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The rugged devices market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.46% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 1,136.31 million. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including growing demand for data management systems, increasing demand for rugged barcode scanners, and increasing preference for Android-based devices.
This report extensively covers market segmentation by type (semi-rugged, fully-rugged, and ultra-rugged), product (rugged mobile computers and smartphones, rugged tablets and notebooks, rugged scanners, and rugged air quality monitors), end-user (industrial, commercial, military and defense, and government), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021.
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The growing demand for data management systems is notably driving the market growth, although factors such as the use of consumer-grade devices in place of rugged devices may impede the market growth. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The growing demand for data management systems is notably driving the market growth. The need to collect and store accurate data in order to do away with paper-based processes is the factor driving the global market for rugged devices. In order to improve the business model and lower operating costs, the end user gathers this data and uses data analytics to extract useful information. The demand for rugged devices is also being driven by the accelerated rate of automation in the industrial and commercial sectors.
Furthermore, with the advent of cloud-based rugged devices, the risk of data loss is eliminated because the recorded data can be stored directly on a central server. End-users in numerous industrial sectors, including the oil and gas sector and the warehouse management market, have benefited from these factors. It also helps in avoiding the generation of duplicate data. Additionally, a number of vendors are providing tailored data management solutions to raise the value proposition for end users. Therefore, owing to such factors the market will witness significant growth during the forecast period.
New product launches are emerging trends in market growth. Rugged tablets are now lighter and thinner than earlier models due to the rising demand for the digitization of electronics. Tablet frames are now vibration and shock-resistant, and their displays are now shatterproof and sunlight-viewable, making field operations more functional and effective than those using consumer-grade tablets. These tough tablets can also withstand harsh weather conditions, dust, and water. Internal parts like batteries, operating systems, and connectivity with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and long-term evolution (LTE) are also strengthened in conjunction with the external ruggedness. In order to provide multi-level authentication measures, many rugged tablets also come with fingerprint readers and authorized system encryption.
Continuing to attract new customers to rugged products will require a strategy that offers pertinent new features and appropriate product convergence. Some of the new product launches include the launch of a new version of the popular NAUTIZ X6 ultra-rugged phablet by Handheld Group in 2021. It is a handheld computer that combines the big-screen functionality of a tablet with the go-anywhere performance of a rugged phone. Similarly, Algiz RT10, an ultra-rugged 10-inch Android tablet, was launched by Handheld Group in 2022. The tablet combines design and performance with future-proof technology that will maintain its versatile application through its entire life cycle. Hence, with such continuous innovations the demand for rugged devices is expected to increase, which, in turn, is expected to drive the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
The use of consumer-grade devices in place of rugged devices is a major challenge impeding market growth. Consumer-grade smartphones and notebooks are replacing rugged devices among a variety of end users, including the government and others. This choice is occasionally made in light of the new consumer electronics that are currently on the market, which are significantly less expensive and have ruggedness levels comparable to those of rugged electronics. Apple, Samsung Electronics, and Sony are just a few businesses that are consistently enhancing their products' ruggedness. For instance, Sony's Xperia M2 Aqua has an IP68 grade, while Apple's iPhone X has an IP67 grade. This is the reason why a number of end-user industries, like hospitality, healthcare, and retail, which do not have demanding workplaces, opt for consumer-grade smartphones and tablets.
Additionally, compared to rugged devices, consumer-grade devices offer more functionalities. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, artificial intelligence, gesture recognition, voice recognition, and virtual reality, for instance, some new consumer-grade smartphones have features like barcode scanning and IoT applications. Thus, the presence of consumer-grade devices is expected to hamper the market in focus during the forecast period.
The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.
Global Rugged Devices Market Customer Landscape
Vendors are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
ARBOR Technology Corp. - The company offers RISC computing, embedded computing, rugged mobile computers, and medical computing. The key offerings of the company include rugged handheld devices such as handheld devices under 5.5, tablets 5.5 to 10, and panels above 10.
The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market vendors, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market share growth by the semi-rugged segment will be significant during the forecast period. Devices that are semi-rugged are rugged versions of consumer-level devices. These devices typically share the same parts and configuration as consumer-grade gadgets, but they have better hardware security. For instance, a semi-rugged handheld mobile computer would have advanced tempered glass, shockproof components, spill-resistant speakers, micro-USB ports, as well as additional protective layers (like bumper cases for added protection).
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The semi-rugged segment was valued at USD 2,015.82 million in 2017 and continued to grow until 2021. Despite the fact that these products cost more than consumer-grade products, end users favor them because of their robustness over consumer-grade products. Since the working conditions are not particularly demanding or harsh, the market is driven by the quick adoption of semi-rugged devices in commercial applications in the hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors. The commercial market is driving the adoption of semi-rugged devices due to an increased focus on digitization. Reduced transaction times and real-time data storage and monitoring made possible by the use of semi-rugged devices in commercial sectors aid end-users in improving operational efficiency and better understanding customer demands. Therefore, vendors in the market are introducing products specifically for commercial users. Thus, these factors are expected to drive the growth of the market segment during the forecast period.
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North America is estimated to contribute 31% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
The use of rugged devices in warehouses, logistics, and the defense industry is a key factor driving the market in this region. The global market for rugged devices has a significant contribution from the defense industry. The rugged devices used in this segment are more specialized and cost more than rugged devices used in other industries. Numerous functions of the rugged devices used in the defense industry include GPS navigation, fleet tracking, and accessing and logging sensitive data. The rapid adoption of rugged mobile computers in logistics, warehouses, and distribution centers also contributed to the growth of the market in North America. Additionally, the presence of vendors such as Zebra Technologies, Honeywell, and Caterpillar will positively impact the market during the forecast period.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the regional market. However, in 2021, due to the introduction of vaccines, the number of COVID-19 cases declined in the region. This has led to the reopening of retail stores, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities across the region, which has increased the demand for rugged devices from various end-users. Therefore, the regional market is expected to witness growth during the forecast period.
The report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027.
Technavio categorizes the global rugged devices market as a part of the global technology hardware, storage, and peripherals market within the overall global information technology market. The parent global technology hardware, storage, and peripherals market covers manufacturers of cellular phones, personal computers, servers, electronic computer components, and peripherals. Our research report has extensively covered external factors influencing the parent market growth during the forecast period.
Rugged Devices Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
193 |
Base year |
2022 |
Historic period |
2017-2021 |
Forecast period |
2023-2027 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.46% |
Market growth 2023-2027 |
USD 1,136.31 million |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2022-2023(%) |
4.0 |
Regional analysis |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 31% |
Key countries |
US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Advantech Co. Ltd., ARBOR Technology Corp., Bluebird Inc., Caterpillar Inc., CipherLab Co. Ltd., Datalogic Spa, DT Research Inc., Handheld Group AB, Honeywell International Inc., JLT Mobile Computers AB, KYOCERA corp., MilDef Group AB, MiTAC SYNNEX Group, Panasonic Holdings Corp., Rugged Science LLC, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Touchstar Plc, Unitech Computer Co. Ltd., WIDEUM SOLUTIONS S.L., and Zebra Technologies Corp. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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