First, Thermo King now offers the option for its truck and van fridges to be connected to its TracKing telematics system, via the TK BlueBox communication device that collects and stores unit data. This can be accessed via a free Thermo King Reefer mobile app on a smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled device.
Thermo King says that its TracKing solution allows easy monitoring and analysis of refrigerated operations by drivers and/or fleet managers. TracKing can also be integrated into other transport management systems.
In other news, US-based transmission firm Allison has begun taking the first steps to provide real-time component performance data to select US customers this year. The company says that it has partnered with multiple (unnamed) North American telematics service providers to deliver transmission health information. The new connected capabilities, which are backwards compatible with fourth-generation Allison electronic controls, will provide insight into more than 170 different transmission conditions.
John Coll, a senior vice president at Allison, says: “We are committed to enhancing our intelligent products and supporting a connected future that enables our customers to monitor and manage their fleet operations with relevant information in near real time.”
A vision of the future comes from technology firm Laird, which has launched what it claims is the auto industry’s first fully integrated and scalable module for secure mobile connectivity and automotive ethernet. Potential applications include internet gateway functionality, a remote diagnostic tool, a remote-control system, location functions and driver statistics. “MAX enables a connected vehicle to continuously and securely stream and share data with multiple wireless devices and applications inside and outside the vehicle’s immediate environment,” says vice president Guido Dornbusch.