Kontron's New Modular Workstation that Enables Efficient Upgrades to Industrial Automation Equipment

Versatile HMI Workstation Lowers Cost of Ownership and Improves Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness for Legacy HMI Systems

HOUSTON, October 17, 2006 – Continuing to expand its ruggedized computing solutions, Kontron unveiled today, during the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society’s Expo in Houston, a modular HMI workstation that effectively solves the problems inherent with upgrading previously-installed and aging human machine interface equipment. The new HMI workstation from Kontron, designated Stingray and developed for use in industrial automation environments, features a three-piece modular design with removable subsystems to enable easier installation and upgrades. Intended to help customers improve their operational efficiency and effectiveness, the Kontron Stingray is engineered to increase productivity capacity and lower equipment cost of ownership.

This all-in-one solution provides optimum operator interface performance and reliability while its three-piece design provides users with the freedom to purchase just what they need – CPU, power system, display unit or a complete system. In the event that one piece of equipment fails, the Kontron Stingray’s unique design enables these components to be replaced or upgraded independently to improve overall system performance. The Kontron Stingray’s unique quick-change module replacement system ensures easy maintenance for maximum uptime. Its versatile design allows for seamless integration with existing cabinets or consoles and is flexible enough for use in space-constrained locations.

“In the industrial automation environment, there is often a cost for achieving maximum uptime, especially when equipment needs to be upgraded or replaced,” said Dale Szymborski, general manager of Kontron’s Mobile Rugged Computing Division. “Kontron engineered the Stingray modular HMI workstation to extend far beyond the limits of traditional industrial control systems, enabling us to offer our customers a unique alternative for managing today’s automation challenges.”

The Kontron Stingray is a rugged 15-inch display with VGA input or a high performance 15-inch display with an attached 1.8GHz Intel Pentium M processor. Customers now can purchase the display only and connect to existing computers and in the future only upgrade the computer deferring one large lump sum capital investment.

The Kontron Stingray has a rugged stainless steel NEMA 4X front bezel seal is designed to assure industrial environment protection and safety against outside corrosive contaminants, while high temperature operation allows for use in small, fanless enclosures with outside ambient temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The Kontron Stingray also touts Kontron’s exclusive glass-on-glass resistive touch-screen technology that provides dependable easy-to-use operator interface for many types of applications. The touch display surface is resistive to scratches and etches that can occur with use over time while at the same time allows for better transmissivity improving long-term image clarity.

Ideal for use in a broad range of industrial automation environments that include packaging, food and beverage and automotive manufacturing applications, the Kontron Stingray also offers the following benefits:

• Installation requires no tools
• Removable hard disk drive allows for easy upgrade or replacement
• Intel® Pentium® M processor technology offers exceptional low-power performance
• Custom expander plates enable a display to fit into non-standard pre-existing enclosure openings for reuse.

Production quantities of the Kontron Stingray are available now with pricing starting at less than $3000 for quantities of one. OEM quantity pricing available upon request.

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About Kontron:
A global leader in embedded computer technology and mobile rugged solutions, Kontron supplies a diversified customer base of OEMs, system integrators, and application providers in the: automation, test and measurement, communications, medical, gaming and entertainment, military, aerospace, transportation, and energy markets. The company helps its customers considerably reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage with products including: high-performance open computer platforms and systems, single board computers, human-machine interfaces, and mobile rugged computers and displays. Kontron employs more than 2,300 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. The company is listed on the German TecDAX 30 stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". Kontron is a Premier member in the Intel ® Communications Alliance which means earliest access to leading-edge Intel technologies and privileged engineering support. For additional information on Kontron, please visit www.kontron.com.

Editor Contact
Richard Pugnier
Manager, Marketing Communications
Kontron America
858.623.3006
richard.pugnier@us.kontron.com

Product and Technical Contact
Fausto Castillo
Product Marketing Manager, Mobile Rugged
Kontron America
510.661.2220
fausto.castillo@us.kontron.com