Advances in Pedestrian Positioning and Navigation Based on Ultra-Wideband Technology

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the field of precision positioning within complex real-world environments has seen a significant focus on ranging technologies that utilize radio frequency transmissions. This has led to the development of real-time spatial data systems leveraging various technologies such as cellular networks, WiFi, RFID, Bluetooth, and GNSS pseudolites. Of particular note are systems that function ubiquitously, independent of environmental conditions and without the need for extensive transmitting antenna networks. The advent of smartphones has further propelled this field, allowing for the utilization of inbuilt communication protocols in these devices as rovers.

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advances in the field of accurate positioning technologies, with a focus in particular on the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. Renowned for its exceptional precision in measurement and positioning, UWB technology offers an unrivaled level of accuracy, often to the centimeter, and is notably resistant to interference and multipath effects thanks to its unique impulsive signal structure. The application of UWB technology has become increasingly diverse, finding utility in systems ranging from robotics and vehicles to logistics and pedestrian tracking. This Special Issue is committed to providing a comprehensive overview of innovative technologies, solutions, and applications, with a special focus on UWB positioning in smartphones. Aligning with the journal’s mission to showcase groundbreaking research and its tangible applications, this Special Issue seeks to present an in-depth examination of the evolving landscape of UWB technology, emphasizing its growing adoption by leading industry players and its versatile applicability across a spectrum of real-world scenarios.

For this Special Issue, we invite submissions that focus on several key themes, including, but not limited to, the following:

• The application of UWB technology in smartphones for precise positioning in various environments (indoor, outdoor, mixed) and conditions (static, dynamic).
• Evaluations of system parameters such as accuracy, coverage area, integrity, availability, and robustness in UWB-enabled devices. Analysis of multiuser positioning systems to assess scalability and performance in crowded environments.
• Technical challenges and solutions related to accessing raw data from smartphones, including range, signal strength, and angle of arrival.
• Case studies or experimental research that showcase the application of UWB technology in real-world scenarios.

We are seeking the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, case studies, and, potentially, short communications that offer significant insights into the state-of-the-art performance and applications of UWB technology in precision positioning.

Dr. Vincenzo Di Pietra
Dr. Paolo Dabove
Guest Editors

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