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.

By Mark T. Hoske November 13, 2012

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@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Mark Hoske has been Control Engineering editor/content manager since 1994 and in a leadership role since 1999, covering all major areas: control systems, networking and information systems, control equipment and energy, and system integration, everything that comprises or facilitates the control loop. He has been writing about technology since 1987, writing professionally since 1982, and has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from UW-Madison.