The Advent of AI In Rugged Technology
Over the past few years, AI functionality and usability has grown exponentially. With AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and Microsoft's Copilot evolving into a new iteration seemingly daily, and new AI competitors constantly added to the growing pool, it is clear that AI will soon permeate innumerable markets and industries. The rugged computer and technology industry is pivoting quickly to incorporate and future proof the current and upcoming generations of equipment with AI. Either creating AI optimized equipment or even integrating AI technology to enhance hardware, rugged technology manufacturers like Panasonic and Getac have joined the growing artificial intelligence arms race.
Intel AI Boost
Newer generations of rugged computers have begun incorporating the Intel Core Ultra series of processors. Most notably, the Getac S510 and Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-40 both boast Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 processors. Th Ultra series of Intel Core processors features dedicated AI chipsets. These dedicated chipsets allow data to be collected and stored for the express purpose of being able to be analyzed and utilized by artificial intelligence. With local AI data processing, this enables the FZ-40 and S510 to achieve the increased efficiency and utility of AI without requiring the upstream and downstream delays that are associated with external data processing. With onboard AI processing, these rugged computer users can direct these capabilities towards innumerable jobs such as image and schematic scanning and diagnostic or even mundane administrative tasks and reports. The increase efficiency brought about by AI is only beginning to scratch the surface of being utilized fully. Browse current Panasonic FZ-40 AI enabled computers here or check out the less rugged but still robust Getac S510 models here.
AI and Rugged Hardware
Beyond applying AI to enable rugged computers and tablets to perform advanced tasks, manufacturers have integrated artificial intelligence into the hardware itself. Integrating AI into hardware components maximizes efficiency and optimizes the user experience. A perfect example of AI hardware cooperation is in the tetra-array or dual-array microphones on the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-40 and FZ-55 computers. AI enabled microphones on the FZ-40 and FZ-55 are purpose built to utilize the integrated AI to help increase smarter speech recognition and background noise cancellation. These features enable the TOUGHBOOKS to boast up to three times the accuracy in noisy environments. Oftentimes a TOUGHBOOK will be utilized for an in-vehicle CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) workstation. With better vocal recognition, officers are less likely to encounter errors when communicating, dictating and utilizing hands free commands even if the cabin of the vehicle is experiencing loud noises.
Rugged hardware is constantly evolving and it is no wonder that the industry has already flexed to accommodate the latest innovation. With leading manufacturers like Panasonic and Getac leading the charge, AI has entered the rugged tech world and it is clear it is here to stay.
