Follow Us
Copyright MHI © 2026 | All Rights Reserved
Cattron’s Remtron PatriotPro comes with a distinctive yellow control unit, and a commemorative red, white and blue version will be available from March through the 4th of July, 2024.WARREN, Ohio — Cattron, a global leader in radio remote control, engine and generator control panels and cloud-based monitoring and control solutions formally announced that its next generation of Remtron has arrived with the release of the PatriotPro industrial remote control system. The PatriotPro retains the rugged design and distinctive feel of the time-tested and proven legacy Patriot product, and now boasts a new look and an advanced, future-ready technology platform. The company also announced that a limited edition patriotic, flag-inspired version of the controller will also be offered from March through July 4th of 2024.The operator control unit is available in standard configurations and can be engineered to meet specific application requirements. The transmitter can support up to 18 commands with an engineered system. New systems work with the CBMCU, 10R/17R or 11R receivers. PatriotPro transmitters are also backward compatible with Remtron’s existing Patriot and CommandPro systems, providing a path for upgrading existing systems.Premium features of the PatriotPro radio remote control system include: Distinctive click-click indication between steps Illuminated PL-d stop switch Wireless closed box Bluetooth configuration for the deployment of spares Logging of essential data and diagnostics Signals are secured with black channel communication protocol Private label options for OEMs and select distributors CattronLink wireless programming tool for system updates Up to a 600-foot operating range“PatriotPro combines our premium radio remote control features into a single, flexible solution that supports operators with advanced technology and security features,” said Brian Fette, vice president of Product Management for Cattron. “With all it has to offer, PatriotPro will quickly become the hero of our Remtron portfolio of industrial remote control solutions.”The PatriotPro Industrial Remote Control System is positioned to cater to the specific needs of industries reliant on precise and efficient remote-control systems applications such as those in industrial automation, material handling and mobile equipment. With its rugged design and advanced technology platform, the PatriotPro is a remote control system built for tomorrow’s demanding industrial environment.One of the standout benefits of the PatriotPro is its flexibility and versatility. The operator control unit can be customized to meet specific application requirements, making it adaptable to a wide range of tasks. Whatever it’s controlling, the PatriotPro’s tailored, user-defined configurations ensure seamless integration into diverse industrial settings. Control units can even be private labeled with a customer’s branding and trade dress.Safety and security are paramount in industrial settings, and the PatriotPro addresses these concerns with its innovative features. The distinctive click-click indication between steps ensures that operators have clear feedback, enhancing their ability to make accurate decisions. The illuminated PL-d stop switch adds an extra layer of safety, making it easy to halt operations in emergency situations. Additionally, the use of black channel communication protocol ensures signal security and integrity during remote control operations.Moreover, the PatriotPro boasts an impressive 600-foot operating range, providing operators with the freedom to control machinery from a considerable distance. This extended range not only increases operational efficiency but also enhances safety by allowing operators to maintain a safe distance from potentially hazardous equipment.Contact a Cattron representative to learn more here: www.cattron.com/contact/. Cattron’s newest generation Remtron PatriotPro is available now and can be ordered through local Cattron partners located here: www.cattron.com/find-a-partner/.To access high-resolution images of the new PatriotPro Industrial Remote Control System, including the commemorative patriotic version, please visit: www.prweb.com/releases/cattron-introduces-remtron-patriotpro-industrial-remote-control-system-for-material-handling-overhead-crane-and-other-industrial-applications.html.To access a video about the PatriotPro Industrial Remote Control System, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch.About CattronCattron is a leading manufacturer of wireless control solutions for safety and mission-critical applications. Since 1946, Cattron has designed, manufactured, and supplied controls that are well-recognized and respected in both the rail and industrial markets. Cattron’s product portfolio includes complementary machine and operator controls. The company is based in Warren, Ohio. To learn more, visit www.cattron.com.ContactChip MillerDirector of Industrial Saleschip.miller@cattron.com
