clear, the term is often
shortened to "wireless". Wireless communication is generally considered to be a
branch of telecommunications. [4]
3.2 MODES OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION:

radio frequency communication,

microwave communication, for example long-range line-of-sight via highly

directional antennas, or short-range communication, or

infrared (IR) short-range communication, for example from remote controls or

via Infrared Data Association (IrDA).

3.3 RF:
RF is the wireless transmission of data by digital radio signals at a particular
frequency. It maintains a two-way, online radio connection between a mobile terminal
and the host computer. The mobile terminal, which can be portable, even worn by the
worker, or mounted on a forklift truck, collects and displays data at the point of
activity. The host computer can be a PC, a minicomputer or a much larger mainframe.
The end result is a seamless flow of information to and from the host, allowing
workers to go wherever they need to go to get their job done without fear of being out
of touch with the data they need. RFDC improves the timeliness of information, and
therefore the value of information, especially in time-sensitive operating
environments like cross-dock, make-to-order manufacturing and just-in-time
replenishment. RF itself has become synonymous with wireless and high-frequency
signals, describing anything from AM radio between 535 kHz and 1605 kHz to
computer local area networks (LANs) at 2.4 GHz. However, RF has traditionally
defined frequencies from a few kHz to roughly 1 GHz. If one considers microwave

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frequencies as RF, this range extends to 300 GHz. The following two tables outline
the various nomenclatures for the frequency bands. The third table outlines some of
the applications at each of the various frequency bands.
RF measurement methodology can generally be divided into three major categories:
spectral analysis, vector analysis, and network analysis.
Spectrum analyzers, which provide basic measurement capabilities, are the most
popular type of RF instrument in many general-purpose applications. Specifically,
using a spectrum analyzer you can view power-vs-frequency information, and can
sometimes demodulate analog formats, such as amplitude modulation (AM),
frequency modulation (FM), and phase modulation (PM).
Vector instruments include vector or real-time signal analyzers and
generators.

These

instruments

analyze

and

generate

broadband

waveforms, and capture time, frequency, phase, and power information

from signals of interest. These instruments are much more powerful than
spectrum analyzers and offer excellent modulation control and signal
analysis. Network analyzers, on the other hand, are typically used for
making

S-parameter

measurements

and

other

characterization

measurements on RF or high-frequency components. Network analyzers

are instruments that correlate both the generation and analysis on multiple

channels but at a much higher price than spectrum analyzers and vector signal
generators/analyzers.[8]
3.3.1 THE RF ADVANTAGE

The advantages of a RF communication system are many. Start with the simple fact
that if it is wireless, you don't have to lay cable all over your facility. Cable is
expensive, less flexible than RF coverage and is prone to damage. For new facilities,
implementing a wireless infrastructure may be more cost effective than running cable
through industrial environments, especially if the space configuration may change to
support different storage space allocation or flexible manufacturing stations.
Accessibility is a key benefit. If workers are within range of the system and they
always should be if a proper site survey is performed (as explained on page 8) they
are always in touch with their data. This advantage cannot be overstated. To always
have your data literally at your fingertips whenever needed means there is no break in

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productivity and no empty or deadhead trips to a stationary terminal, docking

station or dispatch location to receive pick or putaway instructions. Critical decisions
can be made and action taken immediately at the point of activity. Less wasted time
means you can do significantly more, faster, without adding additional employees.
Would that make a difference in your business?
Other general advantages of real-time RF communication include a significant
improvement in order accuracy (>99%), the elimination of paperwork, replacement of
time-consuming batch processing by rapid real-time data processing, prompt response
times and improved service levels. Complementing a real-time data collection system
with automated data entry by bar code scanning or another automatic data collection
technology improves the accuracy of information and eliminates the need for
redundant data entry, which provides another set of time- and cost-saving advantages.
Many points in the supply chain can realize important advantages of accurate, realtime data that RF provides. Here are some examples of RF applied to a few common
environments.
3.4 RF IN WAREHOUSES AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS:
3.4.1 SHIPPING AND RECEIVING

When goods arrive at receiving, the bar code on the pallet is scanned and the data is
sent to the host computer. At virtually the same moment, the quantity of goods
received can be compared with the quantity ordered to immediately determine if there
is any disparity. If goods received are different from the order, or are damaged,
immediate action can be the warehouse, production department or shipping/staging
area. Whether outgoing goods are cross-docked or simply transported from storage
and loaded onto the truck, shipments can be directed efficiently to trucks and
confirmed via the RF system. Invoices, advanced ship notices (ASNs) and other
necessary forms and reports can be initiated the moment truck doors are closed.[9]
3.4.2 INTERNAL TRANSPORT

Goods don't sit when instructions are sent wirelessly direct to the mobile terminal.
Forklift truck operators no longer have to go somewhere specific to get their
instructions; rather, the instructions come to them, saving time, eliminating deadhead

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trips and making more productive use of personnel and materials. Also, a RF system
allows stock retrieval and replenishment to be combined, dramatically reducing the
number of movements involved in the internal transport of material and the number of
empty runs.
3.4.3 STOCK AND LOCATION MANAGEMENT

The moment palletized goods are put away, forklift operators can use their computer
to notify the host system of their location and that they are ready for another job. This
allows warehouse space and workers' time to be used in a more efficient manner.
Users typically report significant gains in the number of picks or putaways processed
per hour after implementing RF-directed operations.
3.4.4 ORDER PICKING

RF supports all possible order picking principles: individual selection, batch selection
or splits between articles and packaging. Picking information is received by the
terminal, and inquiries and transaction/activity data are sent from the terminal to the
host, all in real time. Once the order is picked, a forklift truck operator can then be
given delivery instructions from a warehouse management system (WMS) via RF.
Providing real-time updates of picking activity and order status enables the WMS to
continually recalculate the most efficient pick/putaway routes and order assignments.
3.4.5 STOCK CONTROL

Using RF for stock control offers huge savings in time and money. Because all events
are recorded in real time, the computer is continually aware of the current inventory.
This high level of monitoring essentially makes separate cycle counting unnecessary.
Many companies reduce the number of formal inventory counts they conduct each
year, and in some cases eliminate them altogether, because the RF system provides
accurate, real-time inventory information.
Depending on the order picking method, RF offers a range of possibilities for speedy
verification of previous activities/transactions. For example, after a certain number of
transactions, the remaining stock at the pick-up location can be counted for extra
verification. If the physical stock is not the same as the administrative stock, those
mistakes can be rectified before the goods are moved or shipped.
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3.4.6 STOCK REPLENISHMENT

Each time stock is removed, the transaction is recorded by the mobile terminal and
sent to the host. When stock reaches minimum, preset levels, the system can be set to
alert a supervisor or automatically generate a replenishment request. When bulk stock
reaches order level, a purchase order is automatically created and an order placed.
Reordering is instantaneous; stocks can be kept low.

3.5 RF PURCHASING CONSIDERATIONS:

A wireless system is a serious investment. It's important to consider all factors before
making your decision. Following is a brief guide to the major topics and purchasing
considerations that must be evaluated before committing to a system, including site
planning, wireless technology options and standards, and an overview of the
computers and input technologies commonly used in industrial radio frequency
network applications.
3.6 CONCLUSION:
This chapter is based on wireless communication which describes the principle of
communication wirelessly and the history and purpose for introducing this way of
communication .its types and its applications are also discussed in this chapter.

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