Sensor mesh in automation equipment

Abstract

There is provided a sensor arrangement (220) for an automation equipment (110), the sensor arrangement (220) comprising a first wireless sensor (222-1) configured to obtain first wireless sensor data (Dws-1) related to the automation equipment (110) and to perform short-range wireless communication; and a first relay node (221-1) configured to obtain the first wireless sensor data (Dws-1) from the first wireless sensor (222-1) via a short-range wireless communication and to provide first relay node data (Drn-1) indicative of the obtained first wireless sensor data (Dws-1) for a long-range communication.

Description

[0001] SENSOR MESH IN AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a sensor mesh in automation equipment.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Nowadays, automation equipment, like a robotic manipulator or robot for example in industrial settings, contain many inaccessible locations at which valuable data about the functioning of the automation equipment may be obtained. Sensors in such locations cannot be connected by wire, either because it is physically impossible to wire them, or because it is impractical from a cost perspective.

[0006] In order to use such sensors, therefore, wireless communication protocols must be used to extract the data from the sensor and transmit the extracted data to where it may be used or aggregated. In typical industrial automation equipment the sensors may be contained within a robotic manipulator for example, and the data may be used or aggregated in a robot controller, which may be away from the robotic manipulator by a distance of up to 50 m or even more, for example the robot controller may be realized through edge computing or cloud computing. Wireless sensors that communicate directly with the controller must therefore use wireless protocols capable of acting over such a range. As a general rule, energy consumption increases with the required range. Additionally, in automation equipment in industrial settings for example, it can be difficult to communicate wirelessly over such distances due to electromagnetic disturbances and due to the damping effect of robot structures on such signals.

[0007] Moreover, wireless sensors may operate in energy-starved conditions, using a battery or some type of energy harvesting for example, so supporting communications on a range of about 50 m for example can be physically impossible or prohibitively expensive. Many important automation equipment applications, like robotic applications for example, require a large number of these wireless sensors in order to use the vast amount of data a robot or robotic manipulator can generate. Furthermore, it is not feasible to integrate so many sensors directly to the controller.

[0008] Regarding industrial robots in particular, it shall be noted that state-of-the-art industrial robots contain many sensors connected in a network, however typically only wired sensors are supported.

[0009] Hence, there are several drawbacks in nowadays obtainment of data related to automation equipment. Thus, there is room for improvement.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to overcome at least part of these nowadays available drawbacks regarding the obtainment of data related to automation equipment.

[0012] Thus, according to several examples of the present disclosure, there is described a sensor mesh or sensor arrangement in an automation equipment, for example in industrial plant, like at least in parts in an industrial robot for example, to allow large numbers of wireless sensors to be supported with minimal additional cost and complexity compared to current measurement architectures in an automation equipment.

[0013] The sensor arrangement, according to several examples of the present disclosure, consists of wireless sensors, which communicate via a short-range wireless protocol to so-called “relay nodes”, which will forward the sensor data via a long-range wired and / or wireless protocol, for example to a robot controller, where the data can be stored and / or used in applications. Such an approach is more cost effective than solutions which require each sensor to communicate via a long-range wireless protocol directly with such controller.

[0014] In more detail, according to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided to leverage an existing measurement network inside an automation equipment, like at least partly inside an industrial robot for example, to facilitate connecting large numbers of wireless sensors to the outside world, i.e. to outside of the industrial robot for example. A typical industrial robot has a measurement network that extends through the robot. Any wireless sensors in the robot may themselves be inaccessible, but they may be in close physical proximity to existing cable harnesses and measurement nodes.

[0015] Thus, according to several examples of the present disclosure, there is disclosed to extend an existing measurement network, which is at least partly inside an industrial robot for example, to contain so-called “relay nodes”. The relay nodes may each communicate with multiple wireless sensors via short-range wireless protocols, and may forward the data received via the existing measurement network to a desired destination.

[0016] Hence, in view of the above, there is provided, in a first aspect, a sensor arrangement for an automation equipment. The sensor arrangement comprises a first wireless sensor configured to obtain first wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment and to perform short-range wireless communication. The sensor arrangement further comprises a first relay node configured to obtain the first wireless sensor data from the first wireless sensor via a short-range wireless communication and to provide first relay node data indicative of the obtained first wireless sensor data for a long-range communication.

[0017] According to several examples of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the automation equipment as well as the sensor arrangement as outlined throughout the present disclosure may be applicable in several different fields, for example in an industrial plant and / or in health business.

[0018] Moreover, according to several examples of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the automation equipment as outlined throughout the present disclosure is not limited to a single robot. Rather, the automation equipment may comprise one or more robots, for example. Such robot or robots may comprise stationary robots and / or mobile robots. Additionally or alternatively, such robot or robots may comprise movable robots and / or immovable robots. Immovable robots for example like robots for scanning or inspecting items by use of an imaging apparatus, wherein the items to be inspected may be arranged on a running assembly line, which runs below the immovable imaging apparatus. The sensor arrangement as outlined throughout the present disclosure may be applicable on each of such different automation equipment. Additionally or alternatively, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the automation equipment may also comprise pieces of equipment or work items with which a robot may be equipped, for example a moulding gun. Hence, the automation equipment may represent several different robots using several different work items, for example.

[0019] It shall further be noted that the term “wireless sensor data” means that the data is obtained by a wireless sensor, and no limitations on the data as such are made. The term “relay node data” means that the data is obtained by a relay node, and no limitations on the data as such are made. The sensor arrangement may comprise any arrangement of sensors, for example a grid of sensors or a mesh of sensors.

