Pepperl+Fuchs introduces new industrial-grade ruggedised tablet series

Pepperl+Fuchs, specialist for enterprise mobility solutions for industrial hazardous and non-hazardous areas, is introducing its new Tab-IND series of tablets with 8 and 10-inch displays for industrial use, leveraging its expertise in hazardous areas requirements. The rugged devices are protected against dust and spray water according to IP65.

The Tab-IND series is designed for applications in industrial environments where mobile devices are subjected to harsh conditions and where a long service life and flexible customisation options are required - such as in intralogistics, manufacturing or the automotive industry. The Tab-IND's extensive range of accessories and available interfaces allow the tablet to be customised for specific application needs.

The tablets ship with Windows 11 or Android 15 (10-inch model only), but are also available with a ThinClient. Bright displays with up to 700 cd/m2, stylus and glove support, and an operating temperature range of -20 degC to +50 degC enable use in harsh industrial and outdoor environments. All variants feature a 13-megapixel main camera. The Windows models are additionally equipped with a 13-megapixel front camera, while the Android version features a 5-megapixel front camera.

Connectivity is ensured by the latest mobile and communication standards such as Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 BLE, 5G, or LTE. A front-facing NFC module supports, among other things, access and identity controls for restricted areas. In addition, Push-to-Talk over Cellular enables fast and easy voice communication for groups over cellular networks, while a freely programmable button and a fingerprint sensor ensure flexible use and secure authentication.

With a quad-core processor, up to 16 GB of RAM, and up to 256 GB of internal storage, the tablets are ideally equipped for modern augmented reality and extended reality applications. The removable battery with a capacity of 37.2 Wh provides up to 14 hours of runtime. Weighing just over 500 grams (8-inch) or just over 800 grams (10-inch), the tablets are also slim and lightweight.

SmartBacks expand the range of functions

To expand the Tab-IND series, Pepperl+Fuchs offers various SmartBacks. These are attached to the back of the tablets and expand the range of functions depending on the application. Additional batteries to extend runtime or special mounts can also be added as SmartBacks to the back of the device. Custom extensions based on SmartBack technology are also possible, such as for communication interfaces like Industrial Ethernet or IO-Link.

Among other things, a scanner frame is available for barcode scanning, for tracking shipments, or for picking materials or goods to support efficient intra- and transport logistics processes.

Additional accessory solutions are available, such as vehicle mounts, anti-theft devices, rugged frames for increased durability, charging stations with multiple charging bays, or a mount/single bay. The devices are charged via durable contacts on the underside, which are particularly long-lasting. An IO dock for use with external devices and displays is also available, making the tablet an alternative to a stationary office PC.

Kiosk terminals for industrial environments

As additional variants, Pepperl+Fuchs offers two kiosk terminals in 15-inch and 22-inch display sizes. They are suitable, for example, for access control, as information displays, or for digital workflow interactions. Both sizes are equipped with Android 15, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of internal storage, and a front-facing NFC module. The 22-inch terminal features a 13-megapixel front camera, while an optional 5-megapixel front camera is available for the 15-inch terminal.

The new devices complement the existing ultra-ruggedised portfolio of tablets from the Tab-Ex series and smartphones from the Smart-Ex series for hazardous areas. Development and design incorporated Pepperl+Fuchs' expertise as a global market leader and trusted advisor for the most demanding solutions and applications in hazardous areas, leveraging global supply chains.

Pepperl+Fuchs places special emphasis on European development and design to address the specific challenges faced by industrial companies. This means that companies can not only choose between different display sizes but also expect long-term device availability (at least five years) and software updates.