Category Archives: Rugged Tech

News, Rugged Tech

The TOUGHBOOK 40 gets Viasat Encrypted Solid State Drive

The ideal device for the Defence Sector and Emergency Services just got even better.

Panasonic announced today the world’s premier rugged notebook for the Defence industry can now be equipped with the Eclypt® Core Encrypted Internal Solid State Drive from global communications company, Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), making the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 40 unrivalled in its capabilities for the military, border control and emergency services. Available in May 2023, the TOUGHBOOK 40 notebook with solid state self-encrypting hard drive is certified for use in the UK for securing Top Secret information and all security levels below, as well as certified for use by NATO and other European countries.

 

“This is the next step in extending our partnership with Viasat to offer the highest-level security drives across the TOUGHBOOK range,” said Jon Tucker, General Manager Engineering, Product & Mobility Solutions, at Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business Division. “With the current geopolitical tensions across Europe and beyond, the demand for this type of highly secure, rugged and modular flexible device is growing every day.”

 

The ultimate 14-inch rugged notebook, is designed for Defence, including operational use on foot and in vehicle, as well as for vehicle diagnostics, maintenance and for training. For Police and border control, the device is ideal for operational service, such as routing, numberplate or suspect identification. Taking rugged computing to another level, the modular design allows mobile workers to modify the device quickly and easily for different challenges by equipping 7 expansion areas.

The powerful new all black model is built for use in the most extreme conditions, with military-grade security and communications capabilities to support mission critical operations. The Windows 11 Secured-core PC is equipped with an Intel® Core™ i5-1145G7 vPro® processor (Intel® Core™ i7 vPro® processor optional), 16GB RAM (up to 64GB optional), and a quick release 512GB NVMe OPAL SSD as standard (up to 2TB optional). It is now also certified for use with quick release NATO approved VIASAT self-encrypting secure drives, as well as MIL connectors and docking stations. To immediately switch off light and electronic transmissions when on operations, it also has a one touch Concealed Mode function.

 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Panasonic and integrate Viasat encryption into the TOUGHBOOK 40 to offer defence users next-generation rugged and highly secure devices,” said Hisham Awad, managing director of Viasat UK. “Designed and manufactured in the UK, Viasat’s Eclypt secure data-at-rest technology combines sophisticated authentication, entire-disk encryption and data storage into a tamper-evident internal or portable hardware. In the event of device theft, loss, or attack, the solid state drive helps ensure the data is protected and secure once powered off. We look forward to continue bringing forward advanced data-at-rest solutions to help defence users protect their most sensitive data.”

For more information about Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 40, visit: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/products/toughbook/toughbook-40

Hardware, News, Rugged Tech, Sustainability

Panasonic joins the circular economy with new sustainability initiative

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Europe updates on latest wide ranging sustainability initiatives.

As a leading European rugged mobile computing manufacturer, the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK team has been focusing on the major challenging aspects of sustainability for the industry. Today it is announcing a number of initiatives as part of its corporate GREEN IMPACT strategy to reduce the impact of production and consumption by extending the life of its products.

Extending device life

TOUGHBOOK Revive is a new not-for-profit sustainability programme giving European customers the opportunity to donate retired TOUGHBOOK devices to be revived or responsibly recycled. TOUGHBOOK devices that can be refurbished at the European Service Centre in Cardiff will be donated to charitable causes or resold on the second-hand market to support organisations working towards their sustainability goals. Any revenues from the scheme will go towards supporting the costs of device refurbishment.

Organisations taking advantage of TOUGHBOOK Revive will be contributing to a circular economy by helping to meet zero waste targets, supporting charitable giving and demonstrating sustainable recycling practices to customers and staff. Organisations participating will receive a certificate of donation.

Sustainability by design

Panasonic is also continuing to invest heavily in the sustainable design of TOUGHBOOK products. The introduction of modular design rugged devices, such as the TOUGHBOOK 40, 55 and G2, extend the life and use of the notebooks and tablets by allowing users to modify the device quickly and easily for different challenges by equipping different expansion areas. To complement this approach, the company has focused on backward compatible accessories which means that essential elements of the TOUGHBOOK ecosystem, such as power adapters, docks and battery packs, do not have to be replaced when devices are upgraded.

