Rockwell Automation has introduced its new Allen Bradley MobileView tethered operator interface. The mobile terminal gives plant and industrial personnel the freedom to take a machine’s human-machine interface (HMI) with them to make real-time adjustments to out-of-view applications.
The interface is ideal for maintenance tasks, machine setup or calibration activities, and other HMI applications that require the operator to see the machine. The inclusion of a hardwired e-stop button and three-position enabling switch also supports applications that require local safety functionality.
“Between making an adjustment on the terminal and viewing the results on the machine, fixed operator terminals can require a lot of back and forth for personnel, for certain applications,” said Christo Buys, business manager for control systems, Rockwell Automation, sub-Saharan Africa. “The MobileView tethered operator interface puts the terminal in the operator’s hands to increase productivity and safety. Tasks are made more efficient and machines are set up faster.”
The MobileView tethered operator interface complements the Allen-Bradley PanelView graphic terminals, giving manufacturers and industrial operators a range of fixed and mobile terminals for different applications. It also uses the FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) HMI software, allowing users to develop and re-use their software applications across the MobileView and PanelView platforms.
Three cable-length options, ranging from 5 to 15 metres, offer flexibility for different machines and production lines. The MobileView tethered operator interface also uses a 10-inch display with resistive touch screen, 2 GB internal SD card for application storage, and USB 2.0 port for high-speed data transfer. Software assignable functions are available as an option with either a hardwired momentary illuminated pushbutton or three-position key switch.
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