Unilode Aviation Solutions, Safran and OnAsset Intelligence have completed their joint development project to integrate digital Bluetooth tags into aviation pallets.
The three parties started their collaboration less than a year ago to develop a unique design for a Bluetooth 5 digital tag to be fitted into a pallet to prevent mishandling and stacking problems that can occur with bolt-on solutions positioned externally.
Safran’s engineering team designed a corner piece to house the antenna of the tag in the pallet corner, with the rest of OnAsset’s digital device being integrated inside the edge rail of the pallet.
Unilode’s Safran pallets will be delivered with the integrated corner piece while existing units will be retrofitted to enable the provision of data on location and shock sensors.
The technology is fully DO-160 compliant and approved for in-flight use, and Unilode will start rolling out its digitally enabled ULDs along with the global reader infrastructure to set its digital transformation programme in motion.
Benoit Dumont, CEO of Unilode says: “Our solution for the digital enablement of pallets is fully integrated and therefore safe, compliant with prevailing regulations, does not create a trip hazard for individuals or pose a target for forklifts and does not operationally impede on the use of the pallets by occupying a portion of the seat tracks.”
Adam Crossno, CEO of OnAsset Intelligence says: “This unique and collaborative effort with Unilode and Safran proves OnAsset Intelligence’s capabilities as not just a supplier of off-the-shelf tracking and monitoring solutions, but a provider that can deliver tailor-made tracking solutions through a mix of cloud data, electronics design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, focusing on full compliance with industry regulations, which OnAsset Intelligence has always been known for.”