Tuna G.Gungor V.C.Gulez K.2024-06-122024-06-1220119.78147E+12https://doi.org/10.1109/IB2Com.2011.6217934https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14551/16299La Trobe University;University of Technology Sydney;Cooperative Contracting;IEEE;Wroclaw University of Technology6th International Conference on Broadband Communications and Biomedical Applications, IB2COM 2011 -- 21 November 2011 through 24 November 2011 -- Melbourne, VIC -- 91214This paper presents a novel approach of using unmanned vehicles for Automated Meter Reading (AMR) applications in rural areas where there are a few consumers scattered around a wide area. The proposed system does not require a fixed network infrastructure to transfer data to a central database, since data collection is carried out by unmanned vehicles. Compared to traditional meter reading systems, the use of unmanned vehicles for AMR brings several advantages, such as low cost operation, flexibility, and online system management. However, the realization of these potential gains directly depends on reliable communication capabilities of the deployed system and successful navigation of unmanned vehicles. Overall, in this paper, the design principles and challenges of using unmanned vehicles for AMR applications in rural areas have been presented. Also, the communication architecture of the proposed system has been explained and comparative simulation studies have been performed in terms of energy efficiency and navigation accuracy. © 2011 IEEE.en10.1109/IB2Com.2011.6217934info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAutomated Meter Reading; Navigation And Localization; Smart Grid; Unmanned Vehicles; Wireless Sensor NetworksAutomated Meter Readings; Communication Architectures; Comparative Simulation; Data Collection; Deployed Systems; Design Principles; Fixed Networks; Low-Cost Operations; Meter Readings; Navigation Accuracy; Reliable Communication; Smart Grid; System Management; Wide Area; Energy Efficiency; Medical Applications; Navigation; Rural Areas; Telecommunication Systems; Water Meters; Wireless Sensor Networks; Unmanned VehiclesConference Object2892932-s2.0-84863917995N/A