FORT's 26.1 release focuses on giving users more granular control over their safety hardware, refining device behaviors to ensure the highest standards of functional safety, and introducing new options for API integration. Here's what you can expect from this update.
New Features & Safety Highlights
This release delivers several key features and safety-driven enhancements across the Pro Series ecosystem.
New Pro Series Capabilities
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Configurable OSSD: Users can now toggle OSSD pulses on or off per NSC Pro device via FORT Manager. This allows for better compatibility with diverse third-party safety components.
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New Long-Range Bluetooth Option: For 1:1 configurations between Endpoint Controllers (model 1003 only), users can now utilize Long Range BLE communications. This provides 3x to 8x the range of standard BLE. It’s also globally compatible and designed to resist interference in crowded environments. Learn more about our Long Range BLE protocol here.
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Ruggedized Hardware: In response to customer feedback, we’re adding mini-USB caps to all new Safe Remote Control units (models 1001 and 1002) for increased protection against dust and moisture.
Enhanced Safety Fixes
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Refined Device Removal: When a receiver device is removed from a configuration, FORT Manager now prompts users to power off the device, apply a blank configuration, or reassign it to prevent any additional communication.
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Wireless E-Stop Pro Docking Protection: Powered-on or charging Wireless E-Stop Pro units no longer auto-pair. They now require a manual E-Stop press and release to connect, which prevents unintentional equipment activation.
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Unsupervised Mode Clarity: If an E-Stop is pressed on an Safe Remote Control Pro while it is not connected in supervised mode, a clear message is now displayed to ensure the operator understands the device's status.
Introducing New Software Plans: Core & Connect
To better support your fleet management needs, we are officially launching two new software plans as part of this release. These plans provide the tools necessary to maintain and scale your FORT ecosystem.
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Core Plan: Provides the essential foundation for your fleet, ensuring access to the latest firmware updates and standard management tools to keep your operations current and secure.
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Connect Plan: Designed for advanced integration, this plan offers programmatic access via FORT APIs. This allows your team to automate configurations and manage large-scale deployments directly through your own enterprise software. The Connect plan also includes premium support, including 24/7 phone support and priority escalation.
Learn more about the Core and Connect plans here, or get in touch to request a demo.
What’s Next
At FORT, we believe that safety and innovation should be predictable. Moving forward, FORT customers can expect a regular release cadence to be our primary vehicle for delivering new features, security patches, and performance optimizations. This steady rhythm ensures your fleet remains at the forefront of safety technology while allowing your team to plan for updates with confidence.
Release Note: A firmware update is required for the Endpoint Controller, Nano Safety Controller Pro, and Wireless E-Stop Pro to access these features. Please consult the FORT Support Portal for specific upgrade instructions and documentation.
