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Mn/DOT and FieldWorks Usher Snowplowing Into the 21st Century

15 February 2000

Mn/DOT and FieldWorks Usher Snowplowing Into the 21st Century

    EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Feb. 14 --
FieldWorks Inc. , a Minnesota-based solution provider and
computer manufacturer for demanding environments, today announced it has
teamed up with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) to research
and develop a "smart" snowplow.
    As part of a federally funded pilot project, a Mn/DOT snowplow has been
outfitted with the FieldWorks Series 2000 Mobile Data Server(TM).  The Mobile
Data Server functions as the brain center in the snowplow, collecting and
managing data from an array of high-tech sensors and devices. The plow is
currently operating in the Southwest metro area.
    "The Mobile Data Server is ideally suited to the rugged environment of a
snowplow," said FieldWorks President and CEO Dave Mell.  "We've built it to
withstand a variety of tough applications, including police cars, utility
vehicles, over-the-road trucks, and even a military Hummer."
    A key application in the concept plow is a GPS (global positioning
system), which enables Mn/DOT's communications hub to determine the exact
location of the snowplow, including its latitude, longitude, heading and
vehicle speed.  This data allows Mn/DOT to chart the progress of the plow to
ensure efficient operation.
    In icy conditions, the Mobile Data Server receives data from an infrared
pavement temperature sensor and an onboard pavement friction meter that senses
the amount of available traction on the roadway.  Integrating the data from
these devices, the Mobile Data Server controls the application of salt per
lane-mile according to surface conditions.
    "This high-tech approach to salt application allows the concept plow to
drop only as much salt as needed, ensuring safe pavement conditions without
the waste and environmental damage caused by over-application," said John
Scharffbillig, Mn/DOT project manager.
    Information from all onboard sensors is sent to Mn/DOT's Roseville
communications hub in real time via a wireless network, allowing Mn/DOT to
identify unsafe areas in the road network.  This data is also archived at the
communications hub for post-storm reviews.
    Installation of the FieldWorks Mobile Data Server in the concept plow was
coordinated through SRF Consulting Group, Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.  The beta
test will run for a minimum of one year, and may conclude with additional
installations of the Mobile Data Server.  The current concept plow is
stationed in Jordan, Minn., and is used primarily on state Highway 169.
    FieldWorks Inc., founded in 1992, designs, manufactures and sells
solutions incorporating rugged computers for transportation, public service,
military/government and heavy equipment industries worldwide.  FieldWorks
provides a complete solution to customers that includes product customization,
integration and support services.  FieldWorks products are designed and
produced in compliance with its formal quality system, which is certified to
the international ISO9001 quality standard.
    Forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, are made under
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995.  Certain important factors could cause results to differ materially from
those anticipated by the statements, including the impact of changing economic
or business conditions, the impact of competition, the availability of
financing, the success of products in the marketplace, other risk factors
inherent in the computer industry and other factors discussed from time to
time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.