In addition, TOUGHBOOK devices ship in plastic-free packaging and all precious metals within the devices are recovered at end of life as part of The Royal Mint programme in the UK. The Royal Mint has signed an agreement with Canadian clean tech start up Excir to introduce a world first technology to the UK, which will enable it to safely retrieve and recycle gold and other precious metals from electronic waste.

Net Zero Goals

All these initiatives are underpinned by Panasonic’s “GREEN IMPACT” sustainability programme at global group level. Here Panasonic has committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions for its own business operations by 2030 and across its entire value chain by 2050. It is delivering on these goals by scaling-up clean energy generation and utilisation of renewable energy, reducing energy consumption through optimised energy efficiency and reducing resource consumption and waste through circular economic practices.

Growing towards sustainability

Away from its own operations, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK is supporting the Bavarian State Forests in Germany with climate resistant tree planting. Under the TOUGH Trees programme, 1,000 seedlings will be planted to help transform the woodlands into climate-resistant forests.

“There are no quick fixes but we are determined to continue putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do,” said Daichi Kato, Head of Mobile Solutions Division at Panasonic Connect Europe. “This starts with our global commitments to net zero and extends through the entire circularity of our products with the commitment to improving the environment we live in. I’m sure that our customers will embrace programmes like TOUGHBOOK Revive to help create a more sustainable future with us.”

 

Hardware, Rugged Tech, Technology

Getac redefines rugged field computing with launch of next generation UX10 tablet and V110 laptop  

  • Next generation UX10 and V110 are part of new G-RuggedPro™ series, setting the high standard in rugged computing technology.
  • Both devices are designed to thrive in challenging field environments, such as those found in the defence, utilities, and public safety sectors.
  • The next generation UX10 is also available in a specially designed UX10-IP, featuring fully sealed buttons that allow for fast cleaning and disinfecting by medical professionals.

 

Getac has today announced the launch of its next generation UX10 tablet and V110 laptop – two powerful, yet portable, fully rugged devices designed to thrive in challenging work environments, like those found in the utilities, public safety and defence sectors.

Both the UX10 and V110 boast 12th Generation Intel Core Processors, expanded memory and increased storage options, as well as extensive I/O and connectivity options (including 5G), making them two of the most advanced rugged devices Getac has ever produced.

 

G-RuggedPro: The high standard in rugged computing technology

The next generation UX10 and V110 are both part of Getac’s new G-RuggedPro series. Every device in the G-RuggedPro series is designed and manufactured to Getac’s exacting standards, so customers know they are receiving an exceptional product every time.

 

UX10: Superior rugged performance, sleek new design

The next generation 10.1-inch UX10 fully rugged tablet has been redesigned for even greater performance and versatility. Key features include a choice between powerful 12th Generation Intel Core Processors and Intel Pentium Gold Processors, to suit different applications, and a LumiBond touchscreen boasting 1,000 nits of brightness. Elsewhere, 8GB of DDR4 RAM (with option of up to 32GB), and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD (with option of up to 1TB) deliver exceptional computing capability. Upgraded connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.3, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, and optional 4G LTE or 5G Sub-6 support, to keep individuals and teams connected in even remote locations.

Its lightweight design makes the UX10 easy to carry and operate for long periods, while IP66 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, drop resistance up to 6ft and an operating range of -29°C to +63°C (-20°F to 145°F) ensures optimal functionality in even adverse weather conditions.

 

UX10-IP: Designed to help easy disinfection for medical professionals

The next generation UX10-IP features fully sealed buttons that allow for quick and easy disinfection by medical professionals. Its fully rugged IP66-certified design also offers protection against dust, water, and disinfectant spray, for excellent reliability in challenging medical environments.

 

V110: Complex field tasks made easy

Featuring a powerful 12th Generation Intel Core Processor and Intel Iris X graphics, alongside an 11.6″ LumiBond touchscreen boasting 1,000 nits of brightness, the next generation V110 fully rugged laptop is designed to make complex field tasks easy. Dual hot- swappable batteries as standard extend operation between charges, while optional 64GB DDR4 + 2TB storage supports intense data activities, such as planning and execution of ground/aviation logistics support in the defence industry. Its versatile form factor also means workers can quickly switch between touchscreen and keyboard based inputs depending on the task at hand.

The next generation V110 boasts an extended range of connectivity options too, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, optional 4G LTE/5G Sub-6 and GPS, while Thunderbolt 4 Type-C enables fast data transfer and connection with other devices. Furthermore, its innovative dual SIM design allows users to easily switch between two different carrier networks without physically swapping SIM cards each time.

