Classic explosion-protected devices often lag years behind standard IT: no 5G, an outdated operating system, no connection to modern mobile device management.
Our partner Pepperl+Fuchs closes this gap with a new device series for hazardous areas in Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22.
Smart-Ex 03, Smart-Ex 203, Tab-Ex 05, and Pad-Ex 01 P12 bring 5G, powerful processors, and update commitments through 2032 to hazardous areas. Combined with Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) from Everphone, the devices can be procured, rolled out, and managed without significant internal effort.
"Our customers want to put Industry 4.0 into practice - with secure mobile technology they can deploy without complication. Everphone offers the perfect service model for hazardous areas too: flexible use, central management, and simple, fast incident management."
— Hendrik Haag, EMEA Sales Manager Mobile Communication at Pepperl+Fuchs
Four Smart Devices for different Hazardous Zones
Each device covers its own use case - from full protection for Zone 1 to a tablet for less critical areas.
Smart-Ex 03
Zone 1/21, NEC/CEC Class I Division 1. Android 15 out of the box, update to Android 16 committed, security updates through October 2032 (every 90 days).
Qualcomm QCM6490
8 GB RAM
128 GB storage
6-inch display with Gorilla Glass 3
400 grams
13-megapixel main camera, 5-megapixel front camera (also available without a camera)
Fingerprint sensor in the power button
desktop mode via USB-C
5G
There is a playlist on YouTube with short videos that demonstrate the benefits of the Smart-Ex 03: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3MZFYaaexY96uHB38W_fEuy9nfJXofxX&si=snV4R-esXuD-tnBW
Smart-Ex 203
Zone 2/22, NEC/CEC Class I Division 2. Android 14, security updates through 2032.
Qualcomm QCM4490
8 GB RAM
128 GB storage (expandable up to 512 GB via microSD)
6.3-inch display
48-megapixel main camera
365 grams
optional short-range scan module
programmable PTT button
5G
Tab-Ex 05
Zone 1/21 and 2/22, Division 1 and 2. Based on the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5, Android 15, update to Android 22 and security updates through 2032 committed.
Exynos 1380
6 GB RAM
128 GB storage (expandable up to 1 terabyte via microSD)
8-inch display
S Pen-capable
1,200 grams
Wireless DeX mode
Google ARCore certified.
Pad-Ex 01 P12
Zone 2/22, Division 2.
Windows 11 Pro
Intel Core i5-1235U (12th generation) with Iris Xe graphics
16 GB RAM
256 GB SSD
11.6-inch display with up to 1,000 cd/m² brightness
four touch modes - usable even with gloves or in the rain
IP64 rating
Thunderbolt 4
USB 3.2
optional 2D barcode scanner
Smart-Ex 03, Smart-Ex 203, and Tab-Ex 05 are additionally certified to IP68 and MIL-STD-810H - they withstand impact, dust, and water even in continuous use.
5G, Campus Networks, and Network Slicing: Connectivity that matters in Hazardous Areas
Industrial communication operates on three levels. For hazardous locations (HazLoc), that makes a big difference.
Public Networks
Global 4G LTE and 5G work everywhere technicians are on the move - for example, during service assignments across multiple sites.
Private Campus Networks
Dedicated networks on reserved frequencies, such as CBRS Band 48 in the US or 5G n48, give companies full control over range and data.
Network Slicing
With 5G (3GPP Release 15/16), multiple virtual networks run on the same hardware. An emergency call system is thus given priority over normal data traffic - without any additional infrastructure.
The difference from conventional Wi-Fi shows up in four key areas.
Coverage - A 5G campus network covers an entire plant site with just a few macro cells. Wi-Fi requires many access points to do the same.
Security - 5G authenticates devices via SIM. Wi-Fi relies on WPA2/3, which is more vulnerable to attack.
Latency - 5G delivers minimal, predictable latency (URLLC). Wi-Fi operates on a best-effort basis and fluctuates.
Mobility - 5G enables seamless handover at high speed. With Wi-Fi, connection drops are a risk when roaming between access points.
On-device AI: The processors in detail
Real-time error prediction requires computing power directly on the device. The models therefore rely on different chipsets depending on their intended use.
Smart-Ex 03: Qualcomm QCM6490 with an integrated AI engine - built for compute-intensive tasks and global 5G.