Cattron’s new purpose-built radio remote control solution pairs Tyro Musca 2S transmitters with an AC-powered receiver to deliver plug-and-play two-motion, two-speed operation for small overhead crane and lifting applications.Warren, Ohio — Cattron, a global leader in radio remote control, engine and generator control panels, and cloud-based monitoring and control solutions, has introduced the Tyro 2x2, a specialized radio remote control package engineered for hoist and jib applications. The 2x2 expands the Tyro product portfolio with a purpose-built, ready-to-deploy solution targeting radio remote control for small overhead cranes and hoists, jib cranes, general lifting equipment and monorail systems.The Tyro 2x2 is designed for two-motion, two-speed control. Cattron offers four standard configurations to match specific operational requirements: the 2x2 for full two-motion, two-speed control, the 2x1 for two-motion, one-speed control, the 1x2 for one-motion, two-speed control and the 1x1 for one-motion, one-speed control. Each configuration ships as a complete package, including two Musca 2S handheld transmitters and a compact, low-profile receiver.Cattron has decades of experience providing radio remote control and safety systems for material handling and lifting applications, including overhead cranes, hoists and industrial automation environments. The Tyro 2x2 is a natural extension of that expertise into a streamlined package for smaller lifting operations.“The Tyro 2x2 represents exactly the kind of compact, rugged solution for smaller lifting applications, like jib cranes and monorail systems, our customers have been asking for,” said Cattron VP of Engineering and Product Management Brian Fette. “OEMs and distributors in the crane and lifting market now have a complete, standardized package backed by Cattron’s global engineering expertise in radio remote control.”A key differentiator for the Tyro 2x2 is its receiver architecture. Cattron offers DC-powered versions of its proven Tyro products, which have been trusted in demanding applications globally for more than two decades. The 2x2 builds on that same architecture but introduces an AC-driven receiver with potential-free dry contact relays. This distinction is critical for crane and hoist applications, where AC power systems and dry contact connections are standard requirements. The design eliminates the need for additional interface hardware, simplifying installation for OEMs and end users.The included Musca 2S transmitters feature compact, ergonomic housings made of impact-resistant nylon rated to IP67 for protection against dust, moisture and debris. The housings also provide chemical and oil resistance along with superior mechanical strength, making them well suited for harsh indoor and outdoor environments. Operators benefit from tactile button-feel with backlit membrane buttons, display LEDs and audible feedback with each button press, enhancing usability in low-light conditions and noisy work areas.With a straightforward system setup, the Tyro 2x2 can be up and running in as little as 15 minutes. The Tyro 2x2 uses wireless device pairing for plug-and-play deployment, reducing commissioning time and allowing operators to quickly pair transmitters with the receiver. Adaptive Frequency Protocols provide secure and reliable RF performance in environments where signal interference is a concern.“The industry needs reliable two-speed control in a package that is easy to deploy and built to perform in rugged environments,” said Rebecca Weber, product manager for Cattron’s industrial solutions. “With four standard configurations and a 15-minute setup, the Tyro 2x2 makes professional-grade hoist control accessible to operations that previously had to compromise on capability or complexity.”The Tyro 2x2 joins a growing portfolio of Tyro 2S products that Cattron has been expanding across North American markets. The Tyro 2S line, proven in European applications for more than 20 years, includes handheld transmitters ranging from the simple Musca 2S to the feature-rich Cetus 2S with up to 14 switches, as well as bellybox options like the Fornax 2S for forestry and small industrial operations. Receivers across the Tyro portfolio are offered in IP68-rated enclosures and utilize frequency hopping for dependable wireless communication. The Tyro 2x2 also has a UL 94 flammability rating.Contact a Cattron representative to learn more here: cattron.com/contact/.About CattronCattron is a global leader in radio remote control, engine and generator control panels, and cloud-based monitoring solutions. Our trusted brands, including Remtron, DynaGen, CANplus and Tyro, along with our global expertise, allow us to provide a diverse and comprehensive range of control solutions worldwide. When you choose Cattron, you’ll experience unprecedented efficiency, productivity, and safety benefits. Whether you’re in agriculture, material handling, mining, mobile equipment, or industrial automation, we have advanced control solutions that meet the needs of modern businesses. Cattron has manufacturing locations in Warren, Ohio, and Liberec, Czech Republic, a team of over 300 employees, 11 global offices, and decades of expertise, making Cattron a dependable choice for businesses looking to optimize their operations. To learn more, visit cattron.com