Like all Getac products, the V110 has been built rugged from the ground up for maximum reliability in a diverse range of use cases and user scenarios. MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G, and IP65 certifications ensure the device can withstand regular knocks, drops, spills, and vibrations, while optional ANSI/UL 12.12.01 and salt fog resistance are also available on request.

 

Enhanced security features in the field

Both next generation models incorporate a range of enhanced security features, including Microsoft’s latest suite of authentication tools, TPM2.0, smart card reader (optional in UX10), and optional Intel vPro, fingerprint reader, RFID, and Windows Hello Webcam.

They are also both covered by Getac’s industry leading 3-year Bumper-to-Bumper warranty, including accidental damage as standard, for additional peace of mind.

“Getac has been setting the standard in rugged field computing for many years, thanks to our unwavering focus on users and their specific needs,” says James Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation. “The UX10 and V110 are two of our most popular models amongst customers in sectors like defence, utilities and public safety, where reliability and performance are paramount. With the launch of these next generation models, two of the best rugged field solutions available just got even better.”

 

Availability

The new UX10 and V110 will be available in June. For more information, please visit the Getac website.

News, Rugged Tech

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK highlights huge growth in European renewable energy over the next decade

New report analyses data from more than 300 sources to identify key challenges and insights.

Europe will see tremendous change to its renewable energy landscape over the next decade and beyond, according to a new report by specialist consultants White Space Strategy that analysed more than 300 different data sources and was commissioned by Panasonic TOUGHBOOK. The main changes predicted include:

  • Almost 84% of energy generated in Europe will come from either solar, onshore wind, offshore wind or hydropower by 2050, compared to just below 50% in 2021.
  • Solar energy will overtake onshore wind energy as the primary renewable technology relied upon by European states.
  • The expansion of hydropower will be limited to specific mountainous topographies and take the form of smaller and more remote infrastructure.
  • The North Sea will solidify as the most developed region for offshore wind energy generation but will also be increasingly surrounded by wind farms in the Baltic Sea and English Channel.
  • Southern European markets will increasingly invest and seek to grow their renewable infrastructure offering.

The paper, The Future of European Renewable Energy, brings together data in a comprehensive assessment of the trends impacting the market. It considers the driving factors behind renewable energy growth in Europe, the progress of transition to renewable, the landscape of different renewable energy sources and the skills and mobile technology tools required to support the industry.

“As European countries turn more towards renewable energy, the expertise and skills surrounding this infrastructure will need to grow and move across Europe,” said Andrew Downs, Director at White Space Strategy. “Personnel operating in these new environments will need to be equipped with technology that allows to them to operate efficiently and effectively in harsh, disconnected, and remote environments.”

Commenting on the report, Nick Miller – Panasonic TOUGHBOOK’s Regional Sector Manager, Enterprise Sector UK & Ireland, said: “Offshore wind renewable energy is vital to our national energy strategy, accounting for more than half of all UK&I renewables growth, with our unique coastal environments enabling the UK&I to become the second-largest growth market for offshore wind globally. Our rugged TOUGHBOOK devices are ideal for service and maintenance engineers because of their excellent durability and connectivity even in remote locations with extreme weather conditions. We look forward to supporting the further expansion of renewable energy across Europe.”

Download a full copy of the report at: https://info.business.panasonic.eu/TOUGHBOOK_Renewable-Energy.html

Events, News, Rugged Tech, Technology

Toughbook Addresses Evolving Mobile Challenges At BAPCO 2023

Join Panasonic TOUGHBOOK to learn about the latest mobile solutions shaping the future of the sector and streamlining emergency service workloads.

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK team will be helping emergency service leaders address their most pressing mobile challenges and trial the latest rugged mobile computing technologies at BAPCO 2023, at Coventry Building Society Arena on March 7th and 8th. Since its launch in 1993, the British Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, known as BAPCO, has become known as the leading UK based Association for all professionals using or developing Public Safety technology.

The latest Panasonic TOUGHBOOK solutions are helping emergency services across the country to bolster operational efficiency and increase ROI. In emergency response vehicles, TOUGHBOOK devices used as Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) have become the norm, delivering live updates to drastically reduce response times and deliver an increasingly efficient public service. Many UK&I fire, ambulance and police forces use TOUGHBOOK devices in specialist roles within their services, ranging from personal issue devices to essential in-vehicle tools.

