Mobile solutions for demanding environments

In outdoor settings as well as in industrial environments, rugged devices are of paramount importance. Conventional tablets and handhelds can quickly incur damage and fail during operation due to challenging environmental conditions such as dust, moisture, and impacts. To ensure reliable performance in these environments, rugged hardware is employed instead. These devices are specifically designed for use in harsh conditions and boast a variety of features and certifications that make them more reliable, and durable compared to conventional hardware.

Features of Rugged Tablets and Handhelds

Rugged tablets and handhelds stand out due to their robust design. They are typically crafted from sturdy materials such as magnesium alloys or polycarbonate and feature resilient protective layers of rubber or silicone to shield them from impacts and drops. Additionally, rugged tablets and handhelds are typically more resistant to cold and heat, allowing them to be used in environments with significant temperature fluctuations.

Certifications

To ensure that devices meet the demands of rugged environments, they must fulfill certain certifications. The most crucial certification is MIL-STD-810G, utilized by the US Army, which establishes requirements for the reliability and durability of devices in harsh environments. Additionally, the devices have an IP certification, protecting them from moisture and dust. The certification encompasses tests such as drops from specific heights, temperature extremes, vibrations, and humidity. An IP certification (Ingress Protection) is equally crucial as it indicates the device's protection class against the ingress of dust and moisture. Rugged tablets may also receive additional certifications such as ATEX (for use in explosive atmospheres) and C1D2 (for use in areas with hazardous gases and vapors).

Functions and accessories

Rugged tablets and handhelds also offer specialized features that make them particularly suitable for outdoor and industrial use. Some devices, for instance, include an integrated barcode scanner or RFID reader, enabling quick and easy data capture and storage. Others feature GPS receivers, allowing for precise device location tracking. Additionally, devices should be compatible with industrial accessories, which enhance functionality and expand deployment possibilities, facilitating data capture and processing in harsh environments.

The user-friendliness of the hardware is also a critical requirement for outdoor use. To ensure that devices remain easy and intuitive to operate in challenging environmental conditions, many rugged tablets and handhelds feature large touchscreens and buttons that can be operated with gloves or in wet conditions. The use of specialized stylus input devices enables precise and rapid input.

Another crucial aspect of rugged tablets and handhelds is battery life. In rugged environments where power outlets are scarce, long battery life is essential. Many devices are equipped with durable batteries and power-saving modes to ensure prolonged operation. Additional accessories such as an office docking station or active vehicle mounts for simultaneous use and charging of the system enable uninterrupted operation.

Deployment of rugged hardware

Rugged tablets and handhelds find application across various industries and use cases. Some examples include:

• In the construction industry, for example, for documenting construction progress and monitoring construction sites.
• In the warehousing and logistics sector, for example, for inventorying and tracking goods.
• In the oil and gas industry, for example, for monitoring facilities and data capture.
• In the security sector, for example, by law enforcement or emergency services for use in harsh environments or during operations.
• In agriculture, for example, for controlling machinery and capturing field data.

With a plethora of specialized features and attributes, rugged tablets and handhelds provide users with additional reliability, durability, and flexibility in any application area. In conclusion, rugged devices are the perfect solution for users in harsh environments.