Challenges
- Need for high performance processing to handle real time production data
- Insufficient LAN connectivity for multiple IoT devices
- Exposure to dust shock and vibration on the factory floor
- Requirement for a wide operating temperature range
- Compliance with NDAA and TAA standards for government sales
Solution
- Premio’s x86 super rugged small form factor computer (RCO-3000-RPL)
- Intel Raptor Lake i9 13900TE with hybrid P/E cores and DDR5 memory
- EDGEBoost IO for 6x total LAN connectivity
- Redundant 5G LTE Wi Fi Bluetooth with multi SIM failover
- Rugged fanless MIL-STD-810G design with wide temperature range
Benefits
- Optimized performance with custom BIOS/OS image
- Dedicated technical support from Los Angeles-based team
- Reliable long-term operation with compliance for critical infrastructure
Company Overview
The company specializes in the development of AI-powered defense and security systems designed for rapid deployment. With expertise in drones, surveillance, and advanced weapon payloads, it focuses on combining fast-paced R&D with scalable production. The organization continues to expand its reach by standardizing products that can be manufactured efficiently and deployed globally.
The Challenges
High Performance Processing
Managing drone production requires significant computing power to process and track real-time IoT data. A traditional industrial PC would not provide the performance or lifecycle support necessary for sustained deployment. A scalable solution was needed to ensure accuracy and consistency in manufacturing output.
LAN Connectivity Limitations
The production site required connectivity for multiple devices, sensors, and controllers across the manufacturing line. Standard systems lacked sufficient LAN ports, creating a bottleneck for IoT data aggregation. A modular expansion capability became essential for seamless network integration.
Rugged Environmental Conditions
Drone manufacturing environments expose equipment to dust, vibration, and shock. Standard computing systems risked downtime under these conditions, jeopardizing data collection and operational continuity. Ruggedized hardware was necessary to ensure uninterrupted performance.
Temperature Tolerance Needs
The site’s fluctuating environmental conditions demanded hardware capable of maintaining reliability in extreme temperatures. Conventional PCs could not guarantee stable operation in wide temperature ranges. A system with industrial-grade tolerance was vital for consistent uptime.
NDAA and TAA Compliance
Meeting NDAA and TAA compliance was critical since the drones manufactured were destined for U.S. government use. Non-compliant systems risked disqualification from government contracts, creating significant barriers to deployment. Ensuring compliance guaranteed eligibility for sales and reinforced trust with federal clients.
The Solution
Premio’s x86 super rugged fanless small form factor industrial computer (RCO-3000-RPL)
Serving as the core IoT gateway, the RCO-3000-RPL combines compact size with scalable edge processing, modular I/O, and rugged reliability. Its fanless, cable-less construction, hot-swappable storage, and redundant wireless connectivity make it ideal for harsh, space-constrained deployments. Certification readiness and embedded lifecycle support ensure long-term stability in mission-critical environments.
Hybrid CPU and DDR5 performance for real time workloads
Intel’s Raptor Lake i9-13900TE with hybrid P cores and E cores delivered the horsepower to manage concurrent IoT workloads. DDR5 memory provided faster throughput and reduced latency during analytics and visualization. With embedded-grade processors backed by a 10-year lifecycle, the platform ensured deterministic performance and long-term deployment stability for continuous production orchestration.
Expanded LAN via EDGEBoost IO
The EDGEBoost IO module added four additional LAN ports for a total of six on the gateway. This removed external switch dependencies and simplified device onboarding across the line. Direct connections improved determinism and reduced troubleshooting time.
Redundant wireless connectivity
Integrated 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with multiple SIM options ensured reliable failover when wired links were down. M.2 B-Key and E-Key supported flexible wireless modules for robust communication and scalability. Remote teams stayed connected to dashboards and alerts, enabling seamless machine-to-machine communication and remote management.
Ruggedized for harsh conditions
MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration compliance paired with a sealed fanless chassis protected electronics from dust and mechanical stress. A wide operating temperature range of -25°C to 70°C preserved performance despite localized heat sources. The result was reliable operation shift after shift on the factory floor.
The Benefits
Optimized System Performance
A custom BIOS and OS image tailored to the manufacturing application delivered enhanced performance and security. This optimization reduced latency while strengthening system resilience for IoT-driven operations.
Accessible Support and Engineering
With dedicated application engineering and technical support available from Los Angeles, integration was seamless. Quick accessibility to expert teams ensured that troubleshooting and adjustments could be made without disruption.
Reliable Long-Term Deployment
The system’s ruggedness and compliance enabled long-term reliability in critical infrastructure environments. Confidence in its durability allowed operations to focus on scaling production without fear of downtime.
Conclusion
By leveraging a rugged industrial fanless computer as an IoT gateway, the drone manufacturing site achieved reliable, secure, and efficient production data management. The combination of high-performance computing, rugged design, and strong compliance ensured continuous uptime under demanding conditions. This deployment highlights the importance of ruggedized edge computing in advancing smart manufacturing for defense technology.