[0020] It shall further be noted that the relay node data are indicative of the wireless sensor data, which may be understood as follows. For example, the relay node may obtain the wireless sensor data, for example in an unprocessed state, i.e. in a state as obtained by the wireless sensor, and the relay node may then forward such wireless sensor data. Hence, the relay node data may be the same as the wireless sensor data. Additionally or alternatively, the relay node may obtain wireless sensor data from more than one wireless sensor, so the resulting relay node data may be understood to represent an addition or combination of the respective wireless sensor data obtained from the more than one wireless sensors. Additionally or alternatively, the relay node data may comprise data which are different from the data obtained from the wireless sensors, i.e. the relay node data may comprise data that are obtained by entities different from the wireless sensors of the sensor arrangement.

[0021] According to several examples of the present disclosure, the expression “wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment” may comprise data to be obtained directly at or in the automation equipment, like a temperature value inside the automation equipment for example. However, such expression may also comprise data to be obtained from outside of or away from the automation equipment, but which originate from an operation of the automation equipment. For example, according to several examples of the present disclosure, a wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement may be arranged at an object different from the automation equipment, for example at a table. Such wireless sensor may measure a force applied on the table, for example when a robot arranges an item, like a metal plate for example, on the table. According to several examples of the present disclosure, a wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement may be a camera sensor arranged at a wall surface to capture a movement of an automation equipment.

[0022] Throughout the present application, short-range wireless communication may comprise a wireless communication, one-directional or bi-directional, over a short range, like for example over several centimeters up to a few meters. ’’Short-range” refers to wireless communication within a local sphere of interaction, i e up to 10 meters for example. Some examples for short-range wireless communication comprise Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, WiFi communication, ZigBee (registered trademark) communication, Ultra- Wideband (UWB) communication, Infrared (IR) communication, and Near Field Communication (NFC) communication for example. Throughout the present application, long-range communication may comprise a wired and / or wireless communication, one-directional or bi-directional, over a long-range. Thus, long-range communication applies to both wired and wireless technologies then, where the communication distances are typically tens to hundreds of meters up to kilometers. Examples are Ethernet, RS422, RS485, long-range WiFi and mobile telecom (xG).

[0023] A relay node, as already indicated above, may be understood to represent a node, which collects data from wireless sensors and which provides such collected data for a long-range communication, for example which may forward such collected data to an existing measurement network.

[0024] The sensor arrangement according to the first aspect is advantageous in several ways. For example, the sensor arrangement enables that wireless sensors may be arranged at any position of the automation equipment to obtain, like to collect, measure or acquire for example, different data related to the automation equipment. Such different data may comprise at least one of temperature values, acceleration values, current values, voltage values, torque values and load values, for example. Moreover, due to the relay nodes performing a wireless and / or wired communication with the measurement network, a wireless communication from the wireless sensors over a long distance is avoided and the advantages of a communication over a long distance from the measurement network are achieved. Furthermore, since the relay nodes may be used in combination with an existing measurement network, setting up an individual or separate wired network is also avoided. Thus, resources may be used more efficiently and costs may be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the sensor arrangement may further comprise a second wireless sensor configured to obtain second wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment and to perform short- range wireless communication. The first relay node may be further configured to further obtain the second wireless sensor data from the second wireless sensor via a short- range wireless communication. The first relay node data may be further indicative of the second wireless sensor data.

[0026] Hence, one relay node may obtain data from several wireless sensors. Furthermore, it shall be noted that one wireless sensor may transmit obtained data to several relay nodes, for example based on a type of obtained data. Thus, there may be a “n-to-m”- mapping between wireless sensors and relay nodes. However, the sensor arrangement may comprise more wireless sensors than relay nodes.

[0027] Therefore, due to such “n-to-m”-mapping, a flexibility in data obtainment is increased.

[0028] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the sensor arrangement may further comprise a plurality of wireless sensors comprising the first wireless sensor and the second wireless sensor, and a plurality of relay nodes comprising the first relay node. The plurality of wireless sensors may be configured to obtain wireless sensor data comprising the first and second wireless sensor data and related to the automation equipment, and may be configured to perform short-range wireless communication. The plurality of relay nodes may be configured to obtain the wireless sensor data from the plurality of wireless sensors via a short-range wireless communication, and may be configured to provide relay node data comprising the first relay node data and indicative of the obtained wireless sensor data for a long-range communication.

[0029] Therefore, a flexible and dynamic obtainment as well as forwarding of data throughout the sensor arrangement is achieved. Hence, a more adequate application of the sensor arrangement to a specific automation equipment is achieved. Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the first relay node and a second relay node among the plurality of relay nodes may be communicatively connected.

[0030] For example, in case of a first relay node being connected to an existing measurement network via a wireless communication and in case of a second relay node being connected to the existing measurement network via a wired communication, it may be advantageous that the first relay node transmits or forwards its relay node data to the second relay node, wherein the second relay node may further transmit or forward the relay node data of the first relay node to the existing measurement network. The first and second relay nodes may be wirelessly connected to each other or may be connected to each other by wire or cable.

[0031] Therefore, a flexible and dynamic obtainment as well as forwarding of data throughout the sensor arrangement is further achieved. Hence, a more adequate application of the sensor arrangement to a specific automation equipment is further achieved.

[0032] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, at least one relay node among the plurality of relay nodes may provide relay node data indicative of wireless sensor data obtained from at least one wireless sensor among the plurality of wireless sensors to a measurement network of the automation equipment for output data to be transmitted from the measurement network via a long-range communication to be indicative of the relay node data.

[0033] It shall be noted that, similar to above, the output data may comprise the relay node data from the at least one relay node but may also comprise relay node data from additional relay nodes of the sensor arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the output data may also comprise data different from the relay node data or different from the data obtained though the sensor arrangement.

[0034] Thus, due to the usage of the existing measurement network, the advantageous long- range communication is achieved.

