WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET RUGGED

New Generation of Devices Providing Mobile Computing to Workers, Even in the Most Hazardous of Environments

A new generation of rugged tablets, smartphones and other IT devices have recently begun providing mobile computing to technicians and engineers working in hazardous industries. Mobile computing solutions allow workers to be more productive and efficient, yet up until recently many devices were too fragile to be used effectively in hazardous environments. Your average tablet or smartphone is highly sensitive to heat, dust and falling from a height. Rugged devices are generally shock-resistant, dust-tight and hermetically sealed. Some, but not all of these devices are intrinsically safe, meaning their components and circuits are incapable of generating a spark or adequate heat that would cause an explosion.

Intrinsically safe smartphones are relatively new, BARTEC unveiled the Impact X in August 2014, which was billed as the first Android 4.2.2. intrinsically safe smartphone. The phone is ATEX Zone 1 and 2 rated and IECEx certified which means it has been passed safe for use in potentially dangerous surroundings such as chemical plants or gas storage facilities. Rugged tablets are also making their way onto the market, the Tab-Ex by ecom is the only tablet computer that has been approved for use in very hazardous workplaces. The Tab-Ex family is modelled on the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active tablet which provides it with a high degree of compatibility with a range of software and applications.

The demand for rugged IT equipment is also growing as companies endeavour to preserve the integrity of key infrastructure. Siemens presented its RuggedCom RX1400 at the 2015 Hannover Messe trade show. It is a sophisticated “multi-protocol node designed to support mission-critical networks where high reliability and secure communications are of paramount importance.” The system is found across a wide variety of industries from power transmission to railway management and is extremely robust, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, not to mention an immunity to electromagnetic interference and heavy electrical surges.