AeroScout and NL Technologies Deliver Location Tracking and Safety Solution for Mining Industry
Written by AeroScout, Inc
Monday, 16 January 2006
Industry's First Cap Lamp with Integrated Wi-Fi Tracking Tag Provides Unparalleled Underground Safety and Efficiency
SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 16 -- AeroScout, Inc., a pioneer in the field of Enterprise Visibility Solutions, and NL Technologies (NLT), a leading innovator of IP-based communications and integrated software applications, today announced a partnership to deliver an advanced real-time location solution (RTLS) for the underground mining industry. Using standard wireless networking technology and the industry's leading Wi-Fi-based active RFID system, the joint solution offers immediate and accurate tracking of personnel, equipment and other assets for improved safety and efficiency.
"AeroScout's IP-based RTLS is a compelling solution for underground mine operators, providing advanced asset and personnel tracking functionality over standard wireless networks," said James Hackwood, VP Sales and Marketing for NLT. "This partnership delivers on the ability to utilize data, voice and location services over a single network -- one of the key benefits of a unified communication network based on industrial standard Ethernet and Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology."
Through joint development efforts, NLT has integrated AeroScout's wireless real-time location system into their Northern Light Digital(TM) Network. AeroScout's long range active RFID tag is installed into the Northern Light(R) GII Model cap lamps, providing Wi-Fi-based location tracking capabilities, in addition to the renowned quality, innovative design and durability of the Northern Light(R) cap lamp family. With this solution in place, the location of workers, as well as valuable mobile equipment, can be continually tracked and viewed in real-time from any Web browser, to ensure safety and improve operations.
The AeroScout visibility solution, which has been successfully deployed in mining, enables wireless networking equipment, such as NLT's mine-hardened access points, to sense the presence of AeroScout tags. The solution determines their accurate location, even in difficult and unpredictable environments such as the underground mine. In addition, AeroScout's MobileView technology provides a robust set of web-based tracking and management tools that add critical business intelligence to the tracking system, and provides an additional capability in surface plant facilities.
"The emerging industry of underground location tracking offers tremendous value to mining companies," said Gabi Daniely, VP of Marketing, AeroScout. "As mining operations worldwide standardize on Wi-Fi for communications, the introduction of asset and people tracking is a simple and effective way for mines to improve the ROI from their networking infrastructure."
The integrated tracking solution for mining is currently available from NLT. NLT and AeroScout are moving quickly to approve existing products for intrinsically safe certification in coal mines for customers in Europe, USA, Australia and China. These approvals are expected in the second quarter of 2006.
About AeroScout
AeroScout provides award-winning enterprise visibility solutions that utilize Wi-Fi wireless networking standards to deliver accurate location-based solutions. The AeroScout system includes real-time location services (RTLS), long range active RFID, telemetry and choke-point visibility all in a single integrated cost-effective infrastructure. AeroScout's standards-based applications locate valuable assets and people in indoor and outdoor environments, enabling customers in numerous industries to drive revenues and cut costs. AeroScout is a privately held company based in San Mateo, CA. For more information, please visit http://www.aeroscout.com.
About NL Technologies
NL Technologies is a world-wide innovator in the design and manufacture of lighting and digital communication systems for the mining and tunneling industries. Using the combination of innovative designs, best-in-class technology and ISO 9001 approved manufacturing systems, NLT has become one of the most reliable names in the industry and is the choice of contractors and mines alike. For more information, please visit http://www.nltdigital.com
AeroScout is a registered trademark of AeroScout, Inc. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information is subject to change without notice.
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