STW has equipped its ESX.4ct mobile controller with a Bluetooth interface. On the one hand, this enables the wireless configuration or analysis of mobile machines using mobile end devices, and on the other, new digital business models can be implemented.
The ESX.4ct mobile controller is the most compact member of the ESX.4 family from the automation specialists at STW in Kaufbeuren. The robust and powerful controller can be used to automate very small machines such as mini-excavators or to monitor and control sub-systems and assistance systems of larger mobile machines, such as steering or damping units. The ESX.4ct features a powerful Infineon Aurix microcontroller with a 300 MHz core and a wide range of physical interfaces (including three CAN interfaces with ISOBUS support) as well as Bluetooth 5.1 LE connectivity.
Improved machine availability
This interface allows control and machine data to be read out wirelessly using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. Bluetooth provides maintenance and service teams in the field or on construction sites with a convenient option. Configuration files can be uploaded and error codes read out without having to establish a complex cable connection to the control system. Depending on the machine architecture, this may be integrated in places that are difficult to access. Wireless access via the Bluetooth interface makes day-to-day work easier, but more importantly also improves the availability of construction, agricultural, municipal and forestry machinery, as machine downtimes can be dealt with more quickly.
Simply build digital business models
Bluetooth connectivity also offers manufacturers of mobile machinery the option of providing their customers with individualized offers tailored to their needs. Automated and digitalized systems make it possible to provide customized machine performance and various functionalities on a modular basis.
Using an app that connects to the automation system via Bluetooth, customers can book optional services as required. These include, for example, driver assistance functionalities such as lane keeping systems or the creation of various driver profiles for the response behavior of the chassis or steering system. With such a system, the machine operator can choose the degree of automation and assistance of their machine themselves, adapt the machine to their own usage behavior and conveniently manage and activate these options via their smartphone.
Powerful, convenient and robust
The Bluetooth 5.1 standard supports data transmission at rates of up to 3 Mbit/s and ranges of up to 200 m. With this level of performance, communication is fast and comparatively flexible in terms of location. Maintenance technicians can therefore access the control system from the service vehicle, while machine operators can activate services from the office using the app if the machine is parked in a nearby location.
The ESX.4ct also makes it easy for developers and programmers to implement appropriate solutions. It can be programmed flexibly with C/C++, logi.CAD 3 (IEC6131-3) or MATLAB/Simulink. Thanks to the common Aurix platform of the ESX.4 controller family, applications written for the ESX.4ct can also be transferred to other fourth-generation STW controllers in a user-friendly way.
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