Internet of Things & Smart Devices

We recognize the rapidly growing trend of internet-connected smart devices revolutionizing both consumer and business products. As the world becomes more interconnected, businesses are increasingly seeking innovative ways to integrate real-time data, automation, and remote control into their products. At Drop Gear Design, we embrace this shift, designing cutting-edge IoT solutions that not only meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy world but also anticipate the future of connected devices.

Take for example this rugged, cellular-enabled smart communication and diagnostic device that we developed for use in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations in the mining and chemical processing industries. The challenge involved packing a lot of technology into a small, user-friendly package that can be easily operated by users wearing heavy work gloves. The potential for repeated impacts and drops, harsh chemicals, and operation in explosive environments required a robust design and careful material selection.

Drop Gear Design’s solution included extensive volume and form factor studies to ensure all the computing technology could fit in a small, hand-held package. We also used iterative rapid prototyping with human factor engineering to optimize the shape and size of the user interface so the device could be easily operated by workers wearing PPE. The design involved a complicated triple-shot injection molded outer housing that included indicator light pipes, a hard plastic substrate, and a soft-touch, impact resistant rubber overmolding.