From MDT solutions to personal issue tablets and handhelds, the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK stand will host the devices most popular within the industry. This includes the TOUGHBOOK G2, a commonly employed demountable rugged tablet within ambulance, fire and police services, and the TOUGHBOOK 33, a primary device in over 4000 frontline fire appliances, and deployed alongside other TOUGHBOOK solutions to make up over 80% of all UK frontline mobile fire devices.

 “In the public sector, a well-considered mobile computing strategy has the power to radically improve response times and efficiency, effectively supporting emergency services and streamlining their workload,” said Peter Thomas, Strategy Manager for Public Sector at Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business Division Europe. “BAPCO is a highlight in our events calendar, allowing us to work with customers directly to develop their digital strategies, offer technical advice, and answer any burning questions to ensure the right teams are paired with the right solutions. We look forward to spending valuable time with customers and partners and showcasing the latest and greatest rugged mobile computing tech for this sector.”

The Panasonic Toughbook stand will be E28. You can register for BAPCO for free here

News, Rugged Tech, Technology

The Case for Rugged Android

Written by Paul Waddilove, Managing Director, Getac UK

Android is a popular rugged tablet operating system (OS) and its relative share of the market is expected to keep growing. However, when it comes to industry field services where engineers are responsible for installing and maintaining equipment outdoors or away from company premises, Android has even more potential. This is due to the recent shifts in how field service jobs are done, and the recent evolution and diversification in the form factors that offer it.

 

What Field Services Need In A Rugged Tablet

Any viable rugged field service tablet needs MIL-STD-810H (formerly MIL-STD-810G) and IP65 or higher certification. This ensures the device can survive and operate under the stresses it’s likely to encounter in tough environments. It also needs to tolerate drops from 4 feet or higher. If you work in a sector that presents a risk of explosive atmosphere, having intrinsic safety (ANSI/UL certification) features in your device is paramount.

 

As a result, that tablet’s touchscreen may also need to do the following:

  • operate in wet and/or cold conditions with work gloves or a stylus
  • have enough screen space for comfortable use
  • have bright enough screen to read under direct sunlight
  • have sufficient battery life for a full shift

In a smaller tablet (7-8”), you may be able to get a full shift from a single battery. But if you’re dealing with a larger device with a larger screen, and more functionality to go with it, dual batteries with hot-swap capability (i.e., battery changeout without interrupting operation) would be ideal. There’s also configurability for onboard asset ID capabilities (via barcode scanner or RFID) to consider if needed.

 

Why Android for Field Services?

Most of the general strengths of Android as an operating system relative to Windows can be classified into three areas for field services.

 

Android is Intuitive

The Android operating system (OS) is easy to learn and easy to use. Many of us already carry around Android devices in our pockets. As a mobile-first operating system, Android is designed for the simple one-touch completion of many tasks. Many digital natives, who are becoming an ever-larger percentage of the field service workforce, are already accustomed to this OS for all-around productivity.

 

Android is Open & Flexible

There are thousands of certified enterprise-ready applications for the Android OS. Its open nature enables field service providers to easily develop their own apps. What’s more, much newer peripheral and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are mobile-first and Android-compatible. Together, this enables agile and adaptable field service operations.

 

Android is Power Efficient

The Android operating system and the mobile rugged devices intended to run it are both designed for power efficiency. This makes it easier to extend operation to a full shift, or beyond. As we increasingly depend on our devices for more tasks, there is a much-needed demand for safety, especially in hybrid and remote work scenarios. Android can be a viable option for this requirement.

 

Android Can Help Make Field Service Safer

The last few decades have seen major advancements in worker safety. However, accident rates in field services were a mixed bag in the 2010s. The effects of the pandemic on field service accident rates are not yet clear. What we do know is that the pandemic has changed how we work. It has accelerated certain trends that were already happening, many of which are bound to have an impact on safety.

Large-scale workforce retirements happened and are still happening. This has led to organizations hiring new workers, though often not enough to keep pace. Such phenomenon gave rise to heightened accident risks where jobs once done by teams or pairs are increasingly being done by individuals.

Numerous studies have indicated that human error, neglect of safety procedures, and inadequate training can be major contributing factors to industrial accidents. Android—thanks to its low power consumption and developer-friendly nature—can be particularly helpful in addressing these problems.

