Self organizing bluetooth networks for the packaging industry

The process automation in the packaging industry requires an increasing number of intelligent devices like sensors and actors. These must communicate with the main programmable logic controller (PLC) and exchange settings and process data. Conventional techniques offer the possibility to realize this communication using wired devices. In industrial automation, fixed wired devices have the disadvantage to provide an inflexible automation network on the field level, so that a new concept to realize the communication was required. This report describes the alternative to realize a self organizing wireless network using the Bluetooth technology and the evaluation of the concept through a prototype. The prototype bases on a DC motor, typically used in packaging machines to change the batch specific mechanical settings. This motor was equipped with a Bluetooth module that allows an easy, time-reduced adjustment of the new settings.