Bespoke Display System with an Embedded PC
Bespoke Display System with Embedded PC for Industrial Manufacturing
Overview
RDS worked with an industrial manufacturing customer to design and deliver a large-format, wall-mounted display system capable of presenting real-time production and system-performance data. The solution was required to operate reliably in a factory environment, integrating live data feeds while remaining robust, responsive and easy to use.
By delivering a fully bespoke design - from mechanical housing to embedded computing - RDS enabled the customer to gain clearer, real-time visibility of factory operations.
Challenge & Objectives
The customer required a display solution that could be permanently installed within an industrial setting and withstand the environmental demands of a manufacturing floor. Standard commercial displays lacked the durability, integration flexibility and computing performance required.
Key objectives included:
A large-format touchscreen display suitable for clear, shared viewing
A powerful embedded PC capable of processing and displaying real-time production data
Wi‑Fi connectivity for integration with existing factory systems
Reliable solid-state storage to support continuous data handling
A robust, wall-mounted metal enclosure designed for industrial use
Stable, long-term operation in a demanding environment
Design & Development
RDS undertook the full system design using SolidWorks, developing a bespoke mechanical enclosure and internal layout tailored to the customer’s requirements. The design incorporated custom metalwork, providing both structural strength and protection for internal electronics.
A 40-inch TFT display was selected to maximise visibility across the production area, paired with a PCAP touchscreen to deliver accurate and responsive user interaction, even in an industrial setting.
The embedded computing platform was designed to deliver the necessary processing power while maintaining reliability. Solid-state drives (SSDs) were used to support continuous, real-time data access and reduce the risk of failure associated with moving parts.
Prototyping, Testing & Refinement
A one-off prototype unit was manufactured to validate the design in real-world conditions. Unlike lab-based testing alone, the system was installed and tested on-site, allowing the customer and RDS engineers to assess performance under genuine factory conditions.
Feedback from this evaluation phase informed a number of refinements, ensuring the final design met operational expectations before committing to production.
Production & Manufacturing
Following successful prototype approval, the customer commissioned a production run of 10 units. Manufacturing took place at RDS’s facility in Westerham, UK, allowing close control over build quality, assembly and consistency.
RDS managed the complete production process, from mechanical fabrication and system integration through to final assembly.
Outcome & Impact
The completed display system provides clear, real-time insight into factory performance, enabling improved visibility of production metrics and system status across the manufacturing environment.
The customer reported strong satisfaction with the bespoke solution:
“Getting a custom PC with touch at this size really helps out factory automation.”
This project highlights RDS’s ability to deliver custom embedded display systems that integrate seamlessly into industrial environments - from initial design and prototyping through to UK-based production.
Key Takeaways
Bespoke large-format industrial display design
Integrated embedded PC with solid-state storage
Real-world, on-site testing prior to production
UK-based manufacture with end-to-end project delivery
RDS specialises in custom embedded and display solutions for industrial applications where reliability, performance and integration are critical.
