Rugged Tablets for Forklifts
Increase productivity with rugged tablets on forklifts: robust and integrated technology for efficient and connected logistics.
Challenge
Automating product and pallet identification, addressing, and movement processes within warehouses via RFID, providing innovative integration solutions between embedded computing in forklifts, RFID readers, and customer WMS.
Solution
Rugged tablet and vehicle dock, with a customized Android image allowing simultaneous connection of the tablet to the WiFi network and the Ethernet port of the vehicle dock.
The client needed an embedded computing solution for their forklifts to manage warehouse and logistics. The project was developed in partnership with Logos Rastreamento, a company specializing in tracking and RFID solutions. The tablets and docks provided by Above-Net were to be installed on the forklifts and allow communication with the warehouse's WiFi network for access to the WMS, and with the external RFID reader via Ethernet port. However, some prerequisites were fundamental for the solution to function, including:
- Tablet and dock should be water and splash resistant for washing and forklift operation in outdoor areas.
- The set should allow the tablet to be removed for eventual portable use.
- The tablet should be able to communicate simultaneously with the RFID reader via Ethernet port and with the company's WMS via WiFi.
The equipment specified for the solution was carefully chosen to meet all the requirements requested by the client:
- Rugged 7-inch tablet, IP67 rated, Android 4.2, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, Camera
- Rugged vehicle dock for tablets with lock and key, IP54 rating, and integrated USB, Serial, and Ethernet connectors
Although the specified components fully met the project's strength requirements, a major challenge remained: Android prioritizes Ethernet port communication over WiFi when both are enabled. Connecting the RFID reader to the dock's Ethernet port immediately disconnected the tablet's WiFi network. Therefore, the client's requirements were not met.
We developed a customized Android image to overcome the barrier of prioritizing Ethernet communication and meet the specific needs of the project. Upon project delivery, the forklifts were seamlessly integrated into the WiFi network and RFID readers via Ethernet port, enabling the increased productivity and operational efficiency desired by the client.
With extensive experience in developing mobility products and integrating complex systems, Above-Net is able to overcome integration and project implementation challenges.