Home > News > Top Stories > Utility Trailer Collaborates with Phillips Connect to Launch the Utility Connect Advanced Trailer Telematics Platform

Manufacturing Technology

Utility Trailer Collaborates with Phillips Connect to Launch the Utility Connect Advanced Trailer Telematics Platform

Utility
With the launch of Utility ConnectTM, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., the industry's largest manufacturer of refrigerated trailers and a market leader in dry freight vans, flatbeds, and Tautliner® curtain-sided trailers, is pleased to announce Phillips Connect as its exclusive trailer telematics partner.

Utility Connect is based on a proprietary wire harness that was reengineered to work with the Phillips Connect Smart7TM nosebox. Utilities identified early on the benefits of supplying high-quality, corrosion-free harnesses that would connect to various sensors smoothly and reliably over the life of the trailer. Because Phillips Industries supplies the industry's standard wire harness, switching to the telematics version of its existing harness may be accomplished without affecting trailer production rates. The utility harness's connectors are soldered and over-molded.

At launch, the Utility Connect product suite will inclde GPS trailer tracking, light-out detection, intelligent ABS fault code reporting, tire inflation system monitoring, and the ability to connect to additional sensors such as door open/close, ultrasonic cargo detection, and interior cargo cameras (sold separately). Additionally, it includes built-in expansion capabilities, including over-the-air communication updates for integration with advanced tire pressure monitoring systems and Bendix's Roll-Stability system, as well as trailer weight, air tank pressure, and optional brake pad wear sensors for disc brakes. Future systems will be able to connect to reefer units and liftgates so that they can be monitored and kept in good condition.

"I really appreciate the way that Utility worked with our team to develop its Utility Connect smart-trailer solution. Rather than focusing on being first to market, we put our technical resources together to develop the most reliable, fully integrated, and easiest-to-install system available, Quality and reliability were always paramount to everything else, and they were never compromised. Utility Connect is a true game-changer for its premium fleet customers.

Rob Phillips, founder and CEO of Phillips Connect

"Our team also worked with Utility and our mutual customer, Hirschbach, for Utility’s first large-scale installation of the Smart7™ system," he said. Hertzbach now has more than 1,200 Utility refrigerated trailers in use with the Smart7 telematics, as well as another order for Utility refrigerated trailers to arrive in 2022.

Connect1's internet or mobile platform is extremely powerful yet easy, displaying all of a trailer's essential warnings on a single screen. It also makes it easy for fleets with a lot of different telematics providers to quickly get to the platform of the right one with a few keystrokes and a single click.

"Phillips has been an excellent partner to Utility and its dealer network for the last 40 years," said Steve Bennett, VP of Utility. "Utility Connect components such as the Smart7 nosebox, the Utility Connect wire harness, and accessory items such as door sensors and cargo sensors are available at utility trailer dealers throughout North America."

