Pepperl+Fuchs and Rockwell Automation Launch ThinManager-Ready Tablets for Hazardous Zones
The core value proposition of these ThinManager-ready products lies in their ability to streamline device management while maintaining strict safety standards in hazardous areas (up to Class I, Div. 2 / Zone 2). By utilizing a thin-client architecture, these tablets boot firmware directly from the server, ensuring that sensitive data never resides on the device itself. This "zero-client" approach not only simplifies the digital transformation of frontline operations but also significantly reduces the total cost of ownership by centralizing software updates and security patches through the ThinManager platform.
For non-hazardous industrial applications, the Tab-IND series offers 8-inch and 10-inch form factors featuring high-brightness displays of up to 800 cd/m2, specifically engineered for outdoor visibility and use with gloves or styluses. These units incorporate SmartBack technology, allowing for seamless integration of specialized USB accessories and scanner frames, which are essential for inventory management and asset tracking. Meanwhile, the Pad-Ex tablet serves as a powerhouse for hazardous zones, equipped with an Intel Core i5-1235U processor and robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E and 4G LTE. With a battery life extending up to 8.5 hours and a comprehensive array of I/O ports such as Thunderbolt 4, the Pad-Ex functions as both a mobile field device and a high-performance desktop PC when docked.
This rollout highlights a major shift in B2B industrial hardware, where ruggedness must now be matched by sophisticated content delivery capabilities. As OT managers seek to bridge the gap between static workstations and mobile technicians, the deployment of industrial-grade tablets with built-in predictive analytics software compatibility becomes a critical competitive advantage. By removing the vulnerabilities associated with standalone OS environments, Pepperl+Fuchs and Rockwell Automation are providing a scalable, secure, and highly flexible infrastructure that empowers workers to access real-time data exactly where they need it most—on the factory floor or in the field.
Written by: Marcus Sterling, a senior industrial systems consultant with over 18 years of experience in explosion protection and hazardous area automation. Sterling has spent nearly two decades helping Fortune 500 manufacturers implement secure mobile workflows and ruggedized IT infrastructure in complex process environments.