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Getac unveils rugged devices with embedded LiFi technology
Wed, 6th Sep 2023

Getac has successfully embedded LiFi technology into its rugged devices as part of an innovation project with Signify, the global lighting provider.  

Getac Technology Corporation is an expert in rugged mobile technology and intelligent video solutions, including laptops, tablets, software, body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, digital evidence management and enterprise video analytics solutions.

At the forefront of LiFi innovation, Getac has previously been the first manufacturer to engineer rugged devices with integrated LiFi via external dongles. Now, in an industry-first, the company has fully embedded the technology into its devices.

Getac is working closely with Signify’s Trulifi technology on the project to bring LiFi technology to its customers. Further announcements detailing the devices and their commercial availability will be made in the future.  

Both Signify and Getac are part of the Light Communication Alliance (LCA), a community of industry researchers and innovators who believe in the power of Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) to transform the way organisations connect and communicate.

The LCA understands that advancing light communication requires a collaborative ecosystem approach, with members working closely together to research, develop and deploy viable LiFi technology.   

LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology uses light to transmit data rather than radio frequency, which is the case with traditional technologies such as WiFi, LTE, 4G, and 5G. This innovative approach claims multiple benefits over RF-based technologies, including extremely low latency, improved privacy and security, and superior connection quality, especially in radio frequency (RF)-denied environments.   

Combining these benefits with Getac’s rugged solutions unlocks a wide range of new applications across sectors where professionals work in challenging conditions daily. For example, LiFi’s minimal cabling requirements enable defence professionals to install highly secure field communications networks in minutes. 

LiFi can be especially beneficial in RF-constrained or RF-denied environments, aiding digital transformation in industries such as industrial manufacturing, where there can be concerns over RF-based equipment interfering with safety-critical operations.  

Amanda Ward, EMEA Senior Director, Technology & Services at Getac, says: “Getac has long recognised the potential of LiFi technology to fundamentally change the way many organisations work and communicate.” 

“Through our partnership with Signify, we’re fully committed to designing, manufacturing and embedding innovative rugged LiFi solutions that will enable our customers to turn this potential into a reality.”  

Mark Gunther, Global Segment Leader of LiFi systems at Signify, says: “Some of LiFi’s most game-changing applications and use cases are in sectors where highly challenging work conditions make rugged solutions an essential part of the technology equation.” 

“As a global leader in rugged computing and fellow LCA member, Getac is the ideal partner to help us unlock the power of light for brighter lives and a better world.”

Today, Getac serves customers in over  100  countries, spanning defence, public safety, ambulance, fire & rescue, utilities, automotive, natural resources, manufacturing, transport, and logistics.