CAMBRIDGE, UK /Marketwire/ -- World-leading tool manufacturer, Atlas Copco, launched the Tool Location System (TLS), based on a Ubisense solution at Motek Fair in Stuttgart in September this year, and have already installed the product with leading manufacturing companies, such as General Motors, BMW, Aston Martin, Daimler, Caterpillar, and Honda. The new product has been designed to assist customers using Atlas Copco tools to ensure that the right fixing is being tightened to the correct tension for a particular product.
TLS operates like an indoor GPS facility, using Ubisense sensors rather than satellites to monitor the position of miniature transmitters attached to tools and products. TLS can deliver 3D tool and production location information to an accuracy of better than 50 cm. The system is based on UWB radio, which is an extremely resistant technology able to deliver high-accuracy, even within a cluttered and metallic environment.
On static vehicle assembly lines, virtual work areas are created and tools are linked to them. This ensures that only the correct tool operates in a particular work area. On moving assembly lines, virtual product areas are created that can move with the product being assembled. Tools can be linked to them, and, again, only the right tools will work in the correct product area.
TLS quickly and effectively reduces the need for manual identification, thus reducing errors that result in rework being required. TLS also speeds up production by increasing individual operator throughput. Ubisense systems are currently in operation in many of the world's leading manufacturing plants, assisting those organizations to improve accuracy, reduce errors, and make significant savings.
"We are delighted to be working with Atlas Copco on introducing this new and exciting product, to their customers" said Terry Phebey, Ubisense Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "TLS will allow them to error-proof the production process, providing significant productivity gains."
About Ubisense
Ubisense is a world leader in precise real-time location systems and consulting services, "tracking people and assets with unmatched accuracy, and giving enterprises the power to bring visibility and control to previously intractable business processes." With over 500 customers worldwide, Ubisense is revolutionizing industries today.
About Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco is an industrial group, with world-leading positions in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools, and assembly systems. The group delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through innovative products and services. Founded 1873, the company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2009, Atlas Copco had about 30,000 employees and revenues of BSEK 64 (BEUR 6.0).