Industrial computers come in all shapes and sizes. There are many different types of industrial computers on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the various types as well as their applications.
The main different varieties of industrial computers are:
- Industrial PCs
- Panel PCs
- Tablets
- Industrial display monitors
- Single board computers
Industrial PCs
This is a computer built specifically for use in industrial environments, rather than an office. Unlike a standard PC, it’s designed to resist dust, vibration, extreme temperatures and other conditions that would damage regular equipment.
It typically offers more robust input/output options than a standard PC – additional ports or expansion slots to accommodate specialised peripherals – making it well suited to automation and quality control systems. It also tends to last considerably longer in service, often seven to ten years, compared to an average two-year turnover for consumer PCs.
Some models include integrated security features such as fingerprint scanners or TPM chips, useful where sensitive data or restricted access is a requirement. Read more in our industrial PC range.
Panel PCs
A panel PC is a type of industrial PC built for tough settings such as a factory or warehouse floor, designed to withstand dust, extreme temperatures and vibration.
It usually features a large, easy-to-read display that remains visible even in direct sunlight, along with a touchscreen for direct operator interaction. Many use resistive touch panels rather than capacitive, since resistive screens can be operated with gloves on – a practical requirement on most factory floors. They typically run a specialised operating system optimised for industrial use, making them well suited to process control, monitoring, data entry and barcode scanning.
Rugged enclosures protect the internal components from damage, so if you need something that can withstand rough treatment and demanding applications, this is generally the right category to look at. See our full panel PC range.
Industrial Tablets
An industrial tablet is essentially a portable panel PC, suited to applications where rugged computing power is needed but isn’t fixed to one location.
These devices are built to survive drops, bumps, vibration and extreme temperatures – typically rated to a specific drop-test height and IP rating – reducing the likelihood of breakdown or repair. Many include features relevant to industrial use, such as sunlight-readable displays, RFID readers and barcode scanners, and can be fitted with accessories like point-of-sale stands or vehicle mounts, making them a practical option for mobile workers, from field technicians to retail staff.
Software is often pre-installed for specific tasks, such as tracking work order data or monitoring machine conditions, and some models include built-in printers or scanners for warehouse and manufacturing use. Browse our industrial tablet range.
Industrial Display Monitors
An industrial display monitor is a specialised monitor built for industrial settings, generally far more rugged than a standard consumer display. Construction typically uses durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminium, with reinforced glass panels to protect the screen from scratches and impact damage.
This category suits situations where you want the durability of a panel PC’s touchscreen – vandal resistant, waterproof, hardwearing – without a PC built in, so it can run as an external display connected to separate equipment or a PC elsewhere in the system.
Many models offer sunlight-readable panels with wide viewing angles and high brightness levels for use in bright or outdoor-facing environments, along with touchscreens that remain operable with gloves on. Reinforced housings, heavy-duty power supplies and enhanced cooling systems help these monitors operate reliably in demanding conditions across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and military applications. View our display monitor range.
Single Board Computers
A single board computer (SBC) is a fully functional computer built onto a single circuit board, including the CPU, memory, storage and input/output ports needed to run a basic operating system.
These are used across a wide range of applications, from industrial control and automotive systems to medical devices and embedded systems – some designed for a specific task such as data acquisition or image processing, others built for general-purpose use.
Compared to a desktop or laptop, an SBC generally trades raw processing power for energy efficiency and a smaller footprint. Many run fanless, which suits embedded systems where moving parts and airflow are a liability rather than an advantage. They also tend to be more modular and easier to repair than a traditional PC, since individual components can often be swapped without replacing the whole board – a genuine advantage where reliability and long-term serviceability matter more than raw performance. Explore our single board computer range.
Choosing the Right Type
Each of these categories is built to solve a different problem: fixed general-purpose computing, touch-operated control panels, portable ruggedised computing, rugged display-only screens, or compact embedded systems. The right choice depends on the environment, how the system will be used, and whether it needs to run standalone or as part of a larger setup.
DSL offers a range of high quality industrial computers to suit any application. Contact us today to learn more about our industrial computer products and how we can help you find the perfect solution for your business.
