The Bolt (Ai) is actively in production with initial units fielded in early May of 2024.

• VarTech Systems Inc. has introduced a groundbreaking innovation with its new Bolt (Ai) product, a rugged weatherproof edge AI computer.
• The Bolt (Ai) was engineered to meet the needs of modern, high intensity edge AI applications and is equipped with a cutting-edge GPU, CPU, and cooling technology.
• The Bolt (Ai) addresses several intricate engineering challenges by dissipating significant heat produced by AI computing components within a fully sealed weatherproof enclosure.
• Each Bolt (Ai) is engineered for specific customer needs and supports facial recognition, object/defect detection, video analytics, process automation, and predictive maintenance applications.
• The Bolt (Ai) is protected by a Marine Grade 5052 aluminum shell (built to meet IP67) and designed for outdoor operations, washdown areas, and extreme operating conditions.
• The Bolt (Ai) can be tailored with custom I/O connectors, powder coating finishes, power supplies, GPUs, CPUs, and many other features to meet the demands of specific operating locations.

Clemmons, North Carolina, USA, November 12th, 2024 – VarTech Systems Inc. has announced the launch of the Bolt (Ai), an industry first weatherproof industrial edge AI computer. This product represents the company’s first foray into edge AI computing and builds on VarTech’s 36-year history of providing custom industrial computing and engineered solutions for its customers.

The Bolt (Ai) was developed by VarTech engineers as an evolution of the ToughCube, one of the company’s small form factor computer (SFFC) products and was adapted to meet the demands of today's industrial AI computing requirements. The launch of the Bolt (Ai) solidifies VarTech Systems Inc.'s commitment to provide cutting-edge industrial computing and engineered solutions built for the age of AI for its diverse base of customers around the world.

VarTech Systems considers the specific requirements of each application in the creation of customized HMIs, ensuring that their customers' needs are met.

The Bolt (Ai) was developed by VarTech engineers as an evolution of the ToughCube, one of the company’s small form factor computer (SFFC) products and was adapted to meet the demands of today's industrial AI computing requirements. The launch of the Bolt (Ai) solidifies VarTech Systems Inc.'s commitment to provide cutting-edge industrial computing and engineered solutions built for the age of AI for its diverse base of customers around the world.

VarTech Systems considers the specific requirements of each application in the creation of customized HMIs, ensuring that their customers' needs are met.

“We are very excited to launch the Bolt (Ai), an innovative weatherproof AI hardware solution designed to meet the unique challenges of Industry 4.0. The Bolt (Ai) is engineered to seamlessly integrate with the artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities of our industrial partners and customers and delivers unparalleled computing power in a weatherproof shell.” - Kyle Coffman, Chief Operating Officer, VarTech Systems Inc.

Solving a Major Industry Pain Point

The advent of AI computing brings about a new host of engineering challenges, including heat dissipation away from high performance components like GPUs, AI processors, and RAM.

While most edge AI computers available on the market are designed with ample ventilation in the enclosure to help push heat away from these components, this luxury isn’t available for outdoor or industrial applications. In these environments, liquids and other materials can easily enter the unit and cause significant damage to internal components. Creating a fully sealed enclosure protects internal components but simultaneously increases heat accumulation within the unit.

The Bolt (Ai) was engineered specifically to conquer these competing challenges head-on and can be configured to meet specific requirements. The Bolt (Ai)’s innovative cooling systems, coupled with its powder coated aluminum shell, provides the solution to this unique set of challenges. VarTech’s revolutionary approach to the Bolt (Ai)’s design allows the unit to stay cool to maximize its computing power while blocking any materials from entering the unit.

“Having personally witnessed the rapid evolution of the automation field over the past two decades, it's truly exciting to see our Bolt(Ai) make its debut, hosting AI at the Edge in the most extreme environmental conditions imaginable.” – Richard Lachney, President, VarTech Systems Inc.

Bolt (Ai) Summary Specs:*

• Enclosure: Marine Grade 5052 Aluminum (Built to Meet IP67)
• Cooling System: VarTech proprietary architecture with active CPU, GPU, and RAM cooling
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11 and Linux (select versions supported)
• Storage: Up to 4 TB SSD
• I/O Connectors: x9 IP68 rated environmentally sealed circular connectors
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C
• Dimensions: 7.75” x 20.75” x 17.00” (W x L x H) (depending on configuration)
• Weight: Approximately 35 lbs. (depending on configuration)
• Screen: 11.6” with a 16:9 aspect ratio (available upon request)

*All Bolt (Ai) products are built to specification and customizable beyond the baseline features listed above.

Industrial Strength Protection

The Bolt (Ai) carries the same rugged DNA that VarTech’s products are known for and doesn’t compromise durability to accommodate AI computing power. The Bolt (Ai) is constructed of powder coated 5052 aluminum built to meet IP67 / NEMA 4 protection ratings. This level of industrial strength protection allows the Bolt (Ai) to be reliably operated outdoors and in harsh environments that are exposed to liquids, debris, dust, fibers, and other airborne debris.

The weatherproofing of the unit extends to the connection points of the Bolt (Ai) with IP68 rated sealed connectors (D38999, fiber optic cabling, and many other I/O ports are also available with weatherproofing).

Additional Information

More information on the Bolt (Ai) is available on the product page.

About VarTech Systems, Inc.

VarTech Systems Inc. is an industry-leading custom manufacturer of rugged and industrial computers, monitors, HMIs and workstations. For over 36 years, VarTech Systems Inc. has provided world-class engineered solutions built to the exact specifications and requirements of their customers' applications. VarTech Systems Inc. is a US-based company that designs, manufactures, and assembles all their products in the USA within their Clemmons, North Carolina Manufacturing and Research facility.