Panasonic is expanding its range of rugged mobile devices with the introduction of the TOUGHBOOK G3 and TOUGHBOOK 34. The new models combine designs suited to demanding working conditions with longer battery life, modern connectivity and artificial intelligence capabilities. The manufacturer is targeting organisations whose employees need reliable equipment outside the traditional office environment.
The launch coincides with the 30th anniversary of the TOUGHBOOK brand. The devices have been designed for applications including emergency services, the defence sector, utilities, surveyors, and employees in manufacturing, logistics and the automotive industry. In these settings, performance and mobility are not the only priorities. Equipment durability, data security and compatibility with existing systems and accessories are also important.
The TOUGHBOOK G3 is a lightweight, modular tablet with a 10.1 inch screen. Its compact dimensions are intended to make it easier to use in vehicle cabins, confined spaces and directly at workstations. The device can operate as a standalone tablet, be mounted in a vehicle or be used in a warehouse.
One of the main improvements is its enhanced power system. According to the manufacturer, the new battery technology provides up to 39% longer operating time. Three battery options are available, offering 8.5, 17 or even 24 hours of operation, respectively. The largest battery has a capacity of 99 Wh and is designed for long shifts and intensive use outside the office. An optional secondary battery allows the battery to be replaced without switching off the device.
The G3 can be adapted to specific tasks using interchangeable modules, including smart card readers, fingerprint readers and barcode scanners. Five programmable buttons and support for touch input with a bare finger, gloves or a stylus are intended to make work easier in a variety of conditions.
The device belongs to the TOUGHBOOK AI PC category and uses the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 platform with dual channel RAM. Support for Copilot+ is intended to enable certain data processing and analysis tasks to be performed directly on the device, without requiring a constant connection to the cloud. Connectivity is provided by Wi Fi 7, with optional 4G and 5G mobile networks also available.
TOUGHBOOK 34: a larger screen and lower weight
The second new model, the TOUGHBOOK 34, is a 2 in 1 device designed for teams that need more workspace while retaining mobility. Its 12.4 inch screen is intended to make it easier to work with maps, technical documentation, sensor data, diagnostic software, and command and control systems.
Despite its larger display, the device is 13% lighter than its predecessor. Panasonic describes it as the lightest rugged tablet on the market with a 12.4 inch screen. The Full HD+ display uses AdaptiveTouch technology, which allows it to be operated with a finger, stylus or gloves. Brightness of up to 1,000 cd/m² is intended to ensure readability even in direct sunlight.
Like the G3, the TOUGHBOOK 34 has been designed for long hours of operation without access to a permanent power source. The device supports two replaceable batteries, allowing one to be replaced while the other continues to power the equipment. According to the manufacturer, the new battery design provides 20% longer operating time than the previous model. With two batteries installed, the device can run for up to 18 hours in the MobileMark 30 test.
Artificial intelligence and resistance to demanding conditions
Both models are designed to meet the requirements of modern applications used in the field, including tools supported by artificial intelligence. The TOUGHBOOK 34 uses Intel Core Ultra processors, supports Copilot+ and is certified for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Red Hat Device Edge (RHDE).
The manufacturer also highlights the durability of the design and the ability to operate in extreme temperatures. The TOUGHBOOK 34 meets the IP66 standard for protection against dust and powerful water jets. It has also passed vibration tests in accordance with the MIL STD 810H specification. Its operating temperature range is from −29 to 63 degrees Celsius.
For the G3, Panasonic declares resistance to dust and water, protection against drops from heights of up to 180 cm, and the ability to operate at temperatures ranging from −29 to 63 degrees Celsius. Both devices offer Wi Fi 7, optional 4G and 5G connectivity, and enterprise grade security features.
Upgrading without replacing the entire infrastructure
An important feature of the new generation is compatibility with accessories used with previous TOUGHBOOK devices. Most existing accessories and peripherals are also expected to work with the G3 and 34. This allows organisations to modernise their equipment gradually, reducing the need to replace their entire technical infrastructure.
“The TOUGHBOOK 34 reflects the evolution of field work. Users are working with increasingly complex applications, larger data sets and AI supported operational processes directly where tasks are carried out,” comments Dirk Weigelt, Senior Product & Solutions Manager at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK.
Referring to the G3, Weigelt highlights the importance of mobility and flexible power options. The ability to choose between batteries and replace a battery while the device is running is intended to make it easier to adapt the equipment to shift length, environmental conditions and the needs of individual users.
The new models build on the principles underpinning the TOUGHBOOK brand: durability, modularity, security and integration with existing solutions. In environments where equipment must operate reliably for many hours and under changing conditions, the manufacturer is focusing on combining a rugged design with performance and AI tools.