[0035] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the short-range wireless communication may be a communication of low energy. It shall be noted that regarding the present disclosure, an example for low energy communication may be Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0036] Thus, due to the usage of a low energy communication, energy consumption of the wireless sensors may be reduced. Thus, a lifetime of the wireless sensors may be increased.

[0037] Moreover, there is provided, in a second aspect, an automation equipment. The automation equipment comprises a measurement network configured to perform long- range communication; and a sensor arrangement according to the first aspect. The at least one wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement obtains wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment, and provides the obtained wireless sensor data to at least one relay node of the sensor arrangement via a short-range wireless communication. At least one relay node among the at least one relay node provides relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data to the measurement network.

[0038] The measurement network transmits output data indictive of the relay node data via a long-range communication.

[0039] It shall be noted that the automation equipment may comprise more than one measurement networks. For example, one robot may comprise several measurement networks. The automation equipment may comprise more than one sensor arrangements. One sensor arrangement may be applied on several measurement networks. Moreover, it shall be noted that a measurement network may comprise several parts, wherein a part may comprise one or more measurement nodes. For example, a first part of the measurement network may be located inside an automation equipment, wherein a second part may be arranged outside the automation equipment, for example at a wall surface or at an object near the automation equipment. Different parts of a measurement network may be connected by wire or cable. Different parts of a measurement network may be wirelessly connected. According to several examples of the present disclosure, a measurement network may perform a wireless and / or wired long-range communication.

[0040] It shall further be noted that a relay node may not necessarily be arranged at the automation equipment but may be arranged in a distance to a wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement for performing the short-range wireless communication. For example, a relay node may be arranged at a wall surface close to an industrial robot, wherein the relay node at the wall surface may be connected to an existing measurement network via cable, for example. Additionally or alternatively, a relay node may be arranged at a work item or work equipment to be arranged at or acquired by an industrial robot. Such relay node at the work item may be wirelessly connected to an existing measurement network, for example.

[0041] The automation equipment according to the second aspect is advantageous in several ways. For example, the automation equipment enables that wireless sensors may be arranged at any position of the automation equipment to obtain, like to collect, measure or acquire for example, different data related to the automation equipment. Such different data may comprise at least one of temperature values, acceleration values, current values, voltage values, torque values and load values, for example. Moreover, due to the relay nodes performing a wireless and / or wired communication with the measurement network, a wireless communication from the wireless sensors over a long distance is avoided and the advantages of a communication over a long distance from the measurement network are achieved. Furthermore, since the relay nodes are used in combination with the existing measurement network, setting up an individual or separate wired network is also avoided. Thus, resources may be used more efficiently and costs may be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the automation equipment may further comprise at least one measurement node in the measurement network. The at least one relay node may be further configured to provide the relay node data to the at least one measurement node. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one measurement node may be configured to provide measurement node data to another measurement node among the at least one measurement node. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one measurement node may be configured to provide the output data to be transmitted via the long-range communication.

[0043] Hence, for example, measurement node data may be transmitted, forwarded or exchanged among different measurement nodes, thereby “collecting” relay node data from corresponding relay nodes for example. The corresponding relay nodes may be relay nodes that are communicatively connected to one or more certain measurement nodes among the at least one measurement node in the measurement network.

[0044] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, a measurement node among the at least one measurement node may be further configured to function as a relay node of the sensor arrangement. A wireless sensor among the at least one wireless sensor may obtain wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment and may transmit, via a short-range wireless communication, the obtained wireless sensor data to the measurement node which functions as a relay node.

[0045] Hence, incorporation of a separate relay node may be avoided. Thus, efficiency may be further increased, and costs may be further reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the automation equipment may further comprise a controller communicatively connected to the measurement network and configured to control the automation equipment.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor arrangement may further comprise a controller communicatively connected to the measurement network and configured to control the automation equipment.

[0048] Hence, a controller may obtain data acquired through the sensor arrangement via an advantageous long-range communication.

[0049] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, a relay node among the at least one relay node may be arranged at the automation equipment. Additionally or alternatively, a relay node among the at least one relay node may be arranged at a controller for controlling the automation equipment. Additionally or alternatively, a relay node among the at least one relay node may be arranged at a work station of the automation equipment.

[0050] A work station of the automation equipment may comprise a work space or a work cell of an industrial robot for example. For example, a work station may be understood to represent a predetermined space or area, in which an automation equipment may perform a predetermined operation. Therefore, a flexible and dynamic obtainment as well as forwarding of data throughout the sensor arrangement and the automation equipment is further achieved.

[0051] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the automation equipment may comprise at least one of: one or more robots connected to the measurement network, and one or more pieces of equipment connected to the measurement network.

[0052] Therefore, a flexible and dynamic obtainment as well as forwarding of data throughout the sensor arrangement and several robots as well as several pieces of equipment is further achieved. Hence, data for several individual robots and / or several individual pieces of equipment may be obtained through the advantageous long-range communication.

[0053] Furthermore, according to several examples of the present disclosure, the automation equipment may further comprise a configuration unit configured for dynamic configuration of relationships between the at least one wireless sensor, the at least one relay node and the at least one measurement node.

[0054] For example, in case an amount of data obtained by a first wireless sensor may exceed a predetermined amount of data, another wireless sensor may be instructed to obtain the same data as the first wireless sensor. Hence, the first wireless sensor may be relieved and / or an excessive amount of data to be transmitted by one wireless sensor is avoided. Similarly, a relay node and / or a measurement node may be relieved and / or data amounts may be divided more evenly across the wireless sensors, the relay nodes and / or the measurement nodes. Additionally or alternatively, a communication between wireless sensors, relay nodes and measurement nodes may be changed, for example in case a wireless sensor, a relay node or a measurement node is determined to be defective.

