News

Pepperl+Fuchs, in collaboration with Rockwell Automation, has introduced a new suite of industrial-grade mobile computing devices featuring native ThinManager compatibility. This strategic partnership delivers a turnkey solution for device management and centralized content delivery, specifically engineered to streamline workflows for plant operators, field technicians, and frontline workers across diverse manufacturing and processing environments. By integrating these tablets into the existing thin-client infrastructure, enterprises can ensure secure, scalable visualization and monitoring regardless of the specific hazardous rating requirements of the facility.

The new product line comprises the Tab-IND and Pad-Ex series, each tailored to address unique environmental challenges found on the modern plant floor. The Tab-IND series is designed for non-hazardous areas, offering a flexible, Windows-based platform available in 8-inch and 10-inch form factors. These units emphasize high-visibility performance, featuring display brightness levels of 700 to 800 cd/m² to support outdoor readability. To facilitate rapid authentication and ease of use, the tablets include biometric fingerprint sensors and physical shortcut keys, complemented by SmartBack technology for modular expansion of accessories like batteries or ergonomic mounts. With support for high-speed connectivity standards including Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, and LTE, the Tab-IND series is built to maintain seamless integration withRockwell Automationand other digital management ecosystems.

For environments requiring more stringent protection, the Pad-Ex series is engineered to meet safety standards for hazardous locations, including Class I, Div. 2 / Zone 2 classifications. These devices provide a robust 11-inch interface designed for durability in the field or desktop PC deployments. Driven by Intel Core i5-1235U processors and 16 GB of RAM, the Pad-Ex series ensures that complex HMI visualization and data analytics tasks remain responsive throughout long shifts, boasting an operational battery life of up to 8.5 hours. The use of a rugged Pogo connector for docking simplifies charging and hardware integration, while extensive I/O options like Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 ensure that these tablets can adapt to evolving industrial IoT requirements.

The shift toward mobile, ThinManager-ready platforms is a significant step in reducing the operational overhead associated with managing distributed industrial hardware. By decoupling the hardware from the application layer, these tablets allow for more efficient deployment of security patches, software updates, and user configurations. This centralized architecture not only simplifies the maintenance ofRockwell Automationrelated assets but also empowers workers to access real-time diagnostic data and machine status reports from virtually anywhere within the facility.

By prioritizing hardware that is specifically ruggedized for the intended environment, Pepperl+Fuchs and Rockwell Automation are helping organizations bridge the gap between static control rooms and a dynamic, mobile-first workforce. These tablets provide a reliable, high-performance interface for managing the influx of machine data, ultimately supporting more agile decision-making and safer operational practices in hazardous and non-hazardous zones alike.

Written by: Julian Vance, an industrial systems integration specialist with over 13 years of field experience in plant floor mobility and HMI network architecture.