Industrial automation specialist company Rockwell Automation introduced its new Allen Bradley MobileView tethered operator interface – a mobile terminal that enables plant and industrial personnel to take a machine’s human-machine interface (HMI) with them to make real-time adjustments to out-of-view applications – earlier this month.

The MobileView interface expands Rockwell’s visualisation portfolio of products, taking terminals into the mobile domain, says Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa control systems business manager Christo Buys.

The mobile terminal is used for maintenance tasks, machine setup or calibration activities, as well as other HMI applications that require the operator to see the machine.

The MobileView uses a 10" display with a resistive touch screen, a 2 GB internal secure digital, or SD, card for application storage and a USB 2.0 port for high-speed data transfer. Software assignable functions are available as an option with either a hard-wired momentary illuminated push-button or a three-position key switch – features that support applications that require local safety functionality.

“Between making an adjustment on the terminal and viewing the results on the machine, fixed operator terminals can require a lot of back and forth movement for personnel for certain applications,” says Buys.

“The MobileView puts the terminal in the operator’s hands to increase productivity and safety. Tasks are made more efficient and machines are set up faster.”

He explains to Engineering News that the MobileView is a new addition to its regularly updated suite of automation products that complement one another, offering comprehensive control solutions.

The MobileView tethered operator interface complements the Allen-Bradley PanelView graphic terminals, providing manufacturers and industrial operators with a range of fixed and mobile terminals for different applications.

It also uses Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Machine Edition HMI software, enabling users to develop and reuse their software applications across the MobileView and PanelView platforms.

Three cable-length options, ranging from 5 m to 15 m, offer flexibility for different machines and production lines.