[0055] Moreover, there is provided, in a third aspect, a method for obtaining data related to an automation equipment. The method comprises providing, at at least one wireless sensor, obtained wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment. The method further comprises obtaining, at at least one relay node, the wireless sensor data from the at least one wireless sensor via short-range wireless communication. The method further comprises providing, at at least one relay node among the at least one relay node, relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data. Hene, the method according to the third aspect may correspond to the sensor arrangement according to the first aspect. Additionally, the method according to the third aspect may further comprise obtaining, at a measurement network of the automation equipment, the relay node data from the at least one relay node among the at least one relay node. The method may further comprise providing, at the measurement network, output data indicative of the relay node data for transmission via a long-range communication. Hence, such extended method according to the third aspect may correspond to the automation equipment according to the second aspect.

[0056] The method according to the third aspect is advantageous in several ways. For example, the method enables that wireless sensors may be arranged at any position of the automation equipment to obtain, like to collect, measure or acquire for example, different data related to the automation equipment. Such different data may comprise at least one of temperature values, acceleration values, current values, voltage values, torque values and load values, for example. Moreover, due to the relay nodes performing a wireless and / or wired communication with the measurement network, a wireless communication from the wireless sensors over a long distance is avoided and the advantages of a communication over a long distance from the measurement network are achieved. Furthermore, since the relay nodes are used in combination with the existing measurement network, setting up an individual or separate wired network is also avoided. Thus, resources may be used more efficiently and costs may be reduced.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an automation system comprising the sensor arrangement according to the first aspect and / or the automation equipment according to the second aspect and / or a control apparatus configured to carry out the method or methods according to the third aspect. The automation system may be an industrial automation system.

[0058] The automation system according to the fourth aspect is advantageous in several ways. For example, the automation system enables that wireless sensors may be arranged at any position of the automation equipment to obtain, like to collect, measure or acquire for example, different data related to the automation equipment. Such different data may comprise at least one of temperature values, acceleration values, current values, voltage values, torque values and load values, for example. Moreover, due to the relay nodes performing a wireless and / or wired communication with the measurement network, a wireless communication from the wireless sensors over a long distance is avoided and the advantages of a communication over a long distance from the measurement network are achieved. Furthermore, since the relay nodes are used in combination with the existing measurement network, setting up an individual or separate wired network is also avoided. Thus, resources may be used more efficiently and costs may be reduced.

[0059] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method or methods of the third aspect. The computer-readable medium may be transitory or non-transitory, volatile or non-volatile.

[0060] The computer-readable medium according to the fifth aspect is advantageous in several ways. For example, the computer-readable medium enables that wireless sensors may be arranged at any position of the automation equipment to obtain, like to collect, measure or acquire for example, different data related to the automation equipment. Such different data may comprise at least one of temperature values, acceleration values, current values, voltage values, torque values and load values, for example. Moreover, due to the relay nodes performing a wireless and / or wired communication with the measurement network, a wireless communication from the wireless sensors over a long distance is avoided and the advantages of a communication over a long distance from the measurement network are achieved. Furthermore, since the relay nodes are used in combination with the existing measurement network, setting up an individual or separate wired network is also avoided. Thus, resources may be used more efficiently and costs may be reduced.

[0061] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, enable or cause the computing system to perform the method or methods of the third aspect. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium comprising instructions of the computer program product. The computer program product according to the sixth aspect is advantageous in several ways. For example, the computer program product enables that wireless sensors may be arranged at any position of the automation equipment to obtain, like to collect, measure or acquire for example, different data related to the automation equipment. Such different data may comprise at least one of temperature values, acceleration values, current values, voltage values, torque values and load values, for example. Moreover, due to the relay nodes performing a wireless and / or wired communication with the measurement network, a wireless communication from the wireless sensors over a long distance is avoided and the advantages of a communication over a long distance from the measurement network are achieved. Furthermore, since the relay nodes are used in combination with the existing measurement network, setting up an individual or separate wired network is also avoided. Thus, resources may be used more efficiently and costs may be reduced.

[0062] According to an seventh aspect, there is provided a use of a sensor arrangement for an automation equipment, the sensor arrangement comprising: at least one wireless sensor configured to obtain wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment and to perform short-range wireless communication, and at least one relay node configured to obtain the wireless sensor data from the at least one wireless sensor via a short-range wireless communication and to provide relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data for a long-range communication. The use comprises to provide, at the at least one wireless sensor, obtained wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment. The use further comprises to obtain, at the at least one relay node, the wireless sensor data from the at least one wireless sensor via short-range wireless communication. The use further comprises to provide, at at least one relay node among the at least one relay node, relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data for a long-range communication.

[0063] The use according to the seventh aspect is advantageous in several ways. For example, the use enables that wireless sensors may be arranged at any position of the automation equipment to obtain, like to collect, measure or acquire for example, different data related to the automation equipment. Such different data may comprise at least one of temperature values, acceleration values, current values, voltage values, torque values and load values, for example. Moreover, due to the relay nodes performing a wireless and / or wired communication with the measurement network, a wireless communication from the wireless sensors over a long distance is avoided and the advantages of a communication over a long distance from the measurement network are achieved. Furthermore, since the relay nodes are used in combination with the existing measurement network, setting up an individual or separate wired network is also avoided. Thus, resources may be used more efficiently and costs may be reduced.

[0064] Similar to the use according to the seventh aspect, there is provided, according to an eighth aspect, a use of the automation equipment according to the second aspect.

[0065] The method or methods of the third aspect may be at least in parts computer implemented.

[0066] Optional features of the first aspect and / or the second aspect may form part of any of the third to eighth aspects, mutatis mutandis.

