The Rugged Devices Market In 2021
10 February 2021
The rugged devices industry, like all
sectors, has been impacted by the unpredicted events of 2020.
Despite COVID-19 and its unquestionable
impact on global business operations, the start of the year is the perfect time
to reflect on our industry and consider the progress we have made.
Here, we reflect on technological triumphs
and explore the upcoming trends and developments expected in the 2021 rugged
devices market.
5G connectivity: The global rollout?
While the much-anticipated welcome of 5G
(fifth generation wireless technology) has felt within our grasp for several
years, it is widely reported that 2021 will witness 5G’s coming of age.
The 5G roll out is expected to increase in global momentum throughout 2021 despite the impact of COVID-19, which
unsurprisingly slowed the pace of network launches in 2020.
With tech giants Samsung reportedly starting work on its first 5G-enabled rugged smartphone in November 2020,
the next step for rugged devices will be to start incorporating 5G capability
into their specifications.
Increased speed and reduced latency are
expected to allow even data-consuming applications, like AR, to run smoothly
from any location covered by the network. As we transition into more 5G
wireless networks throughout 2021, we expect the demand for 5G-capable rugged
devices to dramatically surge.
Supply chain operations: Mobility
The supply chain industry has witnessed unprecedented
changes and unique challenges due to the global pandemic. Mobility and safety
remains at the forefront of the industry, with the operational landscape of
supply chains set to continue the path of minimal interactions through social
distancing.
The successful exchange of data and
information is essential for the supply chain to operate, whether
manufacturing, retail, warehousing or courier, and all workforces must continue
to adhere to social distancing measures. Rugged mobile handhelds and tablets enable employees to carry out essential duties
safely throughout the pandemic, staying secure while remaining connected,
critical for successful business operations.
More employees are set to use rugged mobile
devices throughout 2021 as supply chain owners maintain their reliance on them
to stay connected, utilising their capabilities to help overcome current COVID-related
constraints.
Higher specification handsets
A
key trend that we expect to see progressing further over the course of 2021 is
the development and introduction of higher specification interfaces on
handsets. With over three billion smartphone users worldwide, it is no surprise that a high volume of rugged device
applications are Android in style, and this is only set to continue.
The
familiarity offered from an Android-style application interface helps reduce
training time and gives operators a relatable platform to work with.
The
trend for high-quality handsets integrating user-friendly technology promoting
ease of use and time efficiencies on training is one we predict throughout
2021.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Last year, our article, The rugged device market in 2020, discussed the concept of augmented reality (AR).
We predicted that AR functionality could be used in the context of rugged
mobile devices via the device’s camera to scan and manage malfunctioning
equipment.
Spring 2020 saw Samsung report on Librestream technologies successfully delivering augmented reality solutions to its rugged mobile devices. This resulted in portable, rugged AR solutions for field
service and other industrial workers.
With clear technological advancements with
AR already impacting upon our industry, 2021 is set to see augmented reality
firmly make its mark in the rugged devices market in 2021.
Transform operations today
No matter what 2021
and beyond has in store for the rugged device market, why not take advantage of
the improvements rugged mobile devices could bring to your business operations today?
To find out more about
our rugged mobile solutions and how they can benefit your organisation, please
don’t hesitate to get in touch.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - PETER MARSH
Peter joined TouchStar (formally Belgravium) in a sales manager role in 2001. Prior to joining the company, Peter held Partner and National Sales Manager roles within the parcel and logistics industries.
In 2011 Peter was promoted to Sales Director and is now actively involved in promoting the value of TouchStar’s Rugged Mobile Computing solutions to the warehouse, logistics, manufacturing and field service industries. When not involved in the business, Peter is a keen and enthusiastic football and cricket fan.