Author: DTResearch

On Base and Beyond – Rugged Tablets Facilitate Military Mobility

Rugged tablets opened up an entire new range of possibilities for military implementation thanks in no small part to their increased mobility and ease of use. As a vehicle for the gathering, storage, transport, and relay of critical data, the rugged tablet is invaluable for information sensitive vertical such as the military.

The use of tablet technology has grown rapidly, as the advent of custom application software, innovative hardware accessories, and rugged durability come together to reimagine what portability looks like. The tablet is now ranked as one of the most favored devices for mobile workers in and out of service.

• Take it from sunlight to shadow. The rugged tablet features a sunlight readable screen that is glare resistant and allows for ready viewing in full sun or twilight conditions. The screen can be operated by touch with a fingertip or stylus, or operated with a detachable keyboard.
• Take it from desk to vehicle to the ground. The rugged tablet is portable, allowing it to work easily on the desk with a big monitor and keyboard and mouse, or to grab on the run to hop on a truck or visit a loading dock. Its rough, tough, and durable.
• Take it in and out of range. The tablet works perfectly on wifi on base, and can operate in a closed system with other tablets in the field. Data can be shared in real time and communications improve dramatically.
• Take it for granted. Rugged tablets are becoming an expected and needed device that provides support in the office and on the field, and the dependability of those built to military standards is impressive.
• Take it to the next level. A rugged tablet can be so much more than a simple computing device it can serve to fill the functions of multiple devices, including cameras, GPS, bar code scanners, smart card readers, and more.
• Take it from base to base. With layers of security and authentication, the rugged tablet can be transferred from hand to hand and location to location with minimal fuss and lots of flexibility

Rugged tablets are arguably the best device available to the military for on and offsite use. They provide a truly mobile experience, and allow for data to be seamlessly available across the board to key personnel, leading to more effectiveness and productivity, and less human error.

Eight Key Features of Military Rugged Tablets

Consumer grade tablets have turned the newest generation into the most connected generation, bridging the divide between smartphones and laptops by providing portability with extreme functionality. However, tablets for military use have more demanding standards, affecting a myriad of features and eventually, it makes more sense to build military grade tablets from the ground up instead of trying to ruggedize consumer grade ones.

Rugged Features

A military grade rugged tablet is designed to stand up to extreme environments and harsh conditions and remain effective for mission critical tasks. It can withstand shock impact and vibration; heat and cold; water and dust; and even electromagnetic interference. The tablet and housing are created to function as one.

Computing Features

The latest tablets are designed to run Windows 10, and have the capacity to accept future updates to lengthen the useful lifespan of the tablet. Software designed for specific tasks can be implemented, and capabilities added to make it even more useful.

Security Features

The tablet is ideal for use within closed systems, and can be configured to verify and authenticate users with varying levels of access by using RFID modules or smart card readers that can grant access to needed information. Cryptography and multi-point authentication lets the network remain secure, with only authorized devices and users permitted to access sensitive or secure data from preapproved points of access.

Viewing Features

Screens that are larger than many other options, have touch capability, are outfitted with glare protection and backlights, and which can be manipulated either with a finger, a stylus, or a keyboard make the rugged tablet usable in either bright or dim conditions. Full color allows for better utilization of various features as well.

Accessory Features

The versatility of the rugged tablet and implementable features list means one device can easily do the job of four or five. Cameras, bar code readers, GPS systems, GIS software make the tablet the perfect take-along, while other benefits such as touch screens, stylus options, detachable keyboards and docks, and split screen viewing make using the device simple and fast for even those who are new to the tech.

Rugged tablets have quickly become the go-to for use in and out of the field, by staff on base as well as soldiers deployed into harsh environments. They can streamline logistics, provide real time data in cases of emergency, and withstand even the roughest handling if necessary.

As the U.S. Defense industry seeks better ways to collect transfer, and communicate data in the field, rugged tablets have been developed to meet exacting standards. The most important of these are encompassed in the IP65, MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461F, which must be strictly adhered to.

The six main standards rugged tablets for military use must adhere to include:

Dry Threats

Dust, dirt, sand and debris must be kept out of the inner workings of the device, as well as out of ports and off of sensitive screens. Tablets that meet the IP65 standard have safeguards in place to ensure the device doesnt shut down when in use under rough conditions

Wet Threats

Similarly, rain, sleet, snow, and sweat as well as humidity shouldnt interfere with the tablets operation. IP65 also covers the standards the device should meet under testing conditions that simulate in field use, to provide for the challenges posed by a moist environment.

Impact Threats

The tablet may be dropped, bang into objects, or subjected to vibration depending on when and where it is being used. If the device is MIL-STD-810G certified, it can withstand 26 drops from a height of 4 feet onto plywood over concrete. MIL-STD 810G also covers vibration tests (similar to being transported in a rough riding vehicle over uneven terrain) and altitude testing.

EMI / EMC

Electromagnetic (EMI) interference can often be an issue with electronic devices, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) can help dampen down that tendency. MIL-STD-461F provides standards for protection. Low radiated emissions are another point of interest the ability to dampen or turn off radio signals can be invaluable in the field.

Visibility Issues

Sunlight-readable screens with an anti-reflective surface work with brightness controls to create the perfect contrast for reading in outdoor light or dim indoor settings. Even night use will probably be required, so any tablet for military grade usage has to be compatible with lighting in any setting.

Temperature Extremes

The rugged tablet should also have the ability to withstand extreme temperatures between -4 F to 140 F. A device that freezes up or overheats is as helpful as a brick in the field, so devices have to be built with field conditions in mind.

In conclusion, a rugged tablet intended for military field use must be critically designed to offer the best in rugged computing, with a sturdy enclosure, fully integrated data capture options, ease-of-use accessories, but most importantly operability no matter the environment.