[0067] By “automation system”, according to several examples, it may be meant an industrial plant or production plant comprising one or more pipelines, production lines and / or assembly lines for transforming one or more educts into a product and / or for assembling one or more components into a final product. Additionally or alternatively, by “automation system” it may be meant an automation system in health business. Additionally or alternatively, by “automation system” it may be meant a system where scanning or testing operations are performed.

[0068] The term “obtaining”, as used herein, may comprise, for example, receiving from another system, device, or process; receiving via an interaction with a user; loading or retrieving from storage or memory; measuring or capturing using sensors or other data acquisition devices.

[0069] The term “determining”, as used herein, encompasses a wide variety of actions, and may comprise, for example, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Also, “determining” may comprise receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Also, “determining” may comprise resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like. The indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. In addition, the articles “a:and “an” as used herein should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0070] Unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrases “one or more of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “A, B and / or C” as used herein are intended to mean all possible permutations of one or more of the listed items. That is, the phrase “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), while the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0071] The term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” and the like may be used interchangeably herein.

[0072] The invention may include one or more aspects, examples or features in isolation or combination whether specifically disclosed in that combination or in isolation. Any optional feature or sub-aspect of one of the above aspects applies as appropriate to any of the other aspects.

[0073] The above-described aspects will become apparent from, and elucidated with, reference to the detailed description provided hereinafter.

[0074] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] A detailed description will now be given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0076] - Figure 1 schematically illustrates an automation equipment in a work station;

[0077] - Figure 2 schematically illustrates an automation equipment;

[0078] - Figure 3 schematically illustrates an automation equipment;

[0079] - Figure 4 schematically illustrates an automation equipment;

[0080] - Figure 5 schematically illustrates an automation equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure;

[0081] - Figure 6 schematically illustrates an automation equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure; - Figure 7 schematically illustrates an automation equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure;

[0082] - Figure 8 schematically illustrates an automation equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure;

[0083] - Figure 9 schematically illustrates an automation equipment in a work station according to several examples of the present disclosure; and

[0084] - Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart indicative of a method for obtaining data related to an automation equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure.

[0085] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] According to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an architecture to connect large numbers of wireless sensors in existing automation equipment measurement networks with reduced additional costs and complexity. The present disclosure shows an arrangement of wireless sensors spread through an industrial robot, for example, and a (smaller) mesh of relay nodes used to collect and forward data from each wireless sensor. The wireless sensors and the relay nodes communicate using a wireless protocol over the small distance between them to minimize energy consumption by the wireless sensor. Hence, the energy consumption of the wireless sensors can be drastically reduced since they do not need to transmit over long distances. The relay nodes are connected to the existing measurement network in the automation equipment. Some relay nodes may be merged with existing measurement nodes, for example, and no extension of the network is needed. If relay nodes are needed in locations without measurement nodes, however, the network may be expanded to connect them. The cost and complexity of supporting the wireless sensors is thus further reduced.

[0087] Referring now to Figure 1 , Figure 1 schematically illustrates an automation equipment 110 in a work cell or work station 100. In more detail, the work station 100 as shown in Figure 1 comprises, as an example for at least part of an automation equipment 110, a robotic manipulator, industrial robot or robot, which may perform any operation in the work station 100 and / or may perform any interaction with pieces of equipment, work items and / or educts (not illustrated) available in the work station 100 to achieve a target goal, for example an arrangement of metal plates in a certain pattern. Accordingly, the automation equipment (i.e. the robot in Figure 1) 110 comprises movable portions, for example the movable portion 111 as illustrated as an example, which may enable the robot 110 to perform a movement in the z-direction. The robot 110 may further comprise an arm 112, a holding portion 113 for holding items, for example for holding a metal plate 114. The robot may further comprise several sensors, like for example such sensor 115 as illustrated as an example, wherein the sensor 115 may measure a load, which occurs in the robot 110 due to the holding of an item, for example of the metal plate 114. The robot may comprise a standing portion 116, which may enable that the robot 110 rotates around the z-axis. The robot 110 may further be connected to a controller 120, which may enable to control the robot 110. The controller 120 may be connected with several robots, thus the controller 120 may enable to control several robots. Controlling a robot may also comprise to control work items used by the robot, for example welding tongs or a moulding gun. Controlling may also comprise to control entities around a robot, for example a speed of an assembly line. In Figure 1, the controller 120 is arranged outside the work station 100 and is connected with the robot 110 per wire. Additionally or alternatively, however, such controller 120, or a further controller, may be arranged at the robot 110 or inside the robot 110. The controller 120 may be connected by wire or cable to a measurement network 210 of the robot, as schematically illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. The measurement network 210 may allow to obtain data related to the robot 110, in more detail to obtain data related to an operation of the robot 110, for example an increase in temperature, power consumption, acceleration (of several of the robot’s axes for example), speed (of several of the robot’s arms for example), torque and / or load compensation due to transporting a heavy load from a first location to a second location, for example.

[0088] Referring now to Figure 5, Figure 5 schematically illustrates an automation equipment 110 according to several examples of the present disclosure. In Figure 5, an automation equipment 110, for example a robot, comprises a sensor arrangement 220 and a measurement network 210. In Figure 5, the automation equipment 110 is connected to a controller 120, as an example for illustration purposes only. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 120 may be arranged at the automation equipment 110 or inside the automation equipment 110. Additionally or alternatively, there may be no controller 120. The sensor arrangement 220 comprises a plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n. The sensor arrangement 220 further comprises a plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221- n.

