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, [email protected], www.rjconnect.co.za



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