AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xplore Technologies Corp . (NASDAQ: XPLR ) today announced that Strategic Robotic Systems (SRS) has exclusively selected the Xplore XSLATE D10 Rugged Tablet to serve as the core of the intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) that will be used to control its new FUSION underwater vehicle.
This groundbreaking hybrid vehicle, will be available to the mass market beginning in April 2017, uniquely combines an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and DIVER Navigation/ Propulsion into one system. The integration of the ruggedized Xplore D10 Android™ tablet will provide FUSION operators with a single use interface that can be used to drive all three vehicle modes during mine countermeasure (MCM), explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) and other military inspection tasks, as well as search and rescue or body recovery operations. The Intel®-powered Xplore rugged tablet will also facilitate a seamless exchange of data between the FUSION vehicle’s sensors, the HMI, and servers accessible by all mission participants, whether they’re working from the field or the office.
As SRS Fusion president Jesse Rodocker explained: “The Xplore XSLATE D10 tablet PC provided SRS with the perfect integrated solution to our FUSION topside control system. Although our original plan was to repackage an off-the-shelf Android platform for our HMI, we quickly ran into a number of issues during development and testing. This is when I discovered the Xplore ruggedized Android tablet and realized that it answered all of our specialized requirements, including the increased reliability and intuitiveness that had led us to favor an Android versus Windows® solution at the outset. Since we’ve been able to perfect the HMI, we’ve been able to deliver much-improved and long demanded underwater technology capabilities to those responsible for critical defense and search and rescue operations.”
The Android-based Xplore XSLATE D10 platform immediately gave SRS the resources to create a simple, single user interface for mission planning, execution, maintenance, and reporting tasks related to AUV, ROV, and DIVER mode operations. Plus, the tablet computer’s innate power, ruggedization, and overall responsiveness will give even novice operators complete and steady control of the FUSION no matter how challenging the task or surrounding environment. And though the XSLATE D10-powered HMI will most commonly be operated in a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), FUSION operators can program a mission from the field or an office miles away using the XSLATE D10’s detachable keyboard or simply via the sunlight readable touch screen display – which is also responsive to glove touch and fully functional in harsh weather conditions on land and at sea. The tablet’s built-in GPS, Intel Core®-series processor power, and fully rugged IP65 dustproof and water-resistant ratings will also make it easy for FUSION operators to navigate the underwater vessel and manage multiple mission data sets created from sensor, video and sonar sources from a single mobile computer at all times.
“Without the flexibility provided by Xplore’s XSLATE D10 Android tablet, it would have probably been challenging to execute the simplified display and intuitive add-on control capabilities of our HMI. In the past, many underwater vehicles have been very challenging to handle due to the complexities of the user interfaces, the inconsistency of the PC devices’ performance, or the sheer multitude of devices required to operate a single vehicle. That’s why our customers see the single, Android tablet-powered FUSION HMI as such a welcome approach to the improvement of operator control and interaction,” Rodocker continued. “Of course, the XSLATE D10’s aesthetics are also very good and in line with the FUSION design.”
The XSLATE D10 tablet’s design also enables HMI operators to quick-connect a detachable control dock equipped with the additional joysticks, thumb wheels and hotkeys required for real-time video and data interactions during ROV operations. The HMI operator can then wirelessly transmit data to and from the Wi-Fi equipped FUSION in real time to execute or analyze an AUV or DIVER mission, or via the D10’s built-in Gigabit Ethernet connection for ROV missions. As a bonus, the XSLATE D10 is the sole computer needed to also export the plans and resulting data to shared access servers in real-time so that all stakeholders are synced up on mission status from start to finish, even when physically separated.
As Mark Holleran, president and COO of Xplore, noted: “SRS’ non-traditional approach to the design of their ‘one user interface-one vehicle’ multi-mode FUSION system closely mimics Xplore’s 20-year engineering strategy. We’re mutually striving to eliminate the software development, operational, and management complexities our customers face with more traditional multi-platform solutions. As such, we’re both committed to providing customers with a single, highly versatile platform that provides a common operating experience and sole source of information access across all missions. For example, Xplore rugged tablets are built to easily transform into a notebook, desktop, or – in this case – the sole programming and control panel for a groundbreaking underwater vehicle. This allows the single Xplore rugged tablet to serve as the primary computing platform for all workers and workflows, just as the one SRS Fusion system can transition into three different modes to support all types of underwater missions.”
