What Is a Terminal?
Terminals are the points of entry and exit of electric current in an electric circuit.
In general, it refers to the equipment and devices at the end of communication lines and networks, including the electronic components that make them up and the peripherals that are connected to them.
Types of Terminals
Terminals that perform data input/output at the end of Internet communications include PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
In recent years, in addition to these terminals, audio equipment, watches, home appliances, automobiles, buildings, factories, and many other items have become connected to the Internet, expanding the scope of terminals. Devices that can be connected to the Internet are known as the Internet of Things (IoT) and are expected to grow, especially in the industrial sector.
Types of Industrial Terminals
Industrial PCs are typical terminals used in the industrial field.
PCs are used in a wide range of fields, including factory automation, medical care, distribution, and digital signage. Industrial PCs must be resistant to shock, vibration, static electricity, dust, and unstable power supplies, and have a stable supply that can be maintained over the long term.
Terminals with higher durability, availability, and maintainability than consumer PCs, such as fanless PCs and box PCs, are used in factory automation control, where industrial PCs are used more frequently.
The use of industrial mobile terminals is also expanding rapidly, and panel PCs such as tablets are being introduced in all industries. Panel PCs are also being used in fields familiar to our daily lives, such as hospitals, train stations, retail stores, restaurants, and vending machines.
In the logistics, manufacturing, and retail industries, handy terminals are used for inventory control, receiving/shipping inspection, delivery, and pickup, and the use of wearable terminals is also expanding.