A Brazilian overhead crane manufacturer is using a remote control system from Tele Radio to operate two electric overhead travelling (EOT) cranes simultaneously.Strong Machines, which is located in Caxias do Sul, has a pair of 5-ton capacity cranes that are frequently operated in tandem to lift runways and other long components. It needed wireless control that would give operators complete freedom of movement, without compromising precision — and Tele Radio’s Tiger product was the perfect solution.Tandem crane operations present risks, explained Markus Grallert, director at Strong Machines. Further, cranes operating in parallel must move in perfect unison. When handling long or heavy loads, even small misalignments can cause dangerous tension imbalances or equipment damage.Grallert added: “Our partnership with Tele Radio allows us to monitor our tandem operations at all times.”Laercio Neves, executive director at Tele Radio, said: “When handling long pieces, operating two cranes in tandem helps keep the load balanced. Using the Tiger remote control system increases safety because it continuously monitors the limit-switch sensors and ensures that both cranes stop simultaneously whenever a sensor is activated. This coordination reduces the risk of uneven lifting or sudden load shifts.”The two-speed Tiger T11-5 transmitter allows operators to adjust movement speed by varying the pressure applied to control buttons — essential for smooth, accurate load handling. The cranes move forward, backward, or sideways. The emergency stop, which is PLd/SIL3-certified, instantly halts operations when triggered. In tandem mode, a single transmitter controls both cranes simultaneously. Operators switch between individual and synchronised control depending on the task at hand.Tele Radio’s Neves summarised six clear advantages of the new control system: Flexibility: one operator controls both cranes from any optimal vantage point. Two-speed control: precise adjustment of crane movement speeds. Certification: PLd/SIL3-certified emergency stop ensures immediate shutdown. Synchronisation: continuous communication between cranes ensures perfect alignment. Installation: minimal modifications required to existing equipment. Support: Tele Radio Brazil provides full on-site operator training and assistance.Installation was completed quickly and with minimal disruption, which was essential for maintaining production schedules. Tele Radio provided on-site training and ongoing technical support, ensuring the end user could operate the system effectively from day one.Local availability of spare parts, in-house training of personnel, and agility in supply and service, were major benefits of sourcing the remote control solution from Tele Radio. The company’s Brazil operation has local inventory and a technical team that is able to support customers with products and service. Quick access to replacement parts and technical training is available as required.Strong Machines’ Grallert added: “Tele Radio proved more than a supplier — they became a strategic partner that understands our challenges, supports us with training, and delivers a solution that perfectly matches our product.”Tele Radio's Tiger remote control system is used to simultaneously control two electric overhead travelling (EOT) cranes at Strong Machines in Brazil.One operator can control both cranes from any optimal vantage point.Using the Tiger remote control system increases safety.Contact Shietel BhagganMarketing, TELE RADIOshietel@teleradio.nl+31 70 419 41 36tele-radio.comMaurice van der SpekMarketing, TELE RADIO BVm.vanderspek@tele-radio.com+31 70 419 41 27tele-radio.com
Read the Full Case Study[St Louis, MO] – When a utility company faced transporting 120,000-lb motor housings within its facility, traditional transport solutions fell short so they partnered with Align Production Systems for a solution. The solution was a low-profile pallet transporter—a custom-engineered solution designed to move high-capacity loads and fit within tight spaces.The company's motor housing extended below the height of standard transporters, requiring a custom equipment solution. The low clearance of the garage doors within the facility limited the available options. To address these challenges, the company needed a flexible solution that would not compromise safety or ease of use.In collaboration with the customer and our expert engineers, Align introduced a custom low-profile pallet transporter designed to meet their needs. Key features include:• High Capacity: Handles loads up to 120,000 lbs• Low Height: Just 12 ¾ inches off the ground, allowing smooth movement through tight spaces• Ease of Use: Equipped with user-friendly remote-control steering for easy navigation“This transporter’s flexibility is its greatest strength. It handles anything you throw at it while navigating spaces that cranes or other solutions simply can’t,” said Blake Ringger, Design Engineer.The low-profile pallet transporter has become an essential part of the company’s operations and allowed operators to quickly master the remote-control system from day one. Beyond the initial motor housing project, the transporter’s multi-use allowed it to be used for other heavy loads, making it a cost-effective solution.This custom-engineered solution demonstrates how innovative design can solve industry-specific challenges, providing a safe, efficient, and flexible answer to material handling needs. The low-profile pallet transporter not only addressed the utility company’s immediate challenges but also positioned them for long-term operational success.For more information about this groundbreaking solution, please contact: sales@alignprod.com, call us at 800-888-0018 or visit www.alignproductionsystems.com.ContactHolly HaleMarketing Coordinatorsales@alignprod.com
Means by which a material handling device or piece of equipment is controlled by receiving commands via radio frequencies sent to an onboard receiver. Allows the equipment or device to be controlled remotely and out of harm's way.