Not only does the XSLATE D10-powered HMI ease FUSION deployment risks for SRS customers, but it keeps their operational costs low and enables them to provision a supremely advanced technology system in a way that can be easily learned and utilized by any of their team members. SRS FUSION operators will also enjoy greater mission efficiency and capabilities due to the close collaboration that occurred between Xplore; Xplore Platinum Partner Group Mobile, and SRS during the FUSION system’s development and testing phases.
As Rodocker added, “The support we have received from Xplore’s Solutions Architects and engineers has been phenomenal. No matter how challenging our requests may seem, we’ve never heard ‘it can’t be done.’ Plus, both Xplore and Group Mobile have always been prompt in their replies and resolutions, which has been key to the successful execution of our FUSION system vision.”
“Group Mobile is extremely proud to be part of this cutting-edge, revolutionary tablet solution for SRS”, stated Darin White, President of Group Mobile. “Xplore Technologies has set a standard of innovation within the Rugged PC industry and Group Mobile will continue to provide exceptional support and service to customers searching for the ideal mobile computing solution”.
For more information on Xplore’s rugged tablet platforms and the support provided by Xplore and its partners during customers’ solutions development and implementation, please visit www.xploretech.com .
About SRS Fusion Strategic Robotic Systems manufacturers the innovative FUSION™ underwater vehicle. The FUSION is a breakthrough in hybrid underwater vehicles with a vastly different approach that combines AUV, ROV and DIVER Navigation/Propulsion into one system. The elegant advancement combines a suite of high end bespoke sensors, which produces a more efficient, capable and robust design. An unparalleled user interface enables rapid mobilization and user familiarization for all modes of operation. All augmented by a clever stability control and automation system delivering a new era in underwater vehicles for a diverse range of applications. To learn more, visit www.srsfusion.com .
About Group Mobile Group Mobile, a wholly owned subsidiary of Form Holdings, headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, serves customers world-wide. Group Mobile is a rapidly expanding and growing and innovative full end-to-end solution provider of rugged mobile hardware, lifecycle services, system integration, hardware service support, pre-and post-deployment, break-fix, warranty repair, customer support helpdesk and more — all constructed to solve pressing problems and ensure our customers are receiving exceptional value, return on investment and a trusted long-lasting partnership. Group Mobile has mastered the true challenges of mobility through understanding the key elements required for a successful mobile deployment — hardware, connectivity, data and customer back-end network infrastructures. Visit www.groupmobile.com for more information.
About Xplore Technologies Xplore is The Rugged Tablet Authority™, exclusively manufacturing powerful, long-lasting, and customer-defined rugged tablet PCs since 1996. Today, Xplore offers the broadest portfolio of genuinely rugged tablets – and the most complete lineup of rugged tablet accessories – on Earth. Its mobility solutions are purpose-built for the energy, utilities, telecommunications, military and defense, manufacturing, distribution, public safety, healthcare, government, and field service sectors. The company’s award-winning military-grade computers are also among the most powerful and longest lasting in their class, built to withstand nearly any hazardous condition or environmental extreme for years without fail. Visit www.xploretech.com for more information on how Xplore and its global channel partners engineer complete mobility solutions to meet specialized workflow demands. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn , and YouTube .
Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect Xplore’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to such risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made including those factors detailed from time to time in filings made by Xplore with securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated or expected. Xplore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Xplore Contacts: Peter Poulin Chief Marketing Officer outboundmarketing@xploretech.com Tom Wilkinson, Chief Financial Officer Phone: (512) 637-1162 Email: twilkinson@xploretech.com Darrow Associates Investor Relations Phone: (512) 696-6401 Email: xplr@darrowir.com SRS Fusion Contact: Jesse Rodocker, President Phone: 425.285.9229 Email: jesse@srsfusion.com Group Mobile Contact: Phone: 480-705-6100 Email: information@GroupMobile.com
