VLH Controls Launches Voice Command Device Initiation Products for Manufacturing Industry; First Voice-Controlled Systems Designed for Noisy Factory Floor Environments.

CHICAGO -- FABTECH International Show - VLH Controls, Inc., an emerging provider of voice command device initiation systems for the manufacturing industry, today announced the introduction of wireless voice recognition systems for use in metal fabrication and other factories. VLH Controls products are designed to make factory operators safer and more productive. E[acute accent]VLH Controls' initial patent-pending system, the Active Listening Voice Command (ALVC) System, uses cutting-edge technology to help companies create greater efficiencies without costly changes to existing business processes. The ALVC System uses operator-independent voice recognition technology that has been adapted for use in high noise (75-93dB) factory and shop environments. It connects wirelessly and integrates easily with device controllers for capital equipment requiring manual or semi-automatic operation. The system minimizes repetitive stress injuries, allows for immediate stops in emergency situations and helps to reduce scrap due to inadvertent device activation. E[acute accent]According to Howard Green, president of VLH Controls, voice solutions have had very limited application in manufacturing facilities. "To date, the only voice technology in manufacturing is focused on inspection, warehousing and inventory applications, while semi-automated and manual manufacturing processes have relied on manual controls and foot pedals," said Green. "VLH Controls recognized there is a need for command initiation devices in manufacturing that use technology in a smarter manner than is currently available. Our systems are intuitive and easy to operate; after all, nearly everyone on the factory floor knows how to talk! And our low introductory pricing allows companies to start with just a few systems and upgrade as their needs require." E[acute accent]Until now, most manually-controlled factory equipment has been activated by foot pedals. However, ergonomics research (Triodyne Inc. Safety Brief Vol. 12, No. 4, 1997, by Ralph L. Barnett) in the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany and elsewhere has shown that foot controls create safety issues and can be the cause of repetitive stress injuries. Operator fatigue increases, productivity drops and scrap increases, costing companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost man-hours, workmen's compensation claims and wasted material. E[acute accent]VLH Controls software was designed after extensive research and testing within the factory environment. Initial beta sites in metal fabrication production lines used voice commands to drive assembly processes building ventilation equipment. The ALVC System was connected to multiple welding systems and metal shears in single machine and work-cell configurations. After several months of refinement, the ALVC system is in daily use on multiple product lines. Operators indicate that they are less tired at the end of the day and have less down-time. In addition, using simple voice commands doesn't draw their attention away from operating the manufacturing equipment to push buttons, watch a PC screen or stand off-balance to trigger a foot pedal. E[acute accent]"VLH Controls' leadership on voice command device initiation applies advanced technology to improve workplace safety and productivity," said Joseph J. Lazzara, president and CEO of STI, the leading North American provider of automation safeguarding technology. "Best of all, these new voice systems are designed to work in parallel with all existing guards and control functions, keeping workers safe while reducing process errors." E[acute accent]VLH Controls offerings function as standalone devices, but are also designed to be integrated with industry-standard safety and guarding systems, including light curtains and pressure pads. Voice command systems also can be deployed in parallel with existing manual controls for testing, set-up and production. E[acute accent]A privately-owned corporation based in San Jose, Calif., VLH Controls was founded in March 2005 to provide voice command device initiation systems for manufacturing industries. The company's system is on display at the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show in Chicago, booth 3106, from Nov. 13-16, 2005. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.vlhcontrols.com.