[0089] A wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement 220 may be arranged inside the automation equipment 110 as schematically illustrated in Figure 5, however, additionally or alternatively, a wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement 220 may be arranged at a surface of the automation equipment 110, at a work item carried by the automation equipment 110, and / or at an object near (i.e. in rage for a short-range wireless communication as outlined below in more detail) the automation equipment 110. Each of the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n obtains data related to the automation equipment 110, in particular related to an operation of the automation equipment 110. According to several examples of the present disclosure, the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n may obtain data indicative of a temperature, an acceleration, a speed, a torque, a load, a power consumption and / or a deterioration related to at least part of the automation equipment 110 or to an operation of at least part of the automation equipment 110. Accordingly, to obtain such variety of different data from different locations of an automation equipment 110, wireless sensors of the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n may be arranged at different locations of or near the automation equipment 110 as appropriate and / or as suitable. The plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n perform short-range wireless communication with the plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221-n. In doing so, one wireless sensor may communicate with one or more relay nodes, i.e may provide data to one or more relay nodes. For example, with reference to Figure 5, the wireless sensor 222-1 (222-3) provides data Dws-1 (Dws-4) to the relay node 221-1 (221-2) only, wherein the wireless sensor 222-2 may provide data Dws-2 and Dws-3 to the relay nodes 221-1 and 221-2, respectively. A wireless sensor 222-n may provide data Dws-n to a relay node 221-n, where “n” may be a different value for the wireless sensors and the relay nodes, i.e. the number of wireless sensors and the number of relay nodes may be different. According to several examples of the present disclosure, the number of wireless sensors is higher than the number of relay nodes. A wireless sensor communicating with a relay node may comprise that the wireless sensor provides the data obtained at the wireless sensor to the relay node. Hence, the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n provides the obtained data to the plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221-n. Additionally or alternatively, a wireless sensor may provide obtained data to a measurement node of the measurement network 210, if the measurement node functions as a relay node of the sensor arrangement 220. In Figure 5, for example, the wireless sensor 222-4 transmits its obtained data Dws-5 to the measurement node 211-3 of the measurement network 210.

[0090] A relay node of the sensor arrangement 220 may be arranged at the automation equipment 110. Additionally or alternatively, a relay node of the sensor arrangement 220 may be arranged outside of the automation equipment 110 and in a certain distance to the automation equipment 110. Said in other words, a relay node of the sensor arrangement 220 may be arranged at any position relative to the automation equipment 110, as long as the short-range wireless communication with at least one wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement 220 is enabled, and as long as the relay node may provide data obtained from a wireless sensor of the sensor arrangement 220 to the measurement network 210. The plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221 -n may communicate among each other, i.e. the plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221 -n may forward and / or exchange data obtained from the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n among each other. This is indicated in Figure 5 as an example between the relay node 221-1 and the relay node 221-2.

[0091] The plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221 -n may provide obtained data to the measurement network 210. The obtained data are indicative of the data obtained from the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n, but mal also comprise additional data obtained from entities different from the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n.

[0092] The measurement network 210 may comprise a plurality of measurement nodes 211-1 to 211-n. One relay node may communicate with one or more measurement nodes, i.e. one relay node may provide data to one or more measurement nodes. Similar, one measurement node may communicate with one or more relay nodes, i.e. one measurement node may obtain data from one or more relay nodes. In Figure 5, for example, the measurement node 211-1 obtains data Drn-1 and Drn-2 from the relay nodes 221-1 and 221-2, respectively. The plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221 -n may be connected to the plurality of measurement nodes 211-1 to 211-n by wire and / or wirelessly. A number of relay nodes may be different from a number of measurement nodes, i.e. a value for “n” at the relay node 221 -n may be different from a value for “n” at the measurement node 211-n.

[0093] The measurement network 210, according to several examples of the present disclosure, obtains via the sensor arrangement 220, i.e. via the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n and via the plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221-n, data related to at least part of the automation equipment 110 or to an operation of at least part of the automation equipment 110. At least one measurement node of the plurality of measurement nodes 211-1 to 211-n is able to output data to the outside, i.e. to an external entity like the controller 120, for example. In Figure 5, the measurement node 211-n outputs data Dout to the outside of the measurement network 210.

[0094] Furthermore, the automation equipment 110 may further comprise a configuration unit, which is configured for dynamic configuration of relationships between the plurality of wireless sensors 222-1 to 222-n, the plurality of relay nodes 221-1 to 221-n and the plurality of measurement nodes 211-1 to 211-n. Hence, how a communication among these wireless sensors, relay nodes and measurement nodes is actually performed (i.e. which wireless sensors communicate with which relay nodes, and which relay nodes communicate with which measurement nodes, for example) may be adapted.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, types and / or amounts of data to be obtained by one or more wireless sensors may be adapted. Thus, usage of a defective wireless sensor, relay node or measurement node may be avoided for example and the sensor arrangement 220 may be adapted more adequately to an operation of an automation equipment 110 for example.

[0096] With reference to Figures 6 to 8, it shall be noted that a wireless sensor 222-5 of the sensor arrangement 220 may be arranged at a surface of the automation equipment 110, and a relay node 221-4 of the sensor arrangement 220 may be arranged at or inside the controller 120. Figure 9 schematically illustrates an example according to several examples of the present disclosure, where a relay node 221-5 of the sensor arrangement 220 is arranged at a surface of a wall of a work station 100.

[0097] The sensor arrangement 220 and / or the automation equipment 110 may also be realized by certain means for carrying out the certain functions as outlined above in detail. Referring now to Figure 10, Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart indicative of a method for obtaining data related to an automation equipment according to several examples of the present disclosure.

