Industrial applications of multi-sensor multi-source information fusion

The origins of information fusion, a rapidly growing field within the domain of information technologies, can be traced back to developments in a vast array of disciplines. However, it has had the most impetus for growth from the defense arena. Industrial applications, especially in the area of robotics, have begun to surface prominently. The paper first introduces the field of information fusion addressing the questions of what, why, when, and how. This is followed by a brief listing of the various taxonomies that have found currency in this field. In keeping with the theme of the conference, a review of some typical industrial applications is presented next to illustrate the scope and potential benefits of information fusion in this domain.