With proper, routine preventive maintenance by in-house personnel, automated storage and retrieval systems operate reliably and consistently.
Before, during, and after installation of conveyor and sortation equipment, safety should always be front and center.
Best Practices for the Last 100 Feet of Fulfillment. Consider multiple factors before implementing an upgraded system.
Learn the many ways automated conveyors and sorters improve operations and support increased volumes, throughputs, and customer demands.
The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) has published a blog to supplement its latest video on safety at pick modules. The video can be viewed at mhi.org/progma/videos.Here at ProGMA, we have produced a series of educational videos on protective guarding equipment in the material handling industry. ProGMA members provide fixed protective guarding products to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. A variety of such items are designed for installation at pick modules, which are multi-level structures typically constructed out of pallet rack that allow multiple pallets of product to be stored, broken down, picked, and packaged into specific orders for shipping.Our video is targeted at end users, system integrators, material handling warehouse design consultants / engineers, distributors, and safety professionals in manufacturing and distribution centers in the material handling industry, as well as students studying the sector. Many household and industrial goods we interact with every day were once stored or passed through a pick module. At the distribution centers of companies like CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid Corporation, for example, goods are stored before being repackaged and shipped to individual stores.As the 2:23min-long video says at the outset, pick modules can have several elevated levels of materials that are handled by both automation and personnel. Although everything in the material handling industry is becoming more automated, separation of full stored cases into smaller, individual shipments is still being completed manually. The size of pick modules has been increasing over the years; in the past, you may have seen a floor plus one level system, then a floor plus two levels, and now it is not uncommon to see three or even four elevated levels. This increases potential hazards.As the video continues, it is of paramount importance that proper guarding is used from the ground up to protect structures, the product they hold and, most importantly, the people working within and around them. Rack upright columns can be difficult to replace and costly to repair because often the area has to be closed off, product has to be removed, and multiple sections need to be disassembled. These components are all dependent upon one another, so if one part fails, the entire system can fail.The video highlights three “easy and affordable” solutions: Free-standing pallet rack column protectors Post cushions Bumper guardsHowever, ProGMA members offer a variety of products for ground-level protection including guardrails, bumper guards, column protectors, bollards, rack guards, and product containment enclosures (i.e., wire mesh or netting); and for upper-level protection, such as side and back product containment enclosures (wire mesh or netting) to prevent products from falling below.What does ANSI say?The video continues, and quotes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 6.4.3, which states that “…any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift or leave an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”However, it is important to note that there are many mezzanines that were installed before the ANSI standards were created that used more conventional gates, such as removable, sliding, or swinging systems—and that is the same for pick modules. Systems can be retrofitted to achieve conformity with current standardization. There is no grandfather clause for ANSI (or OSHA) so all systems whether new or old should follow their guidelines. Note that many of the protective guarding products found in the video and on the ProGMA site are easily retrofittable to these older systems.As the video stresses, only dual-gate systems should be used. The same gates used on a pick module are also the preferred method for securing all elevated pallet drop areas whether they are in pick modules, on mezzanines, or on elevated work platforms such as storage or production / blending areas. The ANSI standards that recommended the use of dual-gate systems were written specifically for elevated work platforms and since a pick module is a type of elevated work platform that should be applied.The video demonstrates how a dual-gate system uses two counterbalanced and interconnected gates that are configured so when the first gate at the ledge is open, the second gate behind the pallet is closed. Fixed guarding on the sides—often the frame of the pallet rack in a pick module—prevents access into the side of the areas. This allows material to be loaded into the area while keeping employees a safe distance from the ledge and the material. When