Rajant, the exclusive provider of Kinetic Mesh wireless networks, has entered into a strategic partnership with UK-based Extronics to help track mine workers underground.
Extronics provides a wide range of Wi-Fi tags for personnel and assets tracking and, combined with Rajant’s latest firmware, 11.19.1, its AeroScout tags are now intrinsically safe and certified for use in hazardous work areas, according to the company.
“Extronics AeroScout’s Wi-Fi-based active RFID tags enable the wireless network infrastructure to accurately track the location and condition of valuable assets or people,” Rajant said. “The small battery-powered, rugged, programmable tags send short 802.11 messages at a predefined interval. The main features include long battery life, flexible mounting options, call button and tamper-proof options, on-board sensor capabilities, the ability to store and receive data messages, and a clear channel assessment that avoids Wi-Fi data traffic interference.”
Geoff Smith, Rajant’s Executive VP of Sales & Marketing, said: “Rajant’s latest firmware release, 11.19.1, provides Extronics Wi-Fi tags with intrinsically safe support when using Rajant’s LX5, ME4 or KM3 network. This is especially relevant to personnel tracking, which is a requirement for underground mines, and other industries, such as oil and gas, petrochemical and ports.
“Given Rajant’s fully mobile private wireless network never breaks for handoff and always seeks the most efficient data path, customers using Rajant technology will not only be able to track personnel, but also identify productivity bottlenecks to improve operational efficiency.”
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Chris Sadler, Extronics Business Development Manager for the Americas, said: “Extronics is focused on helping industrial customers improve safety and efficiency through communication and situational awareness, so it’s great to partner with Rajant. With their Kinetic Mesh wireless network now certified as compatible with AeroScout technology, we’re looking forward to providing robust solutions that suit our customers’ requirements.”
Read more of the latest news and articles on tracking mine workers in Mining Safety