Spotlight

More featured news

Spotlight

Related News

Robotics and Automation

Red Hat Partner with Intel to Foster Simpler Industrial Automation

Intel | September 22, 2023

Red Hat and Intel collaborate to develop an industrial edge platform for enhanced industrial controls. The platform aims to automate manual industrial automation tasks, reduce cybersecurity risks, and improve factory agility. The partnership addresses the growing demand for smart manufacturing solutions. Red Hat, in partnership with Intel, is introducing a new industrial edge platform aimed at modernizing industrial controls and enabling automation for manufacturing operations. The platform will be deployed in manufacturing plants and industrial facilities, providing real-time control and artificial intelligence/machine learning capabilities to enhance efficiency and security. The industrial edge platform combines real-time shop floor control, AI/ML, and IT manageability. It facilitates the integration of IoT devices and sensors for improved automation and data insights. The platform aims to break down barriers between IT and OT, enabling collaboration and innovation in manufacturing. It addresses security concerns through advanced cybersecurity features and automated patching and updates. According to a report by McKinsey, Smart manufacturing has the potential to create around $3.7 trillion by 2025, driving innovation, growth, and competitiveness across various sectors. Manufacturers are seeking ways to modernize their operations and leverage IoT technologies to improve efficiency and innovation. The platform addresses the need for seamless integration of IT and OT technologies while enhancing security and scalability. Industry leaders like ABB, Schneider Electric, and Codesys are already working on implementing this new industrial edge platform. Francis Chow, VP and GM of In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge at Red Hat, remarked, “From transforming traditional IT infrastructures to helping software-defined vehicles deliver scalable digital solutions across industrial edge, Red Hat has a proven history in driving modernization across industries and but innovation.” [Source: Help Net Security] The collaborative effort between Red Hat and Intel introduces an innovative solution that will revolutionize manufacturing operations. By leveraging modern IT technologies and providing real-time data insights, the platform promises to enhance industrial control systems (ICS) for vendors, system integrators, and manufacturers. This includes automating system development and deployment, reducing cybersecurity risks, improving predictive maintenance, and co-locating various workloads while minimizing turnaround time. VP in the network and edge group and GM of federal and industrial solutions at Intel Corporation, Christine Boles, stated, “Bringing Red Hat’s expertise together in cloud-to-edge application platform delivery and Intel’s strength in edge to cloud compute platforms will deliver the software-defined capabilities and transformation to meet the flexible, resilient and reliable requirements of today’s manufacturing.” [Source: Help Net Security] This collaboration between Red Hat and Intel brings together their respective expertise in software and hardware to create an integrated solution that simplifies and improves industrial automation. The platform incorporates Intel's Edge Controls for Industrial and will be integrated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Red Hat Device Edge, Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, and Red Hat OpenShift.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Gotion High-tech Chooses Siemens to Build New Manufacturing Platform

Siemens | September 15, 2023

Gotion High-tech chose Siemens Xcelerator industrial software to establish an intelligent battery production platform. Gotion High-tech will strengthen its intelligent battery manufacturing capabilities through a platform that integrates production process to expedite the development of digital products. Together, the companies aim to use digital twins and battery-specific digital threads in digital transformation. Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Gotion High-tech has chosen Siemens Xcelerator industry software to establish an intelligent battery manufacturing platform as part of its digital transformation efforts. As part of the collaboration, Gotion High-tech and Siemens plan to explore the application of digital twins and battery-specific digital threads in product research and development, production, manufacturing, and technical services. The goal is to enhance operational capabilities across its global factories through digital intelligence. Chairman of Gotion, Li Zhen, remarked, The cooperation between Siemens and Gotion High-tech aims to enhance the operational capabilities of global factories through the joint creation of Gotion's digital Intelligence plant. [Source: Automation.com] He stated that the new era is about material digitization and transformation. As a company with a strong sense of mission and responsibility, Gotion High-tech is building an energy science system based on digital science and materials science. By integrating digital technology into the process of material research and development, product operation and battery recycling, production and manufacturing, the company hopes to achieve its goal of green energy accessible and sustainable, for the future. Gotion High-tech is looking forward to integrate digital technology into its entire material research and the entire development process, manufacturing, product operation, and battery recycling efforts. This integration aligns with their mission to establish an energy science system based on materials science and digital science, promoting green energy accessibility and sustainability. The company intends to leverage AI-enabled industrial control system technology to create a closed-loop digital research and development, manufacturing, and management platform. This platform will enhance Gotion's intelligent battery manufacturing capabilities and facilitate future digital advancements. Siemens Digital Industries Software specializes in aiding organizations in their digital transformation journey using software, hardware, and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Its comprehensive digital twin technology enables companies to optimize design, engineering, and manufacturing processes for sustainable product development.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Honeywell Prioritizes Safety for EV Manufacturing Workforce