the rear / operator gate is opened, the ledge gate automatically closes, maintaining a barrier at the ledge while the pallet is accessed and picked. This creates what ProGMA calls a controlled-access area so there is always a barrier between the worker and the ledge.For information, ProGMA members that manufacture such solutions include Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., Wildeck, and Heartland Engineered Products. Although companies still provide swing gates for pallet drop areas where a single pallet is loaded and staged, they are not an acceptable solution according to ANSI and could potentially create a situation where they are in violation of OSHA code.A self-closing swing gate, also featured in the video, should only be used when integrated with pallet flow lanes where multiple pallets are loaded into the system. The pallet flow lanes are pitched so the pallet rolls into the storage area. This allows the gate to immediately close once the pallet is loaded. By comparison, when used for a single pallet position without flow rails, the staged pallet would hold the swinging gate open, preventing it from closing.For securing multiple deep pallet flow lanes, a dual-gate system is the preferred safety method because not only does it make sure a barrier is in place all times for fall protection, but it also keeps people out of the pallet flow lanes when pallets are being loaded. The two types of incidents we see in these areas are falls from the ledges and pallets being pushed into the legs of employees who have entered the lane. Only the dual-gate system keeps people out of the lanes when the lane is being loaded. The self-closing swing gate, however, does secure the ledge for fall protection.Hand in gloveOftentimes, a safety aspect can be used to increase productivity. For example, the self-closing swinging gate on pallet flow lanes will allow pallets to be quickly loaded into the system. Any time the lift truck operator wants to load a pallet into the area, they just push the pallet through the swinging gates. The dual-gate system has the potential of the gates being in the incorrect position for loading, meaning that the ledge gate is closed when the lift truck is trying to replenish pallets into the area. So they can go to load but a barrier is in place preventing them from doing so.A user can power operate these gates for remote operation but often this isn’t feasible due to the number of areas. Manual operation can actually create a safer and faster environment. The position of the gates in a dual-gate system can be used as a signal between the picker up on the platform and the lift truck operator below. In other words, when the ledge gate is closed that means the picker is picking from the pallets or the area doesn’t need to be replenished.When the picker has finished in that bay or when they notice the pallets need to be replenished in that bay, they just manually close the gate near them, which opens up the ledge gate. Now the lift truck operator can look up and see which areas are safe and ready to be replenished. This is an example of a safety system helping communications among the different workers.In conclusion, it’s evident that, despite automation, people remain at the center of activity in and around pick modules. ProGMA and its members are a one-stop-shop for leading safety solutions, whether it be for preventing hazards associated with falling boxes, product, or workers; or structural protection of the system itself from impact. As the video serves to reiterate, even in automated systems there are still people moving around the facility, either on ground level or on the elevated levels. Even if people are not used for the picking of material, there are areas where empty pallets or totes are removed that need to be guarded.The product-centric video doesn’t feature specific brands, but free-standing pallet rack column protectors, post cushions, and bumper guards are available from ProGMA members including Adrian’s Safety Solutions, A-Safe USA, Bluff Manufacturing, Boplan, DamoTech, Folding Guard, Husky Rack & Wire, Heartland Engineered Products, Jesco, McCue, Slowstop Guarding, SpaceGuard Products, Steel King, Troax, VisiPlas, Wildeck, and WireCrafters.Costs range from inexpensive, light-duty products to more expensive, heavy-duty solutions. Importantly, talking with the manufacturer about the application will help source the right product/s for the facility. No two pick modules or applications are completely alike and that’s what the member companies of the ProGMA are here to help with.The ProGMA website—mhi.org/progma—features details of 22 member companies and hundreds of solutions to help companies with older systems find protective guarding solutions to update / upgrade their pick module system.See the latest video and others in the series at mhi.org/progma/videosShould you be using a ProGMA member to enhance the safety and productivity of your pick modules?About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at mhi.org/progma.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.Contact for editorial enquiries: Ashley Skidmore, askidmore@mhi.org or 704-676-1190