The FieldPrinter system runs entirely on its own local, short-range links. It does not need the facility's network or the internet to lay out a floor.
The only link that can reach outside the work area is the robot's built-in LTE modem. Dusty disables it before delivery by removing the SIM card.
Key facts
- 5 communication links in total; 3 are required for printing, and all 3 stay within the work area.
- No link connects to the facility's own network.
- No data reaches the internet while the SIM card is removed.
- Layout files reach the iPad by USB drive for SCIF work; the Dusty Portal (cloud) is not used.
System architecture
The laser tracker feeds position to the radio box by Ethernet; the radio box relays it to the robot over a two-way 902–928 MHz radio link, which also carries messages from the robot back to the tracker; the operator's iPad controls the robot over the robot's own private Wi-Fi.
Layout files reach the iPad by USB drive. An optional Bluetooth beacon on the robot helps the iPad find it, but is not used in a SCIF.
Communication links reference
Only the LTE link leaves the space, and it is disabled for SCIF work. The three links needed for printing stay within the work area.
| Link | Technology | What it carries | Leaves the space? | Needed for printing? | SCIF configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser tracker ↔ radio box | Ethernet cable (wired) | Robot position measurements; robot messages to the tracker | No | Yes | No change needed |
| Radio box ↔ robot | 902–928 MHz LoRa radio, Dusty-designed | Two-way: robot position to the robot (about 25 updates per second) and robot messages back to the tracker | No. Short-range, point-to-point | Yes | Stays on (required for printing) |
| iPad ↔ robot | Wi-Fi hosted by the robot (private network; no facility network) | Operator commands, layout files, print status | No. Local only | Yes | Stays on (required for printing) |
| iPad finds the robot | Bluetooth Low Energy beacon from the robot | Robot name and connection details (discovery only) | No | No (optional) | Not needed; connect by entering the robot address manually |
| Robot → Dusty cloud | Built-in LTE cellular modem | Usage logs and layout file downloads | Yes | No | Disabled: SIM card removed before delivery |
Operating in a SCIF
For SCIF work, Dusty ships an offline-configured system and layout files are loaded from a USB drive. No connection to Dusty, the internet or the facility network is made at any point.
- Before delivery. Dusty removes the robot's SIM card, which disables the LTE modem. Dusty provides the serial numbers of the robot, iPad, radio box and laser tracker for the customer's approved equipment list.
- File transfer. The project team exports layout files, which are loaded onto the iPad from a USB drive. The Dusty Portal (cloud) is not used.
- On site. The iPad connects to the robot's local Wi-Fi network. The radio box sends position data to the robot over the 902–928 MHz link. Effective range is the work area only.
- iPad settings. Cellular data is off (or a Wi-Fi-only iPad is used), and iPad Bluetooth is off. The operator connects to the robot by entering its address.
- After the project. Usage data stays on the robot until it returns to Dusty. Robot data is wiped on return.
SCIF readiness checklist
Use this list to confirm a system is configured for offline SCIF work.
- Robot SIM card removed by Dusty (LTE modem disabled)
- Serial numbers for robot, iPad, radio box and laser tracker sent to the customer for the approved equipment list
- Layout files exported by the project team and loaded onto a USB drive
- Layout files loaded onto the iPad from the USB drive (Dusty Portal not used)
- iPad cellular data off, or a Wi-Fi-only iPad in use
- iPad Bluetooth off; operator has the robot address for manual connection
- iPad joined to the robot's private Wi-Fi network only (no facility network)
- Laser tracker cabled to the radio box by Ethernet
- After the project: robot returned to Dusty and data wiped