Getac Unveils AI Utility Ecosystem at DTECH 2026

IRVINE, Calif. – January 28, 2026 – As the utility industry grapples with an aging grid, escalating climate pressures, and the complexities of digital transformation, Getac Technology Corporation is set to showcase a significant strategic evolution at the upcoming DTECH 2026 conference. The company, a long-standing leader in rugged computing, is moving beyond standalone hardware to present a comprehensive, AI-powered ecosystem designed to address the core operational challenges facing modern electric, gas, and water utilities.

From February 3-5 in San Diego, attendees at the premier transmission and distribution event will see Getac demonstrate not just its next-generation rugged laptops and tablets, but an integrated suite of solutions developed with key industry partners. This move signals a broader trend in industrial technology: the shift from providing durable tools to delivering holistic, intelligent systems that enhance efficiency, bolster security, and lower the total cost of ownership for critical infrastructure operators.

The New Frontier: AI in the Field

The most significant challenge for utilities today is transitioning from a reactive maintenance model to a predictive and proactive one. Getac's DTECH showcase directly targets this issue by embedding artificial intelligence into the fabric of field operations. The company's new AI-enabled rugged devices are engineered with the processing power to handle complex analytical tasks at the network's edge, where data is most immediate and valuable.

This capability is powerfully amplified through a partnership with SEW.AI, a firm specializing in AI-native platforms for the energy and utility sector. The integration promises to transform Getac’s devices from simple data-entry terminals into intelligent assistants for field technicians. By leveraging the SEW.AI platform, field teams can receive real-time, role-based intelligence that supports safer work execution, optimizes routes and schedules, and provides predictive insights into asset health. Instead of merely reporting a fault, a technician can be guided by AI-driven analysis to identify potential upstream or downstream issues, preventing future outages and improving overall grid reliability.

This synergy addresses a critical industry pain point: turning the massive volumes of operational data generated by sensors, drones, and manual inspections into actionable intelligence. By processing this data directly on a rugged device in the field, Getac and its partners aim to empower technicians with the tools for immediate, informed decision-making, significantly reducing diagnostic times and improving first-time fix rates.

Securing the Grid: An Integrated Defense

As utilities become more connected, they also become more vulnerable. The security of critical infrastructure is a paramount concern, governed by stringent standards like the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP). Getac's ecosystem strategy places a heavy emphasis on building a multi-layered defense for its utility clients.

Central to this strategy is the integration with Absolute Software, a leader in persistent security and endpoint resilience. This partnership provides utility providers with continuous visibility and control over their entire fleet of Getac devices, no matter how dispersed the workforce. For an industry managing assets from dense urban centers to remote rural substations, the ability to remotely secure, manage, and, if necessary, wipe a lost or compromised device is not a luxury but a necessity. This ensures compliance with NERC CIP standards by providing a transparent and auditable trail of device integrity.

The security framework is further strengthened by robust connectivity solutions. Getac's collaboration with Semtech showcases the integration of AirLink® rugged networking technology. This ensures that field devices maintain unified and persistent cellular connectivity, even in remote areas with traditionally poor coverage. Reliable data transmission is the backbone of any modern field operation, enabling real-time asset monitoring, secure communication, and the consistent flow of data required for AI-driven analytics and cybersecurity oversight.

Beyond the Device: A Strategy for Total Cost of Ownership

Getac's presentation at DTECH 2026 makes a clear statement: the future of industrial technology lies in comprehensive ecosystems, not isolated products. By featuring solutions from Semtech (connectivity), Absolute Software (security), SEW.AI (workforce intelligence), and RAM® Mounts (ergonomic vehicle integration), the company is positioning itself as a central hub for utility modernization.

"Utility field operations face unique challenges that go far beyond rugged hardware," said Rick Geisendorff, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Getac North America, in a statement. "Our participation at DTECH 2026 demonstrates Getac's commitment to providing complete solutions that improve efficiency, lower total cost of ownership, and support field teams with the tools they need to succeed."

This ecosystem approach is designed to directly impact a utility's bottom line. The initial investment in rugged hardware is justified by a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) achieved through reduced downtime, minimized repair costs, and an extended equipment lifecycle. By integrating solutions that optimize workflows, predict failures, and enhance security, Getac argues that utilities can realize even greater returns. For example, the durable and secure mounting solutions from RAM® Mounts ensure that devices are both accessible and protected in utility vehicles, preventing costly damage and improving technician efficiency.

This strategy sets Getac apart in a competitive landscape that includes established players like Panasonic Toughbook and Dell Rugged. While all offer durable hardware, Getac is betting that utility customers are increasingly looking for a single, trusted partner to deliver a pre-integrated, field-ready solution that solves complex business problems. The company's efforts are further underscored by the fact that its devices will also be featured in integrated demonstrations at the booths of other industry partners, including Anterix, Havis, and Gamber-Johnson, showcasing the breadth of its collaborative efforts. As utilities continue their journey of digital transformation, this holistic, intelligence-driven approach to field operations may very well define the new industry standard.