[0098] The method starts in S1000. In Step S1010, the method comprises providing, at at least one wireless sensor, obtained wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment. In Step S1020, the method comprises obtaining, at at least one relay node, the wireless sensor data from the at least one wireless sensor via short-range wireless communication. In Step S1030, the method comprises providing, at at least one relay node among the at least one relay node, relay node data for transmission via a long- range communication, the relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data. In Step S1040, optionally, the method further comprises obtaining, at a measurement network of the automation equipment, the relay node data from the at least one relay node among the at least one relay node. In Step S1050, optionally, the method comprises providing, at the measurement network, output data indicative of the relay node data for the transmission via the long-range communication. The method ends in S1060.

[0099] The method according to Figure 10 may be at least in parts computer implemented.

[0100] According to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an automation system comprising the sensor arrangement and / or the automation equipment as outlined above with reference to Figure 5 for example. Additionally or alternatively, the automation system may comprise a control apparatus which is configured to carry out the method according to Figure 10. Such control apparatus may comprise a processor and a memory for storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, may cause the control apparatus to perform the method.

[0101] According to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer- readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to perform the method as outlined above with reference to Figure 10. The computer-readable medium may be transitory or non- transitory, volatile or non-volatile. According to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing system, enable or cause the computing system to perform the method as outlined above with reference to Figure 10. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium comprising instructions of the computer program product.

[0102] According to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a use of a sensor arrangement for an automation equipment, the sensor arrangement comprising: at least one wireless sensor configured to obtain wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment and to perform short-range wireless communication, and at least one relay node configured to obtain the wireless sensor data from the at least one wireless sensor via a short-range wireless communication and to provide relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data for a long-range communication. The use comprises to provide, at the at least one wireless sensor, obtained wireless sensor data related to the automation equipment. The use further comprises to obtain, at the at least one relay node, the wireless sensor data from the at least one wireless sensor via short-range wireless communication. The use further comprises to provide, at at least one relay node among the at least one relay node, relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data for a long-range communication.

[0103] According to several examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a use of an automation equipment comprising the sensor arrangement. Thus, further to the use of above, the use of the automation equipment may further comprise to obtain, at a measurement node of a measurement network of the automation equipment, the relay node data, and to provide, at a measurement node of the measurement network, output data indicative of the obtained the relay node data for transmission via the long- range communication.

[0104] Optional features of the sensor arrangement 220 and / or the automation equipment 110 as outlined above with reference to any of Figures 5 to 9 may form part of any of the method, the automation system, the computer-readable medium, the computer program product, and the use, mutatis mutandis.

[0105] Any unit, module, circuitry or methodology described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to perform any of the operations described herein. Hardware may comprise one or more processor cores, field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets and / or data recorded on at least one transitory or non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and / or data hard-coded in memory devices (e.g., non-volatile memory devices).

[0106] If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can comprise FLASH storage media, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc (BD), where disks usually reproduce data magnetically and discs usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Further, a propagated signal may be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media also includes communications media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A connection, for instance, can be a communications medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of communications medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0107] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features.

[0108] It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different categories. In particular, some examples are described with reference to methods whereas others are described with reference to apparatus. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one category, also any combination between features relating to different category is considered to be disclosed by this application. However, all features can be combined to provide synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features.

[0109] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0110] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0111] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0112] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0113] 100 work station

[0114] 110 automation equipment

[0115] 111 example for movable portion of automation equipment

[0116] 112 arm of automation equipment 113 holding portion of automation equipment

[0117] 114 carried load

[0118] 115 example for sensor of automation equipment

[0119] 116 standing portion of automation equipment

[0120] 120 controller

[0121] 210 measurement network

[0122] 211-1 , 211-n measurement node

[0123] 211-3 measurement node also functioning as relay node

[0124] 220 sensor arrangement

[0125] 221-1 , ... , 221-n relay node

[0126] 221-4 relay node arranged in / at controller

[0127] 221-5 relay node arranged in / at work station

[0128] 222-1 , ... , 222-n wireless sensor

[0129] 222-5 wireless sensor arranged outside of / at automation equipment

[0130] Dws-1, ... Dws-n data from wireless sensor to relay node

[0131] Dws-5 data from wireless sensor to measurement network

[0132] Drn-1, ... , Drn-n data from relay node to measurement network

[0133] Dmn-1, ... , Dmn-n data transmitted within measurement network

[0134] Dout data transmitted from measurement network to outside

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sensor arrangement (220) for an automation equipment (110), the sensor arrangement (220) comprising: a first wireless sensor (222-1) configured to obtain first wireless sensor data (Dws-1) related to the automation equipment (110) and to perform short- range wireless communication; and a first relay node (221-1) configured to obtain the first wireless sensor data (Dws-1) from the first wireless sensor (222-1) via a short-range wireless communication and to provide first relay node data (Drn-1) indicative of the obtained first wireless sensor data (Dws-1) for a long-range communication.

2. The sensor arrangement (220) according to claim 1, further comprising a second wireless sensor (222-2) configured to obtain second wireless sensor data (Dws-2) related to the automation equipment (110) and to perform short- range wireless communication, wherein the first relay node (221-1) is further configured to further obtain the second wireless sensor data (Dws-2) from the second wireless sensor (222-2) via a short-range wireless communication, wherein the first relay node data (Drn-1) are further indicative of the second wireless sensor data (Dws-2).

3. The sensor arrangement (220) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a plurality of wireless sensors (222-1 , ... , 222-n) comprising the first wireless sensor (222-1) and the second wireless sensor (222-2); and a plurality of relay nodes (221-1 to 221-n) comprising the first relay node (221-1); wherein the plurality of wireless sensors (222-1 , ... , 222-n) is configured to obtain wireless sensor data (Dws-1, ... , Dws-n) comprising the first and second wireless sensor data (Dws-1, Dws-2) and related to the automation equipment (110), and is configured to perform short-range wireless communication, and the plurality of relay nodes (221-1, ... , 221-n) is configured to obtain the wireless sensor data (Dws-1, ... , Dws-n) from the plurality of wireless sensors (222-1, ... , 222-n) via a short-range wireless communication, and is configured to provide relay node data (Drn-1, ... , Drn-n) comprising the first relay nodedata (Drn-1) and indicative of the obtained wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , , Dws-n) for a long-range communication.