Honeywell | September 13, 2023

In 2022, 10 million EVs were sold with a growth prediction of about 35% for 2023. The company is developing sensors to detect thermal runaway, through a partnership with Nexceris. Honeywell provides the gear needed to fire and emergency services department to combat Li-ion battery fires. Honeywell, a leading technology company, has created a range of ready-now solutions, addressing safety challenges across the EV ecosystem, from manufacturing to driving, designed to protect individuals and assets while detecting battery fire risks earlier. As global electric vehicle sales continue to surge, with 10 million sold in 2022 and a 35% growth prediction for this year, safety concerns associated with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in EVs are on the rise. These batteries can pose risks of ‘thermal runaway’ incidents leading to severe electrical fires. In situations where Li-ion battery fires occur despite detection efforts, first responders should be equipped to fight the fast-burning, incredibly hot flames. Honeywell equips fire and emergency services departments with the necessary gear to combat these fast-burning and intense fires effectively. This ensures that first responders are prepared to handle the unique challenges posed by Li-ion battery fires. The safety focus extends to workers in Gigafactories, which are expanding with the growing demand for EVs. Battery assembly processes in these factories pose risks such as hand and eye injuries, exposure to toxic chemicals, electrocution, and arc flash events. Honeywell provides comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE), electrical safety gear, and gas detection technology for high-risk areas such as electrode mixing, drying, coating, and cell finishing within these facilities, ensuring the safety of the workforce. The company’s battery safety sensors, integrated into EV battery packs, identify thermal runaway risks, enabling early warnings for passengers and compliance with international battery fire safety standards. In collaboration with Nexceris, the developer of Li-ion Tamer lithium-ion gas detection solutions, Honeywell is working on sensors to detect early indicators of thermal runaway in EV batteries. This proactive approach can help prevent property damage and driver injuries. General Manager of Electrification, Honeywell Sensing and Safety Technologies, Victor Verissimo, remarked, Electric vehicles are pivotal for a sustainable future of transportation, however, sustainability can’t compromise safety. Honeywell’s portfolio of solutions helps make the production and operation of EVs safer for all involved, helping to play a crucial role in making sustainable travel a reality. [Source: Honeywell] With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, safety measures across the entire EV ecosystem are essential. Honeywell's contributions in detecting and addressing battery-related risks are vital for the continued growth of the EV industry while ensuring the well-being of those involved.

Read More

Robotics and Automation

Red Hat Partner with Intel to Foster Simpler Industrial Automation

Intel | September 22, 2023

Red Hat and Intel collaborate to develop an industrial edge platform for enhanced industrial controls. The platform aims to automate manual industrial automation tasks, reduce cybersecurity risks, and improve factory agility. The partnership addresses the growing demand for smart manufacturing solutions. Red Hat, in partnership with Intel, is introducing a new industrial edge platform aimed at modernizing industrial controls and enabling automation for manufacturing operations. The platform will be deployed in manufacturing plants and industrial facilities, providing real-time control and artificial intelligence/machine learning capabilities to enhance efficiency and security. The industrial edge platform combines real-time shop floor control, AI/ML, and IT manageability. It facilitates the integration of IoT devices and sensors for improved automation and data insights. The platform aims to break down barriers between IT and OT, enabling collaboration and innovation in manufacturing. It addresses security concerns through advanced cybersecurity features and automated patching and updates. According to a report by McKinsey, Smart manufacturing has the potential to create around $3.7 trillion by 2025, driving innovation, growth, and competitiveness across various sectors. Manufacturers are seeking ways to modernize their operations and leverage IoT technologies to improve efficiency and innovation. The platform addresses the need for seamless integration of IT and OT technologies while enhancing security and scalability. Industry leaders like ABB, Schneider Electric, and Codesys are already working on implementing this new industrial edge platform. Francis Chow, VP and GM of In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge at Red Hat, remarked, “From transforming traditional IT infrastructures to helping software-defined vehicles deliver scalable digital solutions across industrial edge, Red Hat has a proven history in driving modernization across industries and but innovation.” [Source: Help Net Security] The collaborative effort between Red Hat and Intel introduces an innovative solution that will revolutionize manufacturing operations. By leveraging modern IT technologies and providing real-time data insights, the platform promises to enhance industrial control systems (ICS) for vendors, system integrators, and manufacturers. This includes automating system development and deployment, reducing cybersecurity risks, improving predictive maintenance, and co-locating various workloads while minimizing turnaround time. VP in the network and edge group and GM of federal and industrial solutions at Intel Corporation, Christine Boles, stated, “Bringing Red Hat’s expertise together in cloud-to-edge application platform delivery and Intel’s strength in edge to cloud compute platforms will deliver the software-defined capabilities and transformation to meet the flexible, resilient and reliable requirements of today’s manufacturing.” [Source: Help Net Security] This collaboration between Red Hat and Intel brings together their respective expertise in software and hardware to create an integrated solution that simplifies and improves industrial automation. The platform incorporates Intel's Edge Controls for Industrial and will be integrated with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Red Hat Device Edge, Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, and Red Hat OpenShift.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Gotion High-tech Chooses Siemens to Build New Manufacturing Platform

