Fort Robotics Unveils Wireless E‑Stop Pro to Advance Industrial Automation Safety

A New Era of Mobile Machine Safety

Fort Robotics has introduced the Wireless E‑Stop Pro, a safety‑certified wearable designed to protect operators and increase uptime in environments that rely on mobile robots and autonomous machines. As industrial automation expands across warehouses, factories, and construction sites, traditional fixed emergency stop buttons no longer meet the speed and mobility demands of modern operations.

Wearable Safety Control for Dynamic Worksites

The Wireless E‑Stop Pro places immediate, fail‑safe control directly in the operator’s hand. Users can trigger a certified stop command from as far as 200 meters away, ensuring that safety actions match the fast pace of today’s automated worksites. This approach aligns with the shift toward flexible control systems in robotics, PLC‑based automation, and distributed control architectures.

Redefining Productivity and Safety

Fort’s head of product, Amod Damle, emphasizes that safety should accelerate productivity rather than restrict it. His perspective reflects a broader industry trend: advanced safety systems now enable operators to work confidently around autonomous machines. In my experience, companies that integrate safety into workflow design often achieve higher throughput because operators trust the system and move more efficiently.

Engineered for Complex Radio Environments

Long‑Range Bluetooth for Reliable Connectivity

The Wireless E‑Stop Pro uses advanced Long‑Range Bluetooth to maintain stable communication even in dense radio environments such as warehouses, logistics hubs, and manufacturing plants. This capability supports simultaneous operation of multiple machines with minimal risk of interference—an essential requirement for large‑scale factory automation and fleet‑based robotics.

Designed for Global Deployment

Compliance for International OEMs

The device supports globally compatible Bluetooth communication and carries regulatory approvals for the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. This simplifies deployment for OEMs building machines for multi‑country distribution. For companies managing global automation fleets, standardized safety hardware reduces integration complexity and accelerates rollout.

Certified Safety Integrity for Mission‑Critical Operations

SIL 3 Certification per IEC 61508

The Wireless E‑Stop Pro is certified to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3, one of the highest safety classifications for industrial systems. This certification ensures validated reliability for applications where machine stoppage must occur without delay. In sectors such as mining, logistics, and heavy manufacturing, SIL 3 compliance is often a prerequisite for integrating safety devices into PLC or DCS‑based control systems.

Built for Harsh Industrial Conditions

Rugged Design and High‑Visibility Feedback

With a 200‑meter wireless range and an IP65‑rated enclosure, the device withstands dust, moisture, and demanding outdoor environments. Operators also benefit from an integrated status display that provides instant feedback on connectivity and system health. This real‑time visibility supports safer decision‑making and reduces downtime caused by uncertainty or miscommunication.

Part of the Fort Pro Series Ecosystem

Seamless Integration with Fort’s Control Architecture

The Wireless E‑Stop Pro works with Fort’s Endpoint Controller receiver and can be paired with the Safe Remote Control Pro. It also connects to the Fort Manager cloud platform for configuration and device management. This ecosystem approach reflects a growing trend in industrial automation: unified safety and control architectures that streamline deployment and lifecycle management.

Author’s Insight: Why Wireless Safety Matters

In modern industrial automation, mobility is no longer optional. Autonomous forklifts, AMRs, and robotic work cells require safety systems that move with the operator. Wireless E‑Stops bridge the gap between traditional safety design and the realities of distributed, high‑speed machine environments. In my view, solutions like Fort’s Wireless E‑Stop Pro will become standard in next‑generation smart factories and logistics centers, especially as companies scale autonomous machine fleets.

Application Scenarios

• Automated Warehouses: Mobile robots and AGVs require remote safety control for rapid intervention.
• Construction and Mining: Harsh outdoor environments benefit from rugged, long‑range wireless safety devices.
• Smart Factories: PLC and DCS systems integrate wireless E‑Stops to support flexible production lines.
• Logistics and Ports: Operators can manage multiple autonomous machines with reliable, interference‑resistant communication.
• Agricultural Automation: Remote machinery and autonomous tractors need long‑range, SIL‑certified safety controls.