Bob Straka

Bob Straka is an OEM Off-Highway Editorial Advisory Board member and Business Development Manager for Southco’s Transportation Strategic Business Unit.

From the Author
Manufacturing
Boosting Equipment Productivity with Access and Position Control Technology and Hardware
Southco, Inc.
Latches, locks and entry door hardware designed for gloved hands improves the operator experience and assists autonomous functionality.
An EAS platform makes it easy for equipment manufacturers to include automatic unlocking in their machines, giving fleet operators improved security and efficient audit trail management.
Hardware
EAS and Ergonomics: Advances in Rental Construction Equipment Systems
Southco, Inc.
Operator comfort and equipment access are important factors for OEMs to consider when selecting hardware for rental equipment.
Each time a piece of construction equipment is deployed to a new site, rental companies need to be certain the equipment is operated efficiently and safely, and that it is secure from theft or vandalism when not in operation.
Trends
Electrification Offers New Possibilities for Equipment Access
Southco, Inc.
Electronic access control is beneficial for increasing the security of equipment and providing a digital record of who accessed it.
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Electronics
More Autonomy in the Near Future
Southco, Inc.
The introduction of fully autonomous off-highway vehicles is close to becoming a reality.
Bob Straka
Market Analysis
Lightweighting Meets Fuel Efficiency, Emissions Reduction Goals
Southco, Inc.
Using regionally serviced parts also helps OEMs reduce inventory without compromising service or productivity.
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Hardware
New product design and engineering talent crucial
Southco, Inc.
Moving into 2016, industry requirements will continue to impact off-highway equipment design, making investments in new product design and engineering talent crucial for suppliers and OEMs that want to stay ahead of the curve.
Bob Straka, Business Development Manager, Transportation, Southco, Inc.
Hardware
Cab-free design implications
Southco, Inc.
Shift to autonomous vehicles with increased equipment density and predictive maintenance.
Bob Straka, Business Development Manager, Transportation, Southco, Inc.
Proximity Detection & Safety Systems
Next Generation Security: Advanced Electronic Access in Off-Highway Equipment
Southco, Inc.
As theft incidents continue to rise on valuable off-road equipment, OEMs must stay one step ahead of thieves with advanced access systems that go far beyond the standard mechanical lock-and-key locking system.
Off-highway equipment that has been outfitted with electronic locks like the R4-EM Outdoor allows the equipment owner to remotely lock and unlock vehicles via a signal through a connected keypad.
Hardware
Get Smart: Wireless safety, security and traceability
Southco, Inc.
The sheer magnitude of potential for system electrification gives the off-road vehicle industry years of advancement and growth in smart systems and vehicle connectivity.
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Latches
Benefits of quick-release latching for escape doors and hatches
Southco, Inc.
In the event of an emergency egress from the cab, instead of creating a separate exit, outfitting the existing door with a quick-release latch saves cab designers time and money.
Southco D4 DZUS Quarter-Turn Fasteners provide quick access with minimal operating effort.
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