Smart-Ex 203: Qualcomm QCM4490, designed specifically for Zone 2, with full support for 3GPP Release 16.
Pad-Ex 01 P12: Intel Core i5-1235U (12th generation) with Iris Xe graphics - processes large volumes of data and high-resolution video under Windows 11 Pro.
“AI turns smartphones and tablets into the central interface between people, the cloud, and machines: they connect data, deliver context-based AI insights, and enable fast, intuitive interactions.”
Sascha Lekic, Vice President Strategic Product Management – Mobile Communication & HMI at Pepperl+Fuchs
Safety and condition monitoring
The Smart-Ex 03 series monitors itself through hardware and software monitoring. Errors are detected before they lead to failure - reducing unplanned downtime.
The fingerprint sensor sits directly in the power button, enabling multi-factor authentication that works even with gloves on.
The Smart-Ex 03 is certified to Android Enterprise Recommended (AER); certification for the Tab-Ex 05 is planned. Both devices also meet the Common Criteria standard for IT security.
Just as important is the update period: the Smart-Ex 03, Smart-Ex 203, and Tab-Ex 05 all receive security updates through 2032, every 90 days.
Five real-world use cases
Troubleshooting Without a Detour Through the Control Room
A field device reports a deviation via Ethernet-APL. The technician on site pulls up the alert directly on the Smart-Ex 03, checks the unique device identifier to see which component is affected, and views the field data in real time.
Using the connected management system, they order the replacement part immediately - without first calling the control room.
Digital work orders, step by step
Instead of a clipboard and paper, the team receives structured work orders directly on their smartphone: a list of individual steps for repair or maintenance.
The Smart-Ex 03 and Smart-Ex 203 guide them through the process - making the work traceable and reducing errors.
Remote support via encrypted group call
A technician faces an unfamiliar fault with both hands on the equipment. Instead of reaching for a radio, they start an encrypted Push-to-Talk call over 5G (PTToC) - an expert at headquarters joins live and helps with diagnostics while they keep working.
For loud environments, matching accessories such as the RSM-Ex 01 BT Z0 Bluetooth speaker-microphone combo are available.
Plant inspection with Augmented Reality
While walking through the plant, an employee holds the Tab-Ex 05 up to a pump.
Thanks to Google ARCore certification and indoor positioning via GPS, gyroscope, and accelerometer, the device overlays maintenance instructions and condition data directly onto the camera image - useful for asset management, inspection, and predictive maintenance.
One device for warehouse, field, and office
In the warehouse, an employee uses the Pad-Ex 01 P12 to scan incoming goods, check stock, and document damage - even with gloves or in the rain, thanks to its four touch modes.
Back in the office, they simply connect the tablet to a monitor and keyboard. Anyone using the Smart-Ex 03 instead gets a full desktop mode directly on the smartphone via USB-C - one device replaces the need for an additional office PC.
From factory to user: Rollout without IT overhead
The best hardware doesn’t help much if IT teams have to set up every device individually. Pepperl+Fuchs and Everphone therefore largely automate staging and management.
Factory pre-configuration (eCSL): Security settings and apps are installed before delivery - as an individual Custom Service Load.
Automatic registration: Via Android Zero-Touch, every device enrolls itself in the corporate environment the first time it’s switched on.
Central management via MDM: Updates and configurations run over the air worldwide, with no physical access to the device required.
Direct shipping: Everphone delivers ready-to-use devices either to a company location or directly to employees - unpacked, switched on, ready to go.
Conclusion
With the Smart-Ex 03, Smart-Ex 203, Tab-Ex 05, and Pad-Ex 01 P12, Pepperl+Fuchs delivers more than rugged hardware for hazardous areas: certifications to ATEX, IECEx, and NEC/CEC, current 5G technology, and update commitments through 2032 make these devices a platform that grows with demand.
“With Pepperl+Fuchs, we’ve gained a strong partner who brings safety and industry expertise to our DaaS model. Together, we enable frontline workers to work digitally, safely, and efficiently - while companies retain full control over their device fleets.”
Jan Dzulko, CEO of Everphone
As a DaaS partner, Everphone handles procurement, rollout, and management - so companies can focus on what matters: secure, connected work in the field.
