The rugged equipment market has consistently shown a favorable development trend. It was mostly due to the constant need for touch devices. It does, however, appeal to a certain target group. It is mostly for those who require or are interested in rugged devices in their line of work. The demand graph has always had a slightly slanted, but steady positive slope.
Rugged devices are designed to endure the worst circumstances. They are constructed to last. They can face to extreme temperatures, shocks, drops, water, and dust with great resistance. They’re utilized in a wide range of businesses and sectors
Semi-rugged, fully-rugged, and ultra-rugged are the three major categories of rugged devices.
Semi-Rugged Devices
Semi-rugged devices are gears that are enhanced in terms of exterior durability. The device’s internal components remain mostly the same. However, several exterior aspects are upgraded for increased protection and durability.
Fully-Rugged Devices
They are designed primarily to endure the most extreme conditions. They have the ability to face stress, drops, and vibrations and also have waterproof and dust-proof virtue. A truly tough tablet could include a thicker casing, a protected screen, and a heavy-duty memory drive.
Ultra-Rugged Devices
These devices are primarily designed for military use. Military-Grade devices can endure even the most extreme conditions. High temperatures, moisture, and dust don’t bother them.
MIL standards (MIL-STD) are a collection of rigorous quality standards created by the US Department of Defense. They are used widely across the world. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards are a collection of commercial quality criteria.
In harsh environments, both the IEC and MIL standards provide information on the levels of reliability to expect from compliant products. It’s done to see and record how they respond to temperature, shock, moisture, sand, and dust.
Shock Tests
A basic method is used to evaluate a device’s shock resistance. It involves repeatedly applying pressure on the device from different directions. Additional tests include tossing a metal ball at it or dropping it from a certain height onto a concrete floor.
Vibrations
The sine method is a reliable way to get from high to low frequency. Over the whole range, the random technique fluctuates frequently in a random manner. The latter test is far more demanding. It simulates the vibrations that the equipment would experience in its real-world surroundings. Purposive sampling is utilized in this investigation. The results are measured in Grms (root mean square acceleration).
Extreme Temperatures
In harsh locations, devices can be used to Extreme Temperatures during normal operation. Temperatures under the most extreme conditions can vary from -30°C to more than +55°C. This involves determining what temperatures the gadget will be exposed to. It ensures that the devices are tested to withstand both extremes.
Ingress Protection
Two numbers represent the product’s adhesion level. O to 6 first one ranges used to indicate solid object resistance. The second one starts with 0 to 9 and is used to indicate liquid resistance.
The IP classification of a gadget decides how and where it will be used. For example, computers used in the transportation industry must have IP65 certification. They should be dust-proof (IP6X) and should withstand both low-pressure water jets and humidity (IPX5).
A device with an IP rating of IP65 or above can tolerate exposure to dust, grime, and water. It can also withstand up to 15 minutes of exposure to low-impact water jets. Gadgets with this IP certification can resist a free fall of one meter too.
A higher IP classification is required for the working environment wherein the inclement weather is the normal term. IP67 rated devices are suited for such rough spots as construction sites. Even when submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, the gadgets can work normally.
1. The Durability Factor
Many sectors rely on rugged devices only for their durability. Rugged mobile devices can assist employees at multiple phases of the production process. They make activities like record keeping, inventory management, client interaction, communication handling, and even transactions more efficient. This is because of their capacity to withstand the severe conditions seen in factories, production lines, and warehouses.
2. Management of Inventories
Rugged gadgets are a must-have for warehouses and logistics companies. They have an extremely minimal chance of breaking or failing since they are IP-rated. This avoids output from being stifled and inventory control from being compromised.
3. Uses in Public Sector
Anyone working in the emergency services, such as the police, ambulance, or fire department, needs rugged mobile devices. Working in the field of public safety demands having access to critical communication services, real-time data, and long-lasting features.
The rugged equipment market is predicted to climb by $5.73 billion over the forecast period, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3%.
North America was the largest market for rugged equipment in 2019. According to the forecast period, several growth opportunities are available for the present market vendors in this area. Rising military spending in countries like the United States will fuel robust equipment market development in this sector during the forecast period.
If the figures are to be believed, North America will account for 41% of the market’s growth. In the NA area, the United States and Canada are the most significant markets for rugged equipment. This market will grow at a higher rate than those in Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
The most important factor is the increment in the number of industrial end-users and it will be forging the rugged equipment market for the coming years. Rugged equipment is getting utilized at a broad level in the industry. They are used in industries like oil and gas, mining, and aviation. As a result, demand for tough equipment will grow in lockstep with the growth of end-user industries.
In the field of rugged equipment sector, increment in the number of data centers is another significant. Data centre is a place wherein a highly connected computer server stores a huge amount of data. The rising popularity of cloud computing and administration has resulted in the growth of data centers. Because of the reliance on social media and technical advancements, the number of data centers is also projected to increase in the future.
The rugged equipment market never appears to slow down, thanks to a certain set of customers. They are primary industries and help to keep the market afloat. With improvements in technology and needs, the vast range of tough gadgets continues to become better. The continual needs and advancements in the industry will bring on a bright and secure future for the rugged equipment market.
Wayne Goodman
Subscribe to our Newsletter