 

Remote Monitoring

Sensors/detectors and wearables both ranked in the top five based on a survey of technologies used by health and safety professionals. Experts use these devices to monitor workers’ vitals, look for signs of fatigue or inattention, and detect unsafe work practices. Due to its mobile nature, Android can facilitate adoption, while also making available a wide variety of apps to supplement or develop yourself.

 

Virtual/Digital Training

Another example of the pandemic’s impact on workplaces is the increasing shift to onside learning via video-based training and remote guidance.

Today, remote guidance might involve a senior person at headquarters giving spoken instructions to a junior person in the field. Augmented reality-based guidance is waiting in the wings. Edge computing has enabled real-time in-context instruction and real-time prompts/alerts when something is wrong, or if safety procedures are ignored. With all these battery-intensive capabilities, Android’s power efficiency becomes even more attractive.

 

Data & Analytics, News, Rugged Tech

Planning for Robust Data Capture in Harsh and Complex Environments

Written by James Summers, CEO, Conker

It’s a challenge to think of many, if any, companies that don’t capture data in our technology-advanced business world.

Many different industries increasingly rely heavily on the use of devices – with portable devices, including wearables, passing data through organisations to enhance the business’ performance. Some new emerging markets for tech and data-enabled operations, such as hospitality, have been accelerated by the explosion of technological advancement and changes in customer behaviour, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Managing complexities using data

Those working in complex environments, including warehousing, manufacturing, transport and logistics and utilities, rely on real-time information that provides visibility of all elements of the supply chain; of where goods are or how critical services are being delivered. The cost of failure can be substantial, not just in the cost of downtime, but also in terms of customer experience and brand reputation.

If we consider a complex operation, such as a warehouse, these fast-moving fulfilment facilities not only have to utilise space effectively, but warehouse managers also need to manage the efficient and accurate flow of orders and deliveries against an optimised inventory. All this must be done whilst managing costs, as in this sector, time literally is money.

Insights and accuracies are the biggest gain for any size of business that captures  operational data. As business data sets grow, analytics help executives see patterns that enable them to make predictions and strategies for planning and communication. It also supports managers in optimising workflows, enabling them to quickly detect and resolve incidents and provides direction to staff to deliver the priorities of the business.

Connectivity must be considered

Capturing essential business data requires having devices that are reliable and appropriate for the environment and easy for staff to use – helping them to get more done, with high levels of accuracy.

Updating and retrieving information quickly is essential to maximise efficiency and productivity. However, harsh working environments, such as locations that are dusty, dimly lit, open to variable weather conditions or with vehicles in operation, make this difficult.

There are ranges of well-developed products that can be used by workforces in harsh environments, including rugged wearable Android companion devices that allow the wearer to safely do their job and complete computerised processes, whilst keeping both hands free. From operating machinery, to troubleshooting and monitoring machine performance, wearables are designed specifically to perform with constant use and without compromising the user in the efficiency of their movement.

These products can be further supported by automation and real-time connectivity with other departments. This seamless integration can increase production, reduce resource usage, and improve the speed of response to customisation and amendments to orders – ultimately resulting in improved bottom lines.

Service and support is often overlooked

Extreme working conditions are not limited to high and low temperatures, but also include humidity, wet conditions, direct sunlight, snowfall and ice, altitude, atmospheric pressure, low visibility, complex terrain and vibration. For example, in cold or hazardous environments touch screens need to be designed to be operated with gloves, and equally usable in direct sunlight.

Selecting the appropriate device for hard-working environments is important, however  service from the device provider should not be overlooked. There is a common perception that critical downtime occurs because of hardware failure, when in fact the biggest drag to an operation is service delay. Extreme conditions call for a choice of rugged devices that are fit-for-purpose, deliver value for money, and come with service levels that match the demands of the job and environment. Could your business afford to wait 12 weeks for a replacement device, or days for inefficient and slow customer service?

When devices are being subject to continuous tough conditions, repair and replacements should be expected and prepared for, particularly in high-pressure industries. To fulfil data needs, operations must consider the end-to-end process, from the business need, to systems, compatibility, fit-for-purpose devices, user adoption, data analytics and insights, as well as the time to replace and repair.

There is no time for downtime in a mission and time-critical environment. In our experience keeping maintenance and service moving swiftly can be more critical to the data that’s keeping goods moving than businesses think.