An RFID-enabled Crown SR 4500 three-wheel counterbalanced forklift is demonstrated in a warehouse setting. Symbol's RD5000 reader, a predecessor of the upcoming RFS7000 RF, is at the base of the forklift, just above the boxes.

Symbol Technologies Inc has introduced its first radio frequency (RF) wireless switch for connecting mobile computing devices and readers.

Symbol said in a statement it intends to bridge a gap among competing wireless technologies. The launch occurred during Mobile Business Expo 2006, in Chicago.

As a key component of wireless next-generation mobility architecture, the RFS7000 RF switch targets forklift users in tough environments in manufacturing, warehouses, supply fulfillment, hospitals and educational and government institutions.

The device aims to consolidate current and emerging technologies, such as RF identification (RFID), the Wi-Fi brand, worldwide interoperability for microwave access, voice-over-wireless local-area network (LAN) uses, mesh networking and the 802.11n family of specifications for wireless LAN technology. 802.11n is among mobile communications industry standards from the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Inc, in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Symbol worked with Crown Equipment Corp, of New Bremen, Ohio; Raymond Corp, of Greene, New York; and Cascade Corp, of Portland, Oregon; to test the technology and conduct pilot runs.

Symbol, based in Holtsville, New York, plans to make the RFS7000 initially available during 2007's first quarter.

United Business Media plc subsidiary CMP Technology organised Mobile Business Expo, from October 31 to November 3.

On September 19, Symbol and mobility communications giant Motorola Inc, of Schaumburg, Illinois, said in a statement that the two companies had signed a definitive merger agreement under which Motorola agreed to acquire all Symbol's outstanding shares, valued on that date at USD3.9 billion. The transaction is expected to close in late 2006 or early 2007.