Siemens | September 15, 2023

Gotion High-tech chose Siemens Xcelerator industrial software to establish an intelligent battery production platform. Gotion High-tech will strengthen its intelligent battery manufacturing capabilities through a platform that integrates production process to expedite the development of digital products. Together, the companies aim to use digital twins and battery-specific digital threads in digital transformation. Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Gotion High-tech has chosen Siemens Xcelerator industry software to establish an intelligent battery manufacturing platform as part of its digital transformation efforts. As part of the collaboration, Gotion High-tech and Siemens plan to explore the application of digital twins and battery-specific digital threads in product research and development, production, manufacturing, and technical services. The goal is to enhance operational capabilities across its global factories through digital intelligence. Chairman of Gotion, Li Zhen, remarked, The cooperation between Siemens and Gotion High-tech aims to enhance the operational capabilities of global factories through the joint creation of Gotion's digital Intelligence plant. [Source: Automation.com] He stated that the new era is about material digitization and transformation. As a company with a strong sense of mission and responsibility, Gotion High-tech is building an energy science system based on digital science and materials science. By integrating digital technology into the process of material research and development, product operation and battery recycling, production and manufacturing, the company hopes to achieve its goal of green energy accessible and sustainable, for the future. Gotion High-tech is looking forward to integrate digital technology into its entire material research and the entire development process, manufacturing, product operation, and battery recycling efforts. This integration aligns with their mission to establish an energy science system based on materials science and digital science, promoting green energy accessibility and sustainability. The company intends to leverage AI-enabled industrial control system technology to create a closed-loop digital research and development, manufacturing, and management platform. This platform will enhance Gotion's intelligent battery manufacturing capabilities and facilitate future digital advancements. Siemens Digital Industries Software specializes in aiding organizations in their digital transformation journey using software, hardware, and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Its comprehensive digital twin technology enables companies to optimize design, engineering, and manufacturing processes for sustainable product development.

Read More

Manufacturing Technology

Honeywell Prioritizes Safety for EV Manufacturing Workforce

Honeywell | September 13, 2023

In 2022, 10 million EVs were sold with a growth prediction of about 35% for 2023. The company is developing sensors to detect thermal runaway, through a partnership with Nexceris. Honeywell provides the gear needed to fire and emergency services department to combat Li-ion battery fires. Honeywell, a leading technology company, has created a range of ready-now solutions, addressing safety challenges across the EV ecosystem, from manufacturing to driving, designed to protect individuals and assets while detecting battery fire risks earlier. As global electric vehicle sales continue to surge, with 10 million sold in 2022 and a 35% growth prediction for this year, safety concerns associated with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in EVs are on the rise. These batteries can pose risks of ‘thermal runaway’ incidents leading to severe electrical fires. In situations where Li-ion battery fires occur despite detection efforts, first responders should be equipped to fight the fast-burning, incredibly hot flames. Honeywell equips fire and emergency services departments with the necessary gear to combat these fast-burning and intense fires effectively. This ensures that first responders are prepared to handle the unique challenges posed by Li-ion battery fires. The safety focus extends to workers in Gigafactories, which are expanding with the growing demand for EVs. Battery assembly processes in these factories pose risks such as hand and eye injuries, exposure to toxic chemicals, electrocution, and arc flash events. Honeywell provides comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE), electrical safety gear, and gas detection technology for high-risk areas such as electrode mixing, drying, coating, and cell finishing within these facilities, ensuring the safety of the workforce. The company’s battery safety sensors, integrated into EV battery packs, identify thermal runaway risks, enabling early warnings for passengers and compliance with international battery fire safety standards. In collaboration with Nexceris, the developer of Li-ion Tamer lithium-ion gas detection solutions, Honeywell is working on sensors to detect early indicators of thermal runaway in EV batteries. This proactive approach can help prevent property damage and driver injuries. General Manager of Electrification, Honeywell Sensing and Safety Technologies, Victor Verissimo, remarked, Electric vehicles are pivotal for a sustainable future of transportation, however, sustainability can’t compromise safety. Honeywell’s portfolio of solutions helps make the production and operation of EVs safer for all involved, helping to play a crucial role in making sustainable travel a reality. [Source: Honeywell] With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, safety measures across the entire EV ecosystem are essential. Honeywell's contributions in detecting and addressing battery-related risks are vital for the continued growth of the EV industry while ensuring the well-being of those involved.

Read More

More featured news