By combining Extronics' Wi-Fi tags for personnel and assets tracking with Rajant's latest firmware, 11.19.1, Extronics' AeroScout tags are now intrinsically safe and certified for use in hazardous work areas.

The AeroScout Wi-Fi-based active RFID tags enable the wireless network infrastructure to track the location and condition of valuable assets or people. The small battery-powered, rugged, programmable tags send short 802.11 messages at a predefined interval.

According to the companies, their main features include long battery life, flexible mounting options, call button and tamper-proof options, on-board sensor capabilities, the ability to store and receive data messages, and a clear channel assessment that avoids Wi-Fi data traffic interference.

"Rajant's latest firmware release, 11.19.1, provides Extronics Wi-Fi tags with intrinsically safe support when using Rajant's LX5, ME4 or KM3 network," explained Geoff Smith, Rajant's executive VP of sales & marketing.

"This is especially relevant to personnel tracking, which is a requirement for underground mines, and other industries, such as oil and gas, petrochemical and ports.

"Given Rajant's fully mobile private wireless network never breaks for handoff and always seeks the most efficient data path, customers using Rajant's technology will not only be able to track personnel, but also identify productivity bottlenecks to improve operational efficiency."

Chris Sadler, Extronics business development manager for the Americas, said: "Extronics is focused on helping industrial customers improve safety and efficiency through communication and situational awareness, so it's great to partner with Rajant. With their Kinetic Mesh wireless network now certified as compatible with AeroScout technology, we're looking forward to providing robust solutions that suit our customers' requirements."