Developing explosion-proof computers

Trucking can sometimes be a physically tough operating environment, with sensitive computer equipment exposed to routine hard knocks. To help make computers tougher, Symbol Technologies has formed a partnership with Bartec to develop explosion-protected versions of its Symbol MC9000 mobile computers.

Based on Symbol’s flagship MC9000 mobile computer platform, the MC9060-G and MC9060-K explosion-proof versions offer flexibility and reliability to organizations with integrated bar code scanning and local 802.11b wireless connectivity along with drop specifications of four feet to concrete.

The two models of explosion-protected computers are aimed at two different markets, said Symbol. One is certified by the North American Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for Class I, Division 1, Groups C, D classified areas and the other certified to meet the European Union’s safety standards for hazardous locations (ATEX) for Zone 1 classified areas.