Industrial Wireless


Enabling Wi-Fi mobility for automated materials handling systems

June 2016 Industrial Wireless

Moxa has introduced its integrated WLAN solution for automated materials handling (AMH) systems. This solution, designed with mobile equipment in mind, ensures reliable wireless connectivity for applications such as warehouse automation. The solution uses Moxa’s AWK-A series AP/client products, and leverages Moxa’s Turbo-Roaming technology to provide fast 150-millisecond roaming. The dual-isolation design available in the AWK-A series protects both power and antenna ports against electrical interference. The wireless devices also come with an industrial-grade design consisting of anti-vibration protection and wide operating temperature range, making them suitable for use in harsh warehouse environments.

According to Jeffrey Ke, product manager for Moxa’s Industrial Wireless Division, fast evolving wireless technologies, widespread use of automated moving equipment in manufacturing is now becoming a reality. However, wireless networks are more vulnerable compared to wired networks, which means that strong wireless devices are required to ensure seamless connectivity. AWK-A industrial wireless solutions are designed to support non-stop operations in AS/RS and AGV systems by providing fast 150-millisecond handoffs (Turbo Roaming) for seamless roaming of clients, level-4 ESD on antenna ports and 500-V insulations on power ports for stable wireless systems, and an anti-vibration design that can withstand constant movement of the equipment.

A solution tailor-made for the AMH market

Moxa’s AMH-solution is being released at a time when this market segment is showing a high growth potential. According to the AMH market report by MarketsandMarkets.com, among all AMH systems, automated guided vehicle (AGV) applications are poised to grow at the highest CAGR of about 15% between 2015 and 2020. Market surveys also indicate that AMH systems in manufacturing can reduce a plant’s operating cost by as much as 30%, but manufacturers of AMH systems can only derive the full benefit of this development by deploying reliable wireless solutions on their AGV solutions.

The AWK-A series supports the IEEE 802.11n standard, which uses MIMO technology to widen wireless coverage and ensure sufficient network bandwidth with up to 300 Mbps throughput. A rugged IP68-rated housing (AWK-4131A only) and an operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C make these devices ideal for use in sub-zero warehouse environments.

For more information contact RJ Connect, +27 (0)11 781 0777, info@rjconnect.co.za, www.rjconnect.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Advanced noise monitoring solutions
Industrial Wireless
Noise pollution is a significant hazard in the mining industry, posing serious threats to worker health and safety. Probe IMT is implementing advanced noise monitoring solutions from Canadian monitoring specialist, M3SH Technology to foster healthier, safer and more productive work environments in the mining sector.

Read more...
Automated equipment monitoring
SKF South Africa Industrial Wireless
When it comes to product design, engineering and development, SKF has always opted for a multi-faceted approach. Ticking all these boxes is the new SKF Axios; a simple, scalable, cost-effective, and cloud-based end-to-end predictive maintenance solution for rotating equipment, from SKF and Amazon Web Services.

Read more...
Boosting cybersecurity in substation automation systems
RJ Connect Electrical Power & Protection
A significant surge in distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy storage systems, along with the upward trend in unmanned substations, have made power grids a lot more complex. To address these instabilities in power grids, digital substations increasingly play an important role in power transmission.

Read more...
Taming the terrain
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Wireless
Effectively monitoring and controlling water distribution networks is crucial if we are to avoid wasting this valuable, life-preserving resource. Wireless telemetry systems play a vital role in this task, collecting data from remote locations and transmitting it to a central control station for real-time monitoring and control.

Read more...
Wireless, smartphone-operated sound level meters
TANDM Technologies Industrial Wireless
Local test and measurement company, TANDM has introduced the Brüel & Kjaer wireless, smartphone-operated 2245 and 2255 sound level meters to the South African market.

Read more...
RF-Link automation module
Industrial Wireless
The DICIO is an RF-Link automation module enabling the remote control of a corresponding module.

Read more...
Safeguarding an energy storage system for renewable energy
RJ Connect Electrical Power & Protection
Following the trend toward decarbonising the global economy, a grid-level energy storage system (ESS) builder is expanding its ESS capacity for renewable energy. Its mission is to provide a reliable and affordable ESS, as this is key for grid operators to be able to balance power demand and supply during peak and off-peak times.

Read more...
Assessing the order of events
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Wireless
Being able to monitor plant alarms and events in real time, in chronological order, is critical when a plant experiences an avalanche of alarms caused by an abnormal event. Sequence of events modules can be used to cut unplanned plant downtime and reduce operational costs.

Read more...
How to simplify traffic management in smart cities
RJ Connect IT in Manufacturing
Online teaser: In an increasingly urbanised world, cities must find innovative solutions to overcome challenges such as traffic congestion, longer commutes and increased CO2 emissions. Adopting futureproof traffic management technologies is the key to addressing these issues effectively.

Read more...
Protecting Australia’s harbours from a silent threat
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Wireless
Omniflex has completed the addition of remote monitoring to the existing cathodic protection (CP) systems at five berths in Port Kembla, Australia. This will enhance their surveillance and provide accurate energy monitoring.

Read more...