Panasonic Business Systems Rugged Laptops for Vehicle Diagnosis and Data Collection

Panasonic has a range of ruggedised laptops designed to enhance data collection and processing, and perform vehicle analysis in the road transport sector.

Diagnostic tools for the automotive industry

Panasonic’s Toughbook devices are designed for mobility and durability, facilitating automotive-related research and development.

The laptop’s long-lasting battery, wireless connectivity and reliability in adverse conditions eliminate the need for multiple devices and paperwork, as well as lower network disruption.

In addition, the Toughbook features state-of-the-art technology in its display that provides high-quality visuals and background illumination during the day and night, making it ideal for offsite applications.

Impact-resistant laptops for business applications

The Toughbook has been incorporated in a wide variety of automotive applications, ranging from vehicle regulation compliance to field force automation.

Panasonic offers three different types of Toughbook devices, including:

• Semi-ruggedised: scratch and water-resistant, can withstand impact and drops of up to 76cm
• Fully ruggedised: resistant to dust, water, high temperatures and vibration
• Business ruggedised: shock-absorbent, withstand pressure of up to 100 kilogram-force.

They contain built-in trusted platform modules (TCG V1.2 compliant), which generate cryptographic keys that enable secure authentication.

Depending on the model, the Toughbook includes features such as LCD displays, in-vehicle mounting options, shock-protected hard drives, touchscreens, versatile docking solutions and an 8h battery life.

All Toughbook laptops are tested by a national, independent third-party test lab, in accordance with IEC 60529 Sections 13.4, 13.6.2, 14.2.5 and 14.3.

Case studies in the automotive industry

UK breakdown services provider, the AA, implemented Panasonic’s Toughbook laptops to provide mobile access with the company’s CoPilot software, in order to reduce operational costs and simplify its support management processes.

Additionally, engineers from Germany’s ADAC identify and analyse electronics-related issues in broken-down vehicles using the knowledge base installed on the Toughbook.

Formula Ford has incorporated the Toughbook to verify technical specifications and perform diagnostics to maintain the quality of its vehicles ahead of races. In addition to its portability, its ruggedness and resistance to dust and adverse weather conditions make it a suitable companion for technicians.

Engineers from vehicle manufacturer Iveco use Panasonic’s Toughbook laptops to provide a mobile knowledge base. The company credits the device as being the only PC that supports its platform, which is robust enough to work onsite and offsite.