4. The sensor arrangement (220) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first relay node (221-1) and a second relay node (221-2) among the plurality of relay nodes (221-1, ... , 221 -n) are communicatively connected.

5. The sensor arrangement (220) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one relay node among the plurality of relay nodes (221-1 , ... , 221-n) provides relay node data indicative of wireless sensor data obtained from at least one wireless sensor among the plurality of wireless sensors (222-1 , ... , 222-n) to a measurement network (210) of the automation equipment (110) for output data (Dout) to be transmitted from the measurement network (210) via a long-range communication to be indicative of the relay node data.

6. The sensor arrangement (220) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the short-range wireless communication is a communication of low energy.

7. An automation equipment (110), comprising: a measurement network (210) configured to perform long-range communication; and a sensor arrangement (220) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n) of the sensor arrangement (220) obtains wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) related to the automation equipment (110), and provides the obtained wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) to at least one relay node (221-1, ... , 221-n) of the sensor arrangement (220) via a short-range wireless communication; wherein at least one relay node among the at least one relay node (221- 1, ... , 221-n) provides relay node data indicative of the wireless sensor data to the measurement network (210); and wherein the measurement network (210) transmits output data (Dout) indictive of the relay node data via a long-range communication.

8. The automation equipment (110) according to claim 7, further comprising at least one measurement node (211-1, ... , 211-n) in the measurement network (210),wherein the at least one relay node is further configured to provide the relay node data to the at least one measurement node (211-1, , 211 -n); and / or wherein the at least one measurement node (211-1, ... , 211 -n) is configured to provide measurement node data (Dmn-1 , ... , Dmn-n) to another measurement node among the at least one measurement node (211-1, ... , 211- n); and / or wherein the at least one measurement node (211-1, ... , 211 -n) is configured to provide the output data (Dout) to be transmitted via the long-range communication.

9. The automation equipment according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a measurement node (211-3) among the at least one measurement node (211-1 , ... , 211-n) is further configured to function as a relay node of the sensor arrangement (220), wherein a wireless sensor (222-4) among the at least one wireless sensor (222- 1, ... , 222-n) obtains wireless sensor data (Dws-5) related to the automation equipment (110) and transmits, via a short-range wireless communication, the obtained wireless sensor data (Dws-5) to the measurement node (211-3) which functions as a relay node.

10. The automation equipment (110) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the automation equipment (110) further comprises a controller (120) communicatively connected to the measurement network (210) and configured to control the automation equipment (110); and / or wherein the sensor arrangement (220) further comprises a controller communicatively connected to the measurement network (210) and configured to control the automation equipment (110).

11. The automation equipment (110) according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein a relay node (221-1 , 221-2, 221-n) among the at least one relay node (221-1 , ... , 221-n) is arranged at the automation equipment (110); and / or wherein a relay node (221-4) among the at least one relay node (221-1 , ... , 221-n) is arranged at a controller for controlling the automation equipment (110); and / orwherein a relay node (221-5) among the at least one relay node (221-1 , 221-n) is arranged at a work station (100) of the automation equipment (110).

12. The automation equipment (110) according to any of claims 7 to 11 , wherein the automation equipment (110) comprises at least one of: one or more robots connected to the measurement network (210), and one or more pieces of equipment connected to the measurement network (210).

13. The automation equipment (110) according to any of claims 7 to 12, further comprising a configuration unit configured for dynamic configuration of the relationships between the at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n), the at least one relay node (221-1 , ... , 221-n) and the at least one measurement node (211-1 , ... , 211-n).

14. A method for obtaining data related to an automation equipment (110), the method comprising: providing (S1010), at at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n), obtained wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) related to the automation equipment (110); obtaining (S1020), at at least one relay node (221-1 , ... , 221-n), the wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) from the at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n) via short-range wireless communication; providing (S1030), at at least one relay node among the at least one relay node (221-1 , ... , 221-n), relay node data (Drn-1 , ... , Drn-n) indicative of the wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n); obtaining (S1040), at a measurement network of the automation equipment (110), the relay node data (Drn-1 , ... , Drn-n) from the at least one relay node among the at least one relay node (221-1 , ... , 221-n); and providing (S1050), at the measurement network, output data (Dout) indicative of the relay node data (Drn-1 , ... , Drn-n) for transmission via a long- range communication.

15. Use of a sensor arrangement (220) for an automation equipment (110), the sensor arrangement (220) comprising: at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n) configured to obtain wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) related tothe automation equipment (110) and to perform short-range wireless communication, and at least one relay node (221-1, ... , 221-n) configured to obtain the wireless sensor data (Dws-1, ... , Dws-n) from the at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n) via a short-range wireless communication and to provide relay node data (Drn-1, ... , Drn-n) indicative of the wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) for a long-range communication, wherein the use comprises: to provide, at the at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n), obtained wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , , Dws-n) related to the automation equipment (110); to obtain, at the at least one relay node (221-1, ... , 221-n), the wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) from the at least one wireless sensor (222-1 , ... , 222-n) via short-range wireless communication; and to provide, at at least one relay node among the at least one relay node (221-1, ... , 221-n), relay node data (Drn-1, ... , Drn-n) indicative of the wireless sensor data (Dws-1 , ... , Dws-n) for a long-range communication.

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