ONERugged has officially opened its smart factory in Shenzhen, China. The highly automated facility uses AI-powered technologies and Industry 4.0 principles to streamline production, improve product quality, and meet the global demand for durable tablets and laptops in extreme environments.
The company’s smart factory is built on Industry 4.0 principles – a fully automated and digitalised manufacturing environment incorporating AI-powered inspection systems, real time data analytics and IoT-connected systems. This transformation allows ONERugged to manufacture over 1 million rugged devices annually.
Key technologies in the smart factory include AI systems and automatic optical inspection to automate product assembly; automated assembly and dispensing to streamline production of rugged devices; and functionality testing automation to ensure each device undergoes thorough testing.
These technologies ensure each product is manufactured to the highest standards with automation applied to key production processes including assembly, testing and validation of rugged laptops and tablets.
A key component of the smart factory is the integration of over 400 ONERugged’s self-developed industrial tablets into its operations. These custom-designed devices support Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Electronic Standard Operating Procedures (ESOP), allowing for real-time data monitoring and enhanced workflow optimisation.
The MES system, for example, powered by ONERugged’s industrial tablets collects and monitors real-time production data across all stages, including equipment status, material flow, and worker operations. This enables precise control over inventory, machine performance, and production workflows, providing management with timely, accurate information.
The system not only supports decision-making and production scheduling but also enhances traceability for quality control by recording and analysing data in real time, which improves both product quality and customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, the ESOP system ensures that each worker follows up-to-date, digital instructions for each task. Through ONERugged’s industrial tablets, the system delivers detailed guidelines on operational procedures, quality standards, and process steps, and allows for quick updates when production lines change or manufacturing processes are modified. This ensures that all employees are always equipped with the most current information, minimising human error, and boosting operational speed for smoother, more efficient production.
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