Advances in mobile technology and next-generation applications continue to empower mobile workers in the field, wherever they are.
Mobile working is now abundant, with computing power in our hands or at our fingertips wherever we are. From working on the go travelling by train to working in a coffee shop or from our home, today, most of us are mobile or remote working in some shape or form.
There is, however, a critical subset of mobile workers for whom remote working conditions are experienced in the extreme. These are our emergency service workers such as paramedics, firefighters and police. It includes field engineers in manufacturing and utilities that collect and analyse data and carry out repairs. Others include aid workers making fast decisions in disaster relief operations or those in defence.
These workers require technology designed to meet the needs of extreme mobile working conditions, with superior durability and toughness, performance and reliability, as well as enhanced connectivity and data protection built in.
Driven by increasing demand across multiple industry sectors, the market for technology that meets the needs of extreme workers continues to grow. In 2024, the global rugged notebooks market size reached US $7.1 billion and by 2032, the IMARC Group expects the market to reach US $10.6 billion, a growth rate of 4.28%.
So, what’s in store for the future of mobile IT? Here are the top trends and technologies promising to deliver greater connectivity, productivity and reliability than ever before. They will push the boundaries of what’s possible for extreme mobile workers in 2025 and beyond.
Cloud adoption marches on
Today, most organisations are using the cloud or moving to the cloud. Cloud computing allows mobile workers to access and update files or information at any time, wherever they are and from any device with internet access. Organisations using the cloud benefit from increased scalability, flexibility, functionality, and productivity, with less maintenance and reduced cost.
According to IDC, worldwide spending on public cloud services is forecast to double between 2024 and 2028, with the market forecast to achieve a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.4%.
Delivering real-time insight at the edge
Edge computing is a subset of cloud computing that allows mobile devices to process data at the ‘edge’ of the network, with or without an internet connection. This means data is processed closer to the user, resulting in quicker decision-making. By processing data at the edge, data transmission costs and business IT expenses are also reduced.
The need for decentralised processing of data in remote areas is growing. According to IDC, Worldwide spending on edge computing is forecast to reach $378 billion in 2028, driven by real-time analytics, automation, and enhanced customer experiences.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enhancing cloud automation, decision-making, productivity, and scalability – all at the edge. Processing IoT data at the edge reduces network latency, enabling faster real-time analytics and insights. This results in better performance and ultimately saves money. Integrating AI with IoT technology enables more sophisticated real-time data analysis, further improving efficiency and decision-making.
Industries such as manufacturing and logistics deploy IoT and AI solutions at the edge to enhance operational efficiency and deliver smarter products and services. Utilities’ engineers use real-time monitoring and management of equipment along with predictive maintenance for more efficient management of critical infrastructure such as water, gas and electricity.
High performance enabling AI chipsets
The adoption of mobile devices that can process data at the edge and increase efficiencies has driven demand for rugged solutions with high processing power and AI-enabled chipsets. They provide field service workers with the required peace of mind that they can collect, store and analyse data at the edge, using AI. In addition, they do not compromise the performance of other applications.
5G will make edge computing more powerful
With advancements in 5G networks, edge computing is set to become even more powerful, enabling new applications that require ultra-low latency and high-speed processing, delivering even faster data processing and communication.
Looking to the future
Next-generation technologies are continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for today’s extreme mobile workers. Working with a full-service mobility partner can help you unlock the power of cloud, edge, AI, IoT, 5G and more to generate ever greater processing capability, efficiency and productivity benefits for your workers and your organisation.
Panasonic provides end-to-end solutions from failsafe rugged notebooks and tablets enabled for AI, IoT and 5G, to highly specialised teams across its partner network that advise businesses on next-generation mobile requirements for mobile workforces.
Panasonic Connect Europe began operations on October 1st, 2021, creating a new Business-to-Business focused and agile organisation. With more than 400 employees and led by CEO Hiroyuki Nishiuma, the business aims to contribute to the success of its customers with innovative products and integrated systems and services – all designed to deliver its vision to Change Work, Advance Society and Connect to Tomorrow.
Panasonic Connect Europe is headquartered in Wiesbaden and consists of the following business units:
- The Mobile Solutions Business Division helping mobile workers improve productivity with its range of Toughbook rugged notebooks, business tablets and handhelds.
- The Media Entertainment Business Division incorporating Visual System Solutions offering a range of high brightness and reliable projectors as well as high quality displays; and Broadcast & ProAV offering Smart Live Production solutions from an end-to-end portfolio consisting of PTZ and system cameras, camcorders, the Kairos IT/IP platform, switchers and robotic solutions that are widely used for live event capture, sports production, television, and xR studios.
- Business and Industry Solutions delivering tailored technology solutions focused on Retail, Logistics and Manufacturing. Designed to increase operational efficiency and enhance customer experience, helping businesses to perform at their best, every day.
- Panasonic Factory Solutions Europe selling a wide range of smart factory solutions including electronics manufacturing solutions, robot and welding systems and software solutions engineering.
For more information about the Mobile Solutions Business Division, please visit: https://eu.connect.panasonic.com/gb/en/product-groups/toughbook-homepage
