Honeywell Utilizes Qualcomm’s IoT Solutions to Design Mobile Computer for Warehouse Automation

As warehouse automation technology continues to get smarter, industry leaders like Honeywell are developing tools to keep up. 

Honeywell’s CT45 / CT45 XP are enterprise handheld computers that offer a combination of features that aims to help engineers in warehousing and logistics.

 

The Honeywell SPS CT45 / CT45 XP are rugged handheld devices engineered to maintain the connectivity needed in e-commerce. Image used courtesy of Honeywell SPS

 

Honeywell SPS, a division of Honeywell that focuses on promoting workplace safety and productivity, just announced their new line of rugged, handheld mobile devices built on their Mobility Edge platform.

These mobile computers are designed for logistics and warehousing applications where reliability and low-latency connectivity are critical.

 

Mobile Computers for Logistics and Warehousing

Engineers responsible for controlling robots that perform picking, packing, sorting, and delivering e-commerce orders face challenges in connectivity. Issues that arise may include an inability to access key information related to orders and inventory and network latency that slows down the order fulfillment process at all stages.

Such issues tend to reduce efficiency and negatively impact productivity, which can then lead to revenue loss. Handheld edge computers are not an entirely new concept in warehouse automation.

However, it can be tricky to find the right one that works for your facility’s needs. Many handheld computers lack edge capabilities which can cause a delay in engineers getting the valuable data they need at any given time. 

 

Honeywell CT45 / CT45 XP

Honeywell SPS seeks to minimize these issues through their CT45/CT45 XP handheld edge computers. Honeywell worked with Qualcomm IoT mobile solutions to add more connectivity features to this new handheld computer. 

The Honeywell CT45 XP in particular is the first of its kind to feature WiFi 6 to support more reliable, faster connections. For connections outside of the network, 4G-LTE technology supports continued access to the information that workers need. 

 

Honeywell's new handheld edge computers could help engineers control warehouse robotic operations. Image used courtesy of Honeywell SPS

 

The Honeywell CT45 / CT45 XP mobile edge computers include a commitment of support that includes Android 13 and 14 and 15 with software patch support through 2032. This type of long-term support can potentially make it possible for engineers to adopt to better maximize their ROI.

In addition, these mobile devices are engineered to perform even after drops, tumbles, extreme temperatures, and humidity, making them rugged enough to maintain their integrity in less than ideal conditions.

 

Features and Specifications

Both the Honeywell CT45 and CT45 XP include the following:

• Qualcomm QCS4290/QCM4290 octa-core, 2.0GHz processor
• User-accessible microSD card up to 512 GB
• 13-megapixel rear camera
• 8-megapixel front-facing camera
• GPS capabilities
• V5.1 Bluetooth and BLE
• Integrated NFC reader
• 64 GB UFS Flash

 

In terms of battery, these mobile computers both have Li-Ion, 3.85 V, 4020 mAh smart batteries with integrated diagnostic tools and take less than three hours to charge fully. These devices are also fully integrated with the Honeywell Operational Intelligence solution and are available with FlexRange and 7th Generation scan options.

The Honeywell CT45 / CT45 XP are both built on Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform, an ecosystem that offers more enhanced security and an extended lifecycle, both critical to connectivity.

As far as differences between the two models, the CT45 XP has 6 GB DDR4x RAM compared to 4 GB DDR4x RAM for the CT 45. In addition, the CT45 XP has the 2nd BLE available. The CT45 XP provides full high definition (1920 x 1080), while the CT45 provides high definition (1280 x 720). And they both have a 12.7 cm display size.

The steady increase in e-commerce has led to a greater demand for mobile devices that support engineers responsible for robot control, sensor positions, orders, and even delivery. The new Honeywell CT45 / CT45 XP product line is designed specifically for engineers who specialize in warehouse and factory automation.