A partnership-led in-vehicle command solution for blue light operations
VNC Automotive Cobalt Cube® and Durabook R11
Background
VNC Automotive and Durabook are working together to address the evolving technology requirements of blue light and specialist fleet vehicles. The partnership brings together vehicle integration expertise and rugged mobility hardware to support frontline operations without adding unnecessary complexity to the vehicle environment.
Rather than focusing on a single deployed end customer, the collaboration demonstrates a solution-led approach, reflecting the realities of fleet evaluation, trials and staged roll-outs commonly seen across emergency services.
Introduction
VNC Automotive and Durabook have partnered to demonstrate a flexible, vehicle-integrated command solution designed to meet the evolving needs of blue light and specialist fleet operations. The collaboration brings together VNC Automotive’s Cobalt Cube® in-vehicle integration platform and the Durabook R11 rugged tablet, enabling mission-critical applications to be displayed and controlled directly through a vehicle’s existing Android Auto screen. The solution is designed to support frontline operations while maintaining safety, usability and fleet flexibility. Rather than focusing on a single deployed end user, this case study highlights a solution-led approach, reflecting how many emergency services evaluate, trial and adopt new in-vehicle technologies.
Challenge
Modern blue light vehicles present increasingly complex environments for additional technology. Larger infotainment systems, enhanced safety features and stricter regulations around driver distraction leave limited space for extra screens and fixed hardware.
At the same time, officers and responders rely on access to essential digital tools, including:
- mobile data terminals (MDT)
- mapping and situational awareness applications
- camera and ANPR systems
- secure communications and control platforms
Traditional fixed installations can increase vehicle conversion costs, reduce flexibility across mixed fleets and negatively impact vehicle resale value — particularly as services transition towards electric and frequently changing vehicle platforms.
Solution
To address these challenges, VNC Automotive and Durabook developed a joint solution combining Cobalt Cube® with the Durabook R11 rugged tablet.
Cobalt Cube enables the R11 tablet and its applications to be securely displayed and controlled via the vehicle’s Android Auto screen. The system connects via USB, allowing for a non-invasive, plug-and-play installation that avoids permanent modification to the vehicle interior.
By using the vehicle’s existing display and audio systems, the solution reduces the need for additional dashboard hardware, supporting a cleaner, safer and more ergonomic cabin environment while maintaining access to mission-critical applications.
The platform is vehicle-agnostic and supports a range of use scenarios, including MDT access, camera and ANPR control, smartphone integration and multi-screen configurations for specialist units.
Benefits
The integrated solution delivers a number of practical benefits for blue light services operating in increasingly constrained vehicle environments. By reducing the number of additional screens and devices in the front cabin, the setup supports safer in-vehicle operation and helps minimise driver distraction. The plug-and-play installation approach allows vehicles to be deployed more quickly and with fewer permanent modifications, lowering conversion and de-installation costs over the vehicle lifecycle. Crucially, the vehicle-agnostic design provides greater flexibility across mixed fleets, enabling equipment to be redeployed as vehicles change, while helping services protect vehicle value and support longer-term fleet planning.
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