Development of a prototype gateway for data collection and transmission in material handling systems - Gate Move 4.0

Currently, material handling systems are fundamental in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and distribution, performing critical functions in the movement, storage, control, and protection of materials throughout production and distribution processes. With the advancement of digital technologies and the emergence of Industry 4.0, there is a growing need for more intelligent and interconnected systems capable of collecting and transmitting real-time data, thus improving operational efficiency and decision-making. The primary objective of this study was to develop a gateway prototype called Gate Move 4.0, designed to efficiently and reliably collect and transmit data in material handling systems. The methodology adopted for the development of Gate Move 4.0 was organized into several stages, each meticulously planned to ensure that the final prototype met the established objectives. The main stages of the methodology included the Requirements Analysis, where the functional and non-functional requirements of the gateway were identified, considering the needs of material handling systems and the technical specifications required by the industry. Different system architectures, communication protocols, and sensor technologies were evaluated to determine the best practices to be applied in the prototype development. The study results showed that Gate Move 4.0 proved to be a functional prototype, meeting the proposed objectives and demonstrating satisfactory performance under various operating conditions. The key results include: Data Collection Efficiency; Connectivity and Flexibility; Performance in Adverse Environments; Ease of Implementation and Use; and Impact on Operational Efficiency. Gate Move 4.0 proved to be a viable solution for data collection and transmission in material handling systems, contributing to the evolution of these systems towards more intelligent and interconnected operations within the context of Industry 4.0.