Pepperl+Fuchs Brand ecom Wins German Design Award 2020

“The Smart-Ex® 02 presents itself as a highly resilient, user-friendly, and intrinsically safe Android smartphone. The protective case is narrow on the outside so that the large screen can be used completely and intuitively," the jury said, explaining its decision.

The Smart-Ex® 02 was specially developed for harsh industrial environments and ATEX Zone 1/21 and Div. 1 hazardous areas, making it ideal for use in chemical plants, refineries, and on drilling rigs. It is extremely rugged and offers a slim housing with clean lines and high functionality. Operating the rugged smartphone is intuitive: Programmable keys, volume control, and the camera release button have an ergonomic design and handy arrangement that makes them easy to operate—even when wearing gloves. Some keys can be customized, while dedicated keys for alarm functions ensure swift communication in case of emergency. A versatile modular mounting base that consists of a belt clip, hand strap, charger, and docking station ensures easy carrying, mounting, and charging.

“The RSM-Ex 01 remote speaker microphone incorporates the latest technologies for integration into IoT applications. The small housing features soft grooves that are combined with large buttons, making it easy to wear and operate with safety equipment and clothing," the jury said.

The RSM-Ex 01 for ATEX Zone 1/21 comes with an IP65/67 rating and a built-in noise reduction function. It delivers a clear, high-volume audio signal (up to 103 dB). The remote speaker microphone is extremely rugged yet flat and ergonomic. It is intuitive and easy to use, even when wearing gloves. The new 3.5-mm plug is made for the most diverse industrial applications. Besides a rugged design, the plug features a safety screw for attaching to a smartphone, and it is compatible with current and future products.

The German Design Award is the premier international prize awarded by the German Design Council. Its aim is to discover, present, and honor unique design trends. Every year, top-class submissions in the fields of product and communication design that break new ground in the international design landscape are honored. Launched in 2012, the German Design Award is one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world and enjoys an excellent reputation far beyond specialist circles.