Resources
Resources
All Documents, Tools, and Guides in One Place
Resources
Resources
All Documents, Tools, and Guides in One Place
Mobile Data Terminal Hardware for Vehicle-Based Operations
2025-12-24

Mobile Data Terminal Hardware for Vehicle-Based Operations

Rugged Android MDTs designed to integrate with third-party fleet, police, and dispatch systems

Figure 1: Rugged TOPICON Mobile Data Terminal hardware deployed across different vehicle platforms

What Is a Mobile Data Terminal?

A Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) is an in-vehicle computing device used to connect vehicles with central management or dispatch systems. Modern MDTs typically function as hardware endpoints, running third-party applications for fleet management, public safety, logistics, or field operations.

TOPICON provides enterprise-grade MDT hardware platforms, enabling system integrators and solution providers to deploy their own software reliably in harsh vehicle environments.

Direct vehicle connection

Runs partner software

Designed for vehicle use

What TOPICON Mobile Data Terminals Provide

Hardware Platform Features

  • Rugged Android operating system

  • Vehicle-grade power & ignition control

  • Multiple I/O for cameras,  sensors

  • High-brightness display for in-vehicle use

  • Cradle & mounting ecosystem

  • MDM compatibility

Our MDTs provide extensive connectivity options for system integration

What TOPICON MDTs Do NOT Replace

It's important to clarify our hardware-first approach:

TOPICON MDTs do not replace fleet management software, dispatch platforms, or backend systems.

Instead, they are designed to serve as stable, long-life hardware terminals for running third-party MDT, CAD, AVL, or telematics applications.

Figure 2: TOPICON MDT hardware serves as the foundation for partner software solutions

Who Uses Our Mobile Data Terminal Hardware

FMS

Fleet Management System Providers

Hardware platform for vehicle telematics and dispatch solutions

SI

Police & Public Safety System Integrators

Rugged terminals for CAD/RMS and emergency response systems

TSV

Telematics Solution Vendors

Vehicle data collection and transmission hardware

OEM

Vehicle OEM / Upfitting Partners

Factory-installed or aftermarket computing platforms

Mobile Data Terminal Use Scenarios

Police Patrol Vehicles

Running CAD software for dispatch, database queries, and incident reporting

Truck & Fleet Dispatch Vehicles

Displaying route information, ELD data, and receiving dispatch assignments

Utility & Service Vehicles

Accessing work orders, manuals, and field data collection applications

Engineering & Special-Purpose Vehicles

Running specialized monitoring, control, or data acquisition software

Emergency Response Vehicles

Providing real-time situational awareness and communication interfaces

Logistics & Delivery Vehicles

Supporting proof of delivery, inventory management, and route optimization apps

Recommended Mobile Data Terminal Models

All TOPICON MDTs are designed as hardware platforms for third-party system deployment, offering different form factors and specifications to match your integration requirements.

MDT865

8" Standard Platform

Balanced performance for most vehicle applications

Specifications

MDT880

8" Enhanced Platform

5G Higher processing power and connectivity options

Specifications

MDT1065

10.1" Large Screen

Maximum display area for complex data and forms

Specifications

MDT665

5.7"  Compact Platform

Space-constrained or extreme environment applications

Specifications

Mobile Data Terminal vs Consumer Tablets

Key Differentiator TOPICON MDT Hardware Consumer Tablet
Power Control Vehicle-grade power management with ignition sensing Basic charging, no vehicle power optimization
Mounting & Vibration Secure docking, MIL-STD-810G vibration resistance Consumer mounts, fails under vehicle vibration
Long-term Availability 5-7+ year product lifecycle, stable supply Short model cycles, frequent obsolescence
I/O & Vehicle Integration Multiple industrial I/O,  peripheral ports Limited consumer ports, no vehicle interfaces
Operating Environment -20°C to 60°C, IP67/68 sealed 0°C to 35°C, no environmental sealing

Ready to Evaluate MDT Hardware for Your Solution?

Our technical team provides detailed specifications and integration support for system providers.

Request Hardware SpecificationsDiscuss Integration RequirementsContact Us for MDT Hardware Evaluation                  We focus on MDT hardware design and manufacturing. Our devices are built to integrate with third-party fleet, public safety, and industrial software systems.
Chat with us on WhatsApp!