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Custom Computer Designs


At Rugged Science, we specialize in custom computer designs engineered for demanding environments. Our experienced engineering team transforms complex requirements into ruggedized, mission-ready solutions—starting from initial concept through to full-scale production. Every project is handled collaboratively to ensure dependable, cost-effective results tailored to your operational needs.

  • Mechanical Engineers: Experts in SWaP-C optimization
  • Electrical Engineers: Specialists in in-house board design
  • Computer Engineers: Masters of BIOS and IPMI customization
  • Test Engineers: Shock, vibration, and EMI testing to MIL-STD-810 standards

Production-Ready Designs

Cost-effective, pre-designed systems with configurable options for quick deployment and minimal lead time.

Modified Designs

Enhanced designs with tailored expansions, connectors, and features to meet specific operational needs.

Fully Custom Hardware

Bespoke computer solutions engineered from the ground up for mission-critical applications and unique environments.

Four industrial computers from Rugged Science: SPC-9000 Ultra Compact Rugged Fanless Embedded Computer, EAC-6000 Compact NVIDIA Jetson Rugged AI Computer, ECX-3000 24-Core Fanless High Performance Computer, and RCX-3000-PEG Dual-NVIDIA GPU Industrial Computer.

Production-Ready Designs

Rugged Science offers production-ready custom computer designs that are optimized for fast deployment and flexible configuration. These systems provide a cost-efficient foundation while supporting a wide range of performance, I/O, and expansion requirements across industries like defense, automation, and transportation.

  • Full-size PCI or PCIe x4, x8, x16 expansion ports
  • Mini-PCIe, M.2, and SUMIT add-on options
  • Multiple Ethernet configurations, including 10/100/1000/2.5G/10G
  • RS-232/422/485 ports and isolated digital I/O
  • Copper and fiber optic interfaces via SFP modules

These rugged systems are engineered for seamless integration with your infrastructure. Our sales engineers work directly with you to determine if a pre-engineered solution can meet your needs—reducing lead times, cost, and design complexity while still delivering mission-critical reliability.

Modified Designs

For projects that don’t require a full redesign, Rugged Science offers modified production systems—an ideal middle ground in our range of custom computer designs. Leveraging modular architecture, we tailor off-the-shelf computers with targeted upgrades to meet specific environmental, functional, or branding requirements—without the lead times of a fully custom build.

Our modification process includes:

  • Custom expansion cards to support unique peripherals or protocols
  • Tailored I/O configurations and specialized connector types
  • Redesigned faceplates and backplates for precise port placement
  • Ruggedized cable assemblies for high-vibration environments
  • Custom finishes, silk-screening, and private-label branding

We also validate compatibility with third-party expansion cards and specialized interfaces, giving you the flexibility to adapt systems for NEMA-rated, legacy, or industry-specific equipment. Modified designs are ideal for applications in transportation, energy, and factory automation—where reliability and adaptability are key.

Stack of MILCORTEX computers showcasing five models, starting with the MILCORTEX 1000 at the top and ending with the MILCORTEX 4000 at the bottom.
Compilation of three computer types on a time vs. budget graph: a stock computer labeled 'Production Ready,' a ruggedized computer labeled 'Production Modified,' and the Cerberus rugged 3-monitor server. Below the graph are hero images of the Cerberus server and its closed case.

Fully Custom Hardware

For applications that demand unique solutions, Rugged Science offers fully custom hardware designed from the ground up. Our consultative design process ensures every aspect of the computer—hardware, software, and mechanical design—is tailored to your operational needs and environmental conditions.

  • Processor and GPU selection based on compute requirements
  • Advanced thermal and structural engineering for harsh environments
  • Custom enclosures optimized for size, weight, and power (SWaP)
  • Integration of specialized components, including proprietary modules
  • Comprehensive testing to meet shock, vibration, EMI, and ingress standards

Our portfolio includes groundbreaking projects such as portable server clusters, dual-monitor network stations, and submersible embedded systems. No matter how complex or demanding the challenge, Rugged Science delivers fully custom hardware built to exceed expectations.

With decades of experience and a proven track record, our team ensures your custom computer design is reliable, efficient, and ready for deployment in any environment.