Fast, Durable, Connected On the Go
Our Solution
How we helped a telecom tech manufacturer crack the emerging Rugged Consumer Tab segment
The Result
A 10” tablet compliant with rugged standards while maintaining a consumer aesthetic
The Story
Reliance Communications LLC is one of the leading national distributors of wireless devices and accessories in the U.S., a position they have maintained for over two decades. As one of only three authorized Verizon Wireless distributors, Reliance has built deep expertise in distribution, forward and reverse logistics, engineering support, marketing, training, fulfillment, and repair. This scale and reach gave them the confidence to grow their own brand, Orbic, into a recognized name.
Under the Project Patriot Initiative, Orbic set an ambitious goal: produce five million devices annually in the U.S. The Tab10R was a critical part of this vision. As their design and development partner, we were tasked with creating a rugged 10-inch tablet that could serve both enterprise users and everyday consumers, combining durability, affordability, and design appeal in a single product.
Project Insights
Our mandate went beyond styling. We had to make ruggedization a core design element without driving up part counts or costs. From concept development through to materials selection, our team managed every stage of enclosure and prototype design. We also coordinated mockup production to validate the look and feel early. Every step was tied back to Orbic’s need for durability, manufacturability, and cost discipline.
Durable
We designed the Tab10R to comply with MIL-STD-810 standards, ensuring it could handle drops, shocks, vibration, and thermal extremes. A key part of this effort was the development of double-shot molded edge bumpers embedded into the shell. This not only strengthened the structure but simplified assembly and reduced weak points, highlighting how industrial design can directly support reliability.
Outdoor Ready
We worked with the ODMs to achieve an IP65 rating. The tablet features a high-brightness display with a Gorilla Glass 5 lens for scratch resistance and daylight visibility. Adhesive systems and I/O port design were developed to maintain a sleek form factor while providing environmental protection.
Professional
The Tab10R includes a stylus for note-taking and drawing. We designed its receptacle to be integrated into the edge bumpers, ensuring secure storage while preserving the tablet’s slim profile. This avoided bulky external holsters and gave professionals a practical tool that stayed accessible without disrupting the design.
Affordability is the Key
Affordability was central to the Tab10R’s design. The industrial design enhanced the device’s appeal while still prioritizing cost control. By working closely with ODM partners, we ensured that both the electrical and mechanical BOMs stayed within budget. This approach allowed Orbic to deliver a rugged tablet that met enterprise-grade standards yet remained accessible to consumers, staying true to their positioning as a provider of affordable, reliable technology.
Impact
Our design and engineering support gave Orbic a rugged tablet that expanded their U.S. product portfolio under the Project Patriot Initiative. The Tab10R proved that rugged products can be functional, durable, and visually appealing without being prohibitively expensive.
Beyond the product itself, we also supported Orbic’s go-to-market efforts. By supplying high-quality CGI renders, we enabled their marketing team to launch with polished visuals that highlighted the tablet’s rugged form and key features. This integration of product design and marketing assets accelerated Orbic’s ability to reach both enterprise and retail customers with a consistent message.
The Tab10R stands as proof of how Bang Design helps global brands move from concept to production, while also equipping them with the storytelling tools needed to succeed in the market.