IS & Ex


Smart devices for Ex areas

September 2019 IS & Ex

The Pepperl+Fuchs brand ecom has launched its next generation ATEX Zone 1/21 and Div. 1 certified, intrinsically safe 4G/LTE-Android smartphone – Smart-Ex. The Smart-Ex 02 is a complete new development and fully tailored to the market´s requirements. Complemented by new, innovative peripherals such as the intrinsically safe Cube 800 thermal image video camera and the explosion-proof Smart-Ex Watch, the Smart-Ex 02 accompanies the mobile worker in a wide range of tasks and provides future-proof solutions. In addition, ecom’s new product line Digital Products and Services offers a comprehensive solution for the staging and management of mobile devices as well as device analytics.

Smart-Ex 02 for zone 1/21 and Div. 1

With a large display and powerful features, good ergonomics and an optimised accessory concept, the newly developed Smart-Ex 02 is an advanced intrinsically safe smartphone. In addition, global Ex and approval certifications enable worldwide use. The device supports 21 different LTE frequency bands. It is delivered unlocked and without a SIM card. With the latest Android 9 operating system, the smartphone is particularly fast, secure and efficient.

The worldwide Pepperl+Fuchs support network enables fast response to questions and problems, while users also benefit from the collaboration with ecom’s own system engineers and development teams, who can advise and support with changing software requirements. Depending on requirements, the phone can be supplemented with numerous additional, coordinated and optimised peripheral devices from ecom such as headsets, microphones, video cameras, scanners or Bluetooth beacons and smartwatches.

New Digital Products and Services division expands mobile worker concept

With Digital Products and Services, ecom offers a solution that combines automated staging, mobile device management and device analytics, and can be used as a full-fledged enterprise mobility management system if desired. All mobile devices from ecom can, at the customer’s request, leave production with the necessary configuration secured such as security settings, applications and wireless setup. Thus, they can be used by the mobile worker immediately and without further manual configuration.

On request, device diagnostics and device analytics can collect real-time operating data and error analyses of the mobile devices, permanently monitoring their condition and remedying malfunctions preventively or directly. The devices can be managed via the ecom online platform and updated at any time during operation. The hosting of cloud servers in Germany meets the highest data protection standards and enables high data availability and security. One-time staging or enrolling can also be done internally via ecom’s own production servers, if required. Additionally, the platform enables the detection of critical software events or software installations and other security-critical processes through the analysis of historical data. Statistical accumulation of events can be used to establish correlations and causalities, for example between software errors, geographical data and Wifi coverage.

New safety standards thanks to peripherals

For hands-free operation in potentially dangerous areas, the Smart-Ex 02 can be extended by the Ex-camera Cube 800, formed by the cooperation between Librestream and ecom. This intrinsically safe thermal image video camera is certified for use in Zone 1 / Div. 1 Ex environments. It can be easily attached to a helmet or stick/monopod, while settings such as lighting or zoom can be remote controlled. Upon request, pictures and documents are available live in the digital workspace. The Cube 800 enables simultaneous streaming of HD and infrared video. A powerful integrated light ring and a laser target pointer ensure high image quality even in poor lighting conditions. In combination with the software Librestream Onsight Connect, experts as well as the control room can support the technician live on site. This way, remote diagnostics are possible, critical areas in the plant can be identified using thermal images and instructions for repair can be given remotely.

For a new form of hands-free cooperation and better employee protection in hazardous areas, the Smart-Ex 02 can also be synchronised with the ecom Smart-Ex Watch (based on the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch). Integrated GPS, motion and heart rate sensors make monitoring of the current status regarding critical values possible and guarantee rapid location determination in case of an emergency. Hands-free navigation simplifies operation and a rotatable bezel allows quick and easy scrolling through apps and commands, even with gloves. Hands-free workflows and operator communication support enterprise-wide solutions. The Smart-Ex Watch is fully B2B-capable, offering up to five days of performance and up to 28,5 hours of GPS time.



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