How To Choose a Rugged Android Tablet for Advanced Mining Operations

Mining industries have played a crucial role in recent years as they provide raw materials for manufacturing and infrastructure projects. Many of the minerals and metals extracted from mines are essential components in modern technology, such as batteries for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, technology, construction, and many more. As demand for these products continues to grow, the mining industry has become increasingly important for supporting economic development and industrial growth. Additionally, mining can provide employment opportunities and contribute to local economies in regions where other industries may be less prevalent.

But despite the industries’ essential roles, mining still presents inherent risks to workers due to the harsh and challenging environments in which they operate. Hence the need for reliable and user-friendly mobile technologies that can help the workers from potentially hazardous situations or alert them to impending danger.

The rugged Android tablet is one of the most used solutions for the need for reliable and user-friendly mobile devices in advanced subsurface solutions, for example, drill crews, geologists, and office-based colleagues. Considering the importance of workers being aided by technology rather than hampered by it, ruggedness, reliability, and usability are vital factors. Besides those, there are several keys consideration when choosing rugged computing technology for the mining industry:

• Durability:

  The dust and waterproof technology in rugged Android tablets are crucial to operating in extreme weather conditions and dusty surroundings. They are also designed with reinforced frames, durable screens, and tough exteriors to withstand drops, impacts, and other physical shocks that can occur in mining operations. With their durability and resistance to environmental factors, rugged tablets can withstand the rigors of mining operations and provide reliable performance even in the harshest conditions. This enhances worker safety, reduces downtime, and ensures workers stay connected and productive in challenging environments. One way to standardize this feature is the test to meet industry standards for ruggedness, such as MIL-STD-810G/H and IP ratings.

• Performance:

  A powerful CPU and ample RAM are essential for running multiple applications simultaneously and performing complex calculations, while storage capacity is necessary for storing large amounts of data and applications. Rugged Android tablets typically feature advanced processors, high-speed memory, and ample storage capacities to meet the demands of mining applications. With robust processing power and plenty of storage, workers can analyze data, perform calculations, and make decisions more efficiently, resulting in better productivity and business outcomes. Also, better with high-capacity battery life or the hot-swappable one to reduce the need to be charged and device unavailability.

  

• Connectivity:

  To enable effective communication, improve efficiency, and enhance worker safety, various connectivity features are added to the rugged tablet. WLAN and BT allow wireless communication between devices, enabling workers to share information, access critical data, and communicate with colleagues in real time. GPS can help workers navigate and locate key areas of the mine, improving efficiency and safety. WWAN, or wireless wide area network, enables workers to stay connected to the internet and cloud-based applications, allowing them to access vital information and stay connected to the broader organization.

• Certifications:

  In the mining industry, rugged tablets must adhere to strict safety regulations and standards to ensure they are safe for use in hazardous environments. Therefore, it is best if the rugged tablets used in mining have certifications such as ATEX or C1D2, which ensure that the tablet is designed to operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres with flammable gases or dust. In addition, certifications such as CE and FCC, which indicate compliance with European and US regulations for electromagnetic interference and safety standards, are also necessary. These certifications can give mining companies peace of mind that their rugged tablets meet important safety and regulatory standards, reducing the risk of accidents, injury, or legal liabilities.

Rugged tablets offer several benefits to the mining industry, such as improved worker safety, increased productivity, and reduced downtime. Workers can use rugged tablets to access real-time critical information, communicate with colleagues, and control mining equipment remotely. They can also collect and analyze data, such as geological information or equipment performance, on-site, which helps mining companies optimize their operations and make more informed decisions.

In summary, rugged tablets are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the mining industry, providing more outstanding durability, reliability, and functionality than standard tablets, ultimately leading to improved safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. Winmate Inc., a manufacturer and leading innovator in rugged tablet, have long created various rugged tablets with Intel and ARM processors that are specifically designed to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, shocks, and exposure to dust, water, and other environmental factors, which are common in mining sites and would quickly damage or destroy standard consumer-grade tablets.

Need help determining what rugged tablet suits your business? Or do you want to request a demo sample? Talk to our team and get your questions answered.