Abstract: A high-performance clustering routing (HPCR) algorithm is proposed to meet the reliability and real-timeness requirements of wireless sensor networks for industrial measurement and control. The algorithm determines clustering radius according to node density for balancing the load of each cluster in the non-uniform network. And the packet loss rate is introduced into cluster head election process to improve intra-cluster communication reliability. HPCR generates multiple inter-cluster paths to avoid partial network paralysis caused by path failure. The ant colony algorithm is used for inter-cluster route maintenance. Energy balance, congestion control and route update are achieved by adjusting pheromone based on positive and negative feedback mechanisms. The simulation results show that the HPCR can efficiently improve WSN's reliability and reduce the latency of inter-cluster communication.