Leveraging smart motion technologies in the times of social distancing

August 13, 2020 7:19 pm

In the current times, with lockdown and social distancing measures across the globe, businesses and corporations are seeking alternatives to connect with their customers, and track and control their industrial processes.

As millions of people around the globe are confining themselves within their homes, companies are trying to adapt to this new normal and exploring innovative ideas and solutions to ensure that their operations remain unaffected in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Managing industrial operations and processes while reducing contact between people and machine have also become a key safety prerogative. Although, physical distancing between people with defined operating boundaries is helping in the production areas, technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi also play a key role in reducing the contact between man and machine to improve safety in the workplace.

Mobile applications have also emerged as saviours for businesses and industries that are tapping into alternate ways to manage the ongoing crisis. Online delivery solutions are one of the critical business areas that have observed a spike in demand as a result of the pandemic. Since the majority of workforce is now working from home, business and networking apps are also witnessing a huge rise in installations.

Smart Motion Control
Technology companies have their own sets of mobile applications that ensure smooth functioning of products, processes, and help in making informed decisions and facilitate uninterrupted services. A case in point is the Drivetune app, a smartphone application which can connect wirelessly to a drive. A drive is an electronic device that controls the electrical energy sent to any motor and helps in controlling the way the motors use electricity and ultimately helps in saving energy.

Drive data in your own pocket
The Drivetune app makes it possible to connect with any services and data available on the Internet in parallel to online drive communication, providing powerful tool for performing basic start-up and troubleshooting tasks. Since the application works on wireless Bluetooth connectivity, users won’t have to enter hazardous or remote work locations to access information necessary to help them commission and tune a drive. The Bluetooth enabled drive assistant control panel can register within 246 feet (75m) to establish a wireless connection between the drive and the mobile device.

The control panel features a user-friendly interface and intuitive dashboard that efficiently guides the users to monitor their drive’s status, performance and configuration. The app is compatible with almost all drives part of ABB’s new generation portfolio like ACS560, ACX580, ACS880, ACS580MV etc. It works on any Android or iOS smartphone and tablet.

Using the app, they can easily start, stop and control the drives from their mobile device. The user will not even need to physically visit the location for troubleshooting.

Drive users have been leveraging the benefits of this technology in diverse industrial segments. For example, they are used for cranes, where the drives are kept at high altitudes and are difficult to access or in the pharma segment where very high level of precautions are exercised to avoid human contact.

Services and support on the go with Drivebase
The Drivebase app is another widely used smartphone application that allows the users to access their drive and service information in the Cloud from anywhere. With the help of this app, they can plan their drives’ maintenance activities and receive information for troubleshooting.

Both these ABB‘s mobile applications offer great connectivity and user experience, enabling drive users maximise the availability and performance of their equipment.

As automation and digitalisation offer innovative benefits in the pandemic situation, new technologies that offer meaningful assistances, experiences and provide real value will change the game.

Authored by:
A R. Madhusudan, Head – Drive Products,
Motion business, ABB India