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Distracted driving solution for forklifts: Xplore Technologies, a rugged tablet
manufacturer, and blank-it, a developer of
motion-safety technology, have created an
integrated solution that limits a forklift driver’s ability to use Xplore’s tablets while in
motion. The goal of this solution is to eliminate distractions from tablets to drivers operating heavy machinery.
The solution limits drivers to using only
preselected programs while in motion, such
as navigation aids, reversing camera displays,
or dispatch systems. The solution relies on a
motion-sensing technology that eliminates
the dependency on GPS navigation, making
it good for indoor use such as in warehouses
or factories.
Blank-it’s motion detecting software activates when an operator puts a vehicle in
motion. To prevent tampering, Xplore developed a secure cover to lock the accelerometer to the vehicle-mounted tablet. The
integrated solution is available with Xplore’s
rugged iX104C5 product series. (Xplore
Technologies, www.xploretech.com; blank-it,
www.blank-it.com/)
Industrial robots: ABB Robotics has introduced the IRB 6700 robot family, its seventh generation of large
industrial robots.
The new IRB
6700 is available
in payloads from 150
to 300 kg (330 to 661 pounds)
and reaches from 2. 6 to 3. 2
meters ( 8. 5 to 10. 5 feet). These
robots are designed for material handling, spot welding, and
machine tending. For this generation of robot, ABB Robotics was
able to lower power consumption by 15 percent and reduce
the total cost of ownership by
up to 20 percent.
The IRB 6700 includes a new generation of
accurate, efficient, and reliable motors and
compact gearboxes. The robot is engineered
to be as rigid as possible to better protect
and prepare it for the harsh environments in
which it operates.
Additionally, maintenance has been optimized, doubling the time between service
intervals, according to ABB. Access to motors
has also been improved, and technical documentation for maintenance has been revised
for better readability. (ABB Robotics, www.
abb.com/robotics)
Lift truck attachment and parts warranty: Cascade Corp.’s lift truck attachments
and parts are now covered by a two-year warranty under its new Performance warranty program.
Customers who installed Cascade products after Sept. 24, 2012, will be covered
for an additional year under the Performance two-year warranty program. Cascade
parts are made with high-quality materials and manufactured to the same specifications and quality standards as the original part that came with the attachment.
(Cascade Corp., www.cascorp.com)
