Signals are transmitted between a device placed on an object and at least one further device. Based on measurement of the signals transmitted between the device and the at least one further device, a position of the object is determined. Further, data associated with the object are stored in the device. The stored data are then transmitted from the device.

A tool identification system for fitting to a tool includes a data memory configured to store data specific to the tool, and a standardized data interface configured to provide the data for a superordinate device having a corresponding data interface. The data memory is included in a microprocessor system configured to keep the standardized data interface ready, with the result that the data in the data memory can be read or written by a device using the microprocessor system and using the standardized data interface.

Provided is a technology capable of constructing an RF communication automated material handling system while minimizing structural change for a previously installed optical-communication automated material handling system, by constructing RF communication environment between an automated guided vehicle and manufacturing equipment by using separate communication modules provided in the automated guided vehicle and the manufacturing equipment.

Provided is a technology capable of constructing an RF communication automated material handling system while minimizing structural change for a previously installed optical-communication automated material handling system, by constructing RF communication environment between an automated guided vehicle and manufacturing equipment by using separate communication modules provided in the automated guided vehicle and the manufacturing equipment.

Signals are transmitted between a device placed on an object and at least one further device. Based on measurement of the signals transmitted between the device and the at least one further device, a position of the object is determined. Further, data associated with the object are stored in the device. The stored data are then transmitted from the device.

The invention relates to a remote monitoring system (1) comprising a technical device (2) to be maintained or operated, a mobile remote maintenance unit (3), a communications network (4) and at least one communications remote station (5). The remote maintenance unit (3) is a computer system (18) designed for mobile operation and, among other things, has a sensor interface (8), a communications interface (9) and a human-machine interface (15). A data connection (10) between the communications interface (9) of the remote maintenance unit (3) and the communications remote station (5) exists via the communications network (4). A contactlessly readable data memory (11) is provided on the technical device (2) to be maintained, in which configuration data (12) of the communications interface (9) and configuration data (13) of the communications remote station (5) are stored. Further, the mobile remote maintenance unit (3) has a reading means (14) for reading out the data memory (11). The invention further relates to a configuration method of a mobile remote maintenance unit (3) in a remote maintenance system (1).

A product may be provided with a product sensor, thus making it possible to determine, together with the product, data relating to a system or a machine with the aid of the product sensor. The data determined can be used to diagnose and/or control the system or machine. In this case, it is advantageous that the data are obtained at the location of the product and it is thus possible to directly determine a desirable or undesirable effect (for example of environmental parameters or of the system itself) on the product. This system can be used, for example, in automation, in systems or machines or in different product manufacture variants.