Sector Guide
Here’s a peek at some of latest new products... New Toughbook 56 reimagines rugged mobility
THE TOUGHBOOK 56 is Panasonic’s next- generation compact rugged laptop, available from May 2026 and succeeding the Toughbook 55. It is the first model to apply Panasonic’s ‘Engineered for Motion’ design approach, with a focus on ergonomics for remote workers in defence, field services, utilities, and automotive environments. The device
introduces a wider, retractable ErgoGrip Handle made from textured resin to improve grip and reduce fatigue during extended carrying. A latch free ErgoGrip Edge design supports one handed operation, including when wearing gloves. The retractable ErgoGrip Hinge helps protect the screen during transport and opening, particularly in demanding conditions. The Toughbook 56 is the first rugged laptop to support simultaneous use of up to three wired LAN connections (1Gb, 2.5Gb, and 10Gb). Users can select the most efficient connection for each task. With a 10Gb LAN module, an 80Gb file can be transferred in approximately 95 seconds.
This capability supports workflows such as:
• Defence: downloading data from multiple devices and dispatching configuration profiles.
• Telecoms: fibre testing, network updates, and rapid transfer of field data such as IoT sensor outputs.
• Automotive R&D: running diagnostics across separate network channels. The device includes Wi Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, with optional integrated 4G and 5G private network support.
46 | March/April 2026 Maintaining the
Toughbook 55’s form factor, the Toughbook 56 moves to a 14 inch, 16:10 display to improve visibility of data rich and multi application workflows. A 10 finger capacitive touchscreen variant is available, featuring an updated Auto Mode that automatically detects fingers, gloves, pens, or combined input without manual switching. Brightness ranges
from up to 1,000 cd/m² for outdoor use down to 1 cd/m² for low light or sensitive environments.
The device incorporates Intel AI Boost, the most powerful NPU used in a Toughbook to date, enabling on device AI processing without reliance on cloud connectivity. It uses the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 235H with Intel vPro, with an optional Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 265H for increased performance. Running Windows 11 Pro, the Toughbook 56 supports user upgradeable RAM and SSD. It is compatible with the optional AMD Radeon W7500M 8GB graphics chip for workloads such as 3D mapping, simulation, and CAD. The device continues Panasonic’s modular design
approach, offering three expansion areas and a wide range of port options. Most peripherals from the Toughbook 55 remain compatible.
Battery life is up to 12 hours on a single charge, extendable to 24 hours with two hot swappable batteries. Designed with reference to MIL STD 810H and rated IP53 for dust and water resistance, the Toughbook 56 includes identity first hardware and software security features intended to reduce risks related to device compromise, drivers, and firmware, and to support end to end encryption.
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