You've been assigned to find new computers for the company's manufacturing plants as part of a predictive analytics project. Off-the-shelf brands are not an option—these plants run 24/7 in challenging environments, including extreme conditions like deserts.
So, you turn to commercial computers designed to withstand such conditions. But the specifications are confusing. What does "rugged" really mean in this context? Why is a fanless design considered industrial but not rugged (or vice versa)? Is a rugged industrial PC actually superior to a standard industrial one? If so, how? In this article, we'll clarify what sets a rugged computer apart from an industrial one.
The key difference between a rugged computer and an industrial one lies in features versus usage.
A rugged or ruggedized computer is designed with specific characteristics to ensure reliable performance in harsh environments. An industrial computer, however, is primarily used in industries like manufacturing. Many industrial computers incorporate features found in rugged models due to the challenging conditions they often face.
However, rugged computers are not always industrial. For example, military computers and tablets, which we'll discuss later, are rugged but not industrial.
A simple analogy is the comparison between a commercial truck and an armored one. The commercial truck refers to its intended purpose ("commercial"), while the armored truck describes the truck's features.
Rugged computers are specifically designed to withstand harsh environments. These include features like a durable casing to resist flex and endure extreme shocks, as well as electronic components that can handle both higher and lower temperatures than standard off-the-shelf parts.
Key considerations in the construction of rugged computers include:
- Ability to handle shock and vibration
- Resistance to temperature and humidity
- Corrosion and abrasion resistance
- Minimal Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP)
- Acoustic noise reduction
- Tolerance to low pressure/altitude
- Ingress Protection (IP) against dust and liquids
- Protection from electromagnetic interference
Rugged computers are generally categorized into three levels: semi-rugged, fully rugged, and ultra-rugged.
Industrial computers are designed for industrial applications, such as the production of goods and services. Common uses include:
- Remote terminal units (RTUs)
- Supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA)
- Machine automation
- Manufacturing equipment
- Autonomous robotics
These applications require features beyond what typical off-the-shelf computers offer, particularly in terms of reliability, compatibility, expansion options, and long-term availability.
The construction industry presents harsh conditions for computers, with hazards like dust and uneven surfaces that can damage devices. Rugged industrial tablets, equipped with features like fanless designs and industrial-grade components, can withstand such environments with minimal risk of damage.
In the manufacturing industry, especially in electric vehicle production, the vibrations from machinery can loosen connections and cause sudden shutdowns. Hardware such as solid-state drives and fanless cooling systems, which have no moving parts, are more resilient to vibrations and physical shocks.
The oil and gas industry presents unique challenges for computers. In the Upstream phase, automated drilling equipment with smart sensors must reliably detect new crude deposits. In the Downstream phase, rugged mini PCs are required to endure the intense conditions of continuous refining processes that can run 24/7, 365 days a year. Rugged PC features ensure these demanding requirements are met.
Other commercial sectors where industrial PCs are used include:
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
- Aquaculture
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing
- Paper Manufacturing
- Rail Transportation
- Textiles
- Waste Management and Remediation Services
It often seems that every non-personal computer is described as rugged, industrial, or both. However, they are not the same. Rugged computers are defined by their features, while industrial computers are categorized by their intended use in specific industries. The harsh and demanding environments in many industries often mean that most industrial PCs are built with rugged features.
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