K-RTLS

The Early 2000s

In 2004, Verlag & Freie Medien, now the Think WIOT Group, launched the German print magazine RFID im Blick.

At that time, the main focus was on the traceability of goods, access control, and labeling and identification with RFID technology. Metal and water were hostile environments, UHF was not yet state-of-the-art, RFID and sensor technology were mere visions and experts predicted that it would be a long time before RFID would become widespread.

RFID is now an established technology in numerous automation and digitalization projects. The trend is rising.

Internationalization and Wireless IoT (WIOT)

Since 2016, the publishing house has no longer focused primarily on RFID, but on wireless IoT technologies. These include: LPWAN, BLE, NFC, RTLS, UWB, 5G, wireless sensor technology and ORM. RFID is now one of many wireless technologies.

The first English-language magazine Wireless IoT Global was also published in 2016. The Think WIOT Group is now experiencing its strongest growth in Asia and North America.

Think WIOT Group

The publishing house has diversified since 2017.

Today, the portfolio includes two topic-oriented e-magazines, two information platforms, a partner network for more than 70 companies, regular livestreams, video interviews, an end user conference, and joint booths at the Wireless IoT tomorrow.

All activities take place under the umbrella of the Think WIOT Group.

20 Years Later

Supply chains are transparent, processes in the warehouse can be mapped in real time as a digital twin, Manufacturing X achieves a high level of connectivity, big data and transparency, wireless sensor technology, data glasses, robotics and AI expand the applications.

The technologies are developing more rapidly than the implementations.

Process Automation with Precise Real-Time Location

The new real-time location system K-RTLS combines high localization accuracy in an industrial environment with unique technical features. The system consists of mobile transponders, permanently installed nodes and the CrossTalk IoT suite.

The real-time data about the location and status of the objects available with the RTLS form the basis for networking the parties involved and the logistics processes in their value-added chain.

Vehicles, forklifts, load carriers – if you have a precise view of mobile objects in real time, you increase business process transparency and save costs and time. K-RTLS from Kathrein Solutions presents itself with innovative features.

Key Facts

K-RTLS Transponder

Transponder for contactless localization in industrial and logistics applications
Localization accuracy of up to 25 cm
Outdoor housing IP67
Integrated UHF RFID and NFC interfaces connected to RTLS controller via I²C
Programmable multicolour LED
Easy and universal use due to mounting slide
Firmware update and configuration via the air interface
Battery life: Replaceable battery: 3V/1,500 mAh, up to 5 years runtime depending on localization accuracy and frequency of use

K-RTLS Node

Fixed reference node for contactless localization in industrial and logistics applications
Distance between the individual nodes up to 40 meters
IP40 indoor version
IP67 outdoor version
Programmable multicolour LED
Power supply via PoE or local supply
Service interface for configuration and firmware updates via LAN and 2.4 Ghz communication, IEE 802.15.4

Applications

Intelligent control of production processes through precise localization of objects and load carriers
Optimized warehouse management through automatic recording of the storage locations
Smart recognition of material flows for production automation
Precise tracking of vehicles in production and service

Brand Kathrein