Knorr-Bremse and TIP Trailer Services have scooped a top innovation prize for a remote control system for trailers.
The iTAP system, with FleetRemote functionality, was judged top product and won the Trailer Innovation Award 2015 in the Smart Trailer category at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover (25 September to 2 October 2014).
iTAP enables the driver to control trailer functions by smartphone or tablet using the iTAP app and WiFi interface, which transmits commands to the brake control and chassis management systems.
Drivers can use their phone, for example, to check tyre pressure and temperatures at each wheel, or to select a pre-programmed ramp height.
Knorr-Bremse is working with TIP Trailer Services to develop FleetRemote functionality for iTAP. Data such as tyre pressures, odometer readings and braking processes will be transmitted to the FleetRemote server via public WiFi access points.
FleetRemote will analyse the data to predict trailer condition, identifying potential problems and boosting condition-based maintenance possibilities.
Peter Sijs, services and sourcing operations leader for TIP Trailer Services describes it as "a huge step forward in connectivity and trailer health diagnostics".
