Single control system cuts fire engine manufacturing time by 200 hours17 April 2014

Fire rescue and emergency vehicle manufacturer Emergency One (UK) has cut production time by 200 hours per vehicle, thanks to a new 'plug and play' control system to manage kit such as lights, sirens, communications and pumps.

The Ayrshire-based business wanted to streamline controls for vehicle functions to save time and money. It now uses Bosch Rexroth's RC36-20 controller, which uses 32-bit TriCore technology and is designed as a universal central controller for complex mobile machines.

"The manufacture of an emergency vehicle is a complicated process, particularly the assembly and installation of each individual system required for its added functions," says Michael Madsen, Emergency One's managing director.

"We felt that if we could consolidate the control of these systems, it would not only improve functionality but also production processes."

The RC36-20 uses CANbus technology. A standard wiring harness is used for all vehicles, with modifications to the parameters of application software to suit the options fitted on each vehicle.

"The overall time spent manufacturing an emergency vehicle has now been reduced by more than 200 hours per vehicle," confirms Madsen. "I never imagined we would achieve results like this – and so quickly."

Bosch Rexroth is now working with Emergency One on a remote access and data logging system, which will allow engineers to connect to a fire engine via the internet – showing the position and operational status of the appliance in real time and enabling changes to be made to vehicle settings.

Author
Laura Cork

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