FORT Robotics launches Long-Range Bluetooth capability for robots

FORT Robotics, a developer of safe control technologies for robots and mobile machines, announced the launch of its new Long Range Bluetooth (BLE) capability.

The company said this new feature is immediately available for FORT's Safe Remote Control Pro and Endpoint Controller products, enabling customers to achieve reliable wireless safety over longer distances and use their machines globally without complex radio certifications.

New capability extends safety range

FORT said its new capability uses globally compatible Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.2 wireless communication in a highly specialized industrial implementation. By leveraging a transmission power that is 10 times higher than typical BLE modules (+17 dBm), FORT devices can reliably communicate over significantly longer ranges.

As Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and humanoids increasingly operate alongside human workers in crowded environments, FORT Robotics said that the need for universal, reliable wireless safety communication has become critical. While traditional radio technologies often struggle with interference or are restricted by regional frequency licenses, FORT said its offering provides a powerful, globally available standard.

"For our customers scaling into new territories, radio certification is often the single biggest hurdle that delays their international expansion," said Nathan Bivans, CTO at FORT Robotics. "By utilizing the universally accepted BLE 5.2 standard, we are eliminating a major friction point. This allows machine builders to dramatically simplify their compliance processes and rapidly deploy their technology across all major international markets, ensuring their fleet is both productive and globally compliant."

FORT Robotics said this advanced design, which incorporates Isochronous Channels to transmit time-sensitive safety data, delivers three core benefits for industrial users:

• Extended range: Customers can control machines over longer distances with an estimated wireless range of 100-300m, far surpassing typical BLE ranges.
• Denser deployments: The technology is engineered for high-density environments (like busy warehouses and manufacturing floors), allowing customers to operate multiple remote machine systems in proximity with minimal risk of wireless interference.
• Global compliance: Bluetooth operation facilitates easy international use, enabling FORT customers to simplify certification and deployment in key markets.