Headset computer, RFID system, rugged tablet computer

Motorola Solutions products, including a headset computer, radio frequency identification system (RFID), and rugged tablet computers, were among plant-floor and automation productivity tools at Rockwell Automation’s Automation Fair 2012 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Mark T. Hoske

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Motorola Solutions was among Rockwell Automation partners demonstrating plant-floor and automation productivity solutions at Automation Fair 2012 in Philadelphia, Pa. Motorola Solutions offerings included headset computers, RFID systems, and tablet computers, along with wireless mobile communications.

Photo shows Lei Jin, executive editor, Control Engineering China, demonstrating a Motorola Solutions HC1 Headset Computer. The computer screen, near her right eye, gives the appearance of a 15-in. diagonal image and responds to a voice command or turn of the head. On the left is an optional camera. It runs on Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Pro, uses Texas Instruments OMAP 3730 Series Dual Core Processor, 800 MHz, 3D Graphic Accelerator, and understands six languages.

The Motorola Solutions FX9500 Fixed RFID Reader (lower right in the photo) interfaces directly to a CompactLogix PLC from Rockwell Automation. Also shown are various tags styles for a variety of applications. Using a software utility from Epsilia, the reader communicates via EtherNet/IP (an ODVA Ethernet protocol) and allows for direct input of RFID data without the need for an intermediate PC.

Using a Motorola Solutions MC9190-Z Handheld RFID Reader six boxes containing 202 items (see photo) were scanned. It took several minutes with barcodes and seconds with RFID labels. RFID use in manufacturing is increasing rapidly to more effectively track materials, tools, finished products, and even workers in hazardous areas, Motorola noted.

Also demonstrated was the Motorola Solutions ET1 Enterprise Tablet Computer (not shown). It can display screens from the Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus operator interface terminals from Rockwell Automation. The ET1 mobile computer also runs applications on the Google Android platform. Protective case, interchangeable batteries, and holster are available, along with snap-on code reader options, making this tablet computer a more rugged option to use across an enterprise than commercially available tablet computers, the company said.

- Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, mhoske(at)cfemedia.com.