CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2005--Intermec Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UNA):
-- MEMS used today in mission-critical applications
around the world
-- First major innovation in laser scanning in 20
years
-- Intermec EL10, first MEMS-based laser scanner,
significantly faster, lighter and more efficient
than traditional laser scanners
The same precise, mission-critical technology you
count on to deploy your anti-lock brakes and airbags
now is available to help companies better capture
critical supply chain information. Intermec Technologies
Corp. today introduced the use of micro-electromechanical
systems (MEMS), a type of nanotechnology, to supply
chain data collection equipment. The use of MEMS-based
technology offers the first major revolution in laser-based
data collection in 20 years, making it possible to
produce laser data collection scanners that are significantly
faster, smaller, lighter and more efficient than
today's legacy scanners.
Millions of MEMS-based devices are already at work
around the world, making life safer and more convenient.
In fact, in June CNN named MEMS one of its Top 25
Innovations of the last quarter century. A CNN-commissioned
panel of technology leaders placed MEMS at no. 11,
ahead of ATMs, display panels, HDTV, the Space Shuttle
and flash memory in terms of relevance, impact, or
future potential to impact everyday Americans during
the course of daily life.
The use of MEMS in supply chain applications promises
similar behind-the-scenes improvement to a company's
supply chain operations. Because MEMS-based laser
scanners are able to read bar codes up to 40 times
as fast as today's legacy equipment, workers are
able to capture information more rapidly and efficiently,
speeding the flow of information through a supply
chain and improving supply chain visibility.
"Advances in MEMS already enable us to sense and
measure acceleration, acidity, temperature, pressure,
stress and many other factors," indicates Gartner(1).
New Intermec EL10 Scan Engine Debuts MEMS-Based
Laser Scanning Technology
Intermec worked with the internationally renowned
Fraunhaufer Institute to develop the use of MEMS
technology in data collection applications. The first
MEMS-based laser scan engine to be released, the
Intermec EL10, features extremely fast scan rates
and separate laser emission and collection optics
for increased sensitivity, supporting increased scan
range and angle, as well as easier scanning of low
contrast bar codes. The miniaturization and solid
state properties of the EL10's MEMS technology leads
to greater durability and lower equipment failure
rates, as well.
The EL10 can operate at 500 scans per second, with
the potential to go to 4,000 scans per second, compared
to standard laser scan rates of less than 50 scans
per second. Its micro-mirror and associated drive
motor are 1/66 the size of the mirrors used in traditional
laser scanner designs, adding to its durability and
compact size. In addition to increased speed and
smaller size, the new MEMS-based scanning technology
from Intermec allows laser scanners to read more
sophisticated types of bar codes, such as stacked
bar codes and linear codes.
Bar codes have been used by companies for almost
50 years to identify, track and manage supply chain
assets. Intermec has been developing bar code scanners,
readers and printers since 1971.
More information about MEMS laser scanning and the
EL10 is available at www.intermec.com .
About Intermec
Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA)
company, develops, manufactures and integrates technologies
that identify, track and manage supply chain assets.
Core technologies include Intellitag(R) RFID, mobile
computing systems, bar code printers and label media.
The company's products and services are used by customers
in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity,
quality and responsiveness of business operations.
For further information, visit www.intermec.com or
call 800-347-2636. To learn more about UNOVA, visit www.unova.com .
(1) According to Gartner Group research report, "The
Real-World Web Will Connect Objects and Places," Jackie
Fenn, March 4, 2005.
Intermec Technologies Corp.
Jennette Seward, 425-356-1747
jennette.seward@intermec.com
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