In our Q4 2024 issue of EET&D Magazine, we published an article by Durabook Americas' CEO Sasha Wang on advances in rugged mobile computing, especially in AI-ready mobile devices that have been implemented in electric energy T&D fieldwork, and the resulting benefits to the electric energy industry. For our Q2 Powherful Forces profile, Wang talks about her role as CEO of Durabook Americas, what innovative technology she thinks will have the greatest impact on the industry over the next few years and what she and her team have done to ensure their customers understand and embrace this technology.
Leading with vision and purpose
As president of Durabook Americas, Sasha Wang drives the organization’s strategic direction and operational execution across North and Latin America. At the helm of a dynamic organization in an evolving market, Wang focuses on business growth and market positioning while delivering rugged computer solutions that serve mission-critical sectors.
Wang’s leadership is rooted in designing and building integrated technology ecosystems in collaboration with Durabook’s customers and partners. By aligning global R&D innovation with regional needs, Wang ensures that every initiative Durabook pursues delivers real-world value to frontline professionals and enterprise stakeholders alike
Fueling passion
With a background in product planning and designing commercial devices for enterprise applications, Wang quickly realized that most enterprise solutions were built primarily for in-office use, often overlooking the needs of those working in the field. “What truly resonated with me was the impact technology could have when it was developed with a deep understanding of field conditions and user realities,” said Wang. That insight has fueled Wang’s passion for more than 15 years.
Wang did not plan a career in rugged computing, but once she stepped into the space, she felt an instant connection with the industry. “I’ve always been captivated by the ways technology can tackle real-world challenges – how it empowers people to achieve more with fewer resources and more quickly, especially in high-pressure, high-stakes environments,” Wang said.
Joining Durabook marked a pivotal moment in Wang’s career, where she saw the potential to revitalize the brand and drive rugged computing into a new era: one defined by machine intelligence, invention and seamless connectivity.
Enabling progress
For Wang, innovation isn’t just about launching new products – it’s about reimagining what’s possible. In her opinion, true leadership means listening with intention, making bold choices and fostering growth in others. According to Wang, the most transformative breakthroughs happen when leadership and novelty are grounded in teamwork and strengthened by trusted partnerships.
Enabling progress is what Wang considers to be the most rewarding aspect of her work. Seeing how her company’s technology empowers frontline professionals to work safer, smarter and faster. Whether it’s an energy technician restoring power after a hurricane or a field engineer performing predictive maintenance on critical infrastructure, Wang feels it is Durabook’s purpose to make their mission more effective.
Wang finds purpose in helping others advance, but she believes that the real magic happens behind the scenes. “I deeply enjoy collaborating with our teams, engaging in open, creative brainstorming where we learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences,” said Wang. “Those conversations often spark the most innovative ideas and help us uncover unique solutions that truly anticipate and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Reshaping the industry with AI
According to Wang, technology is the foundation of modern safety and security in high-risk industries, but she emphasizes that safety doesn’t stop at physical threats. As operations become more connected, cybersecurity is just as critical. That’s why her company’s rugged solutions are built with multi-layered protection, including secure boot systems, built-in encryption and remote device management, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring operational continuity.
Wang points to AI as the most transformative force across the energy industry – particularly when integrated into rugged field devices. Today’s AI is no longer limited to centralized data centers or back-end systems; it now powers real-time decision-making directly at the edge. Whether it’s through predictive maintenance, anomaly detection or intelligent automation, AI-enabled rugged devices are helping frontline workers operate smarter, more safely and with greater autonomy. AI is also reshaping how the electric energy industry approaches field operations.
However, Wang is quick to add that harnessing AI in the field isn’t just about performance – it’s also about reliability. Devices must not only process complex data locally but must also withstand extreme conditions, from harsh weather to shock, vibration and long duty cycles. Longevity, serviceability and consistent performance are non-negotiable.
Wang views balancing sustainability with operational reliability as the utility industry’s greatest challenge. Companies are under mounting pressure to lower carbon intensity, embrace cleaner practices and modernize aging infrastructure – all while maintaining uptime and profitability in an increasingly volatile global market. To meet these demands, Wang holds that the industry must accelerate its digital transformation to bring about intelligent, connected field solutions that blend rugged mobility with real-time data and advanced analytics. This is where she sees artificial intelligence as a game-changer – enabling predictive maintenance, automated inspections, intelligent workflows and dynamic decision-making at the edge.
By leveraging AI-powered insights, Wang believes field teams can proactively identify and address issues before they escalate, optimize asset performance and make faster, data-driven decisions – all without compromising safety or efficiency. She also believes that AI doesn’t replace people – it enhances their capabilities and helps the industry move toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
Changing mindsets
Wang has experience overcoming resistance to digital transformation in traditionally change-averse environments. However, introducing rugged digital tools, data-driven workflows and AI-enhanced decision-making hasn’t been just a matter of adapting to technology – it has been about changing mindsets. Wang has learned how to bridge that gap between modernization and trust, between what's possible and what feels practical on the ground.
Although it took time to engender her colleagues’ acceptance of new technology, Wang understood the value of working closely with teams and partners in the field and having them participate in brainstorming solutions, was the most effective way forward for everyone involved. Through empathy, co-creation and demonstrating real-world value, Wang has successfully led efforts to modernize field operations – proving that trust and technology can evolve together.
Currently, Wang’s team is working on next-gen rugged platforms that combine AI acceleration capabilities with Durabook’s durability engineering. This includes incorporating AI-ready chipsets, enhanced thermal designs and modular upgrade paths to ensure futureproofing and long-term support in mission-critical environments. Additionally, Durabook is collaborating with its partners to develop domain-specific solutions that are optimized for the edge – from energy asset inspections using computer vision, to real-time environmental monitoring for safety compliance.
Customers are the heartbeat
When Wang talks about her work with Durabook, she speaks with enthusiasm, but she credits the resilience and dedication of those customers working on the front lines with driving her passion. Everyone – from linemen restoring power grids in the aftermath of a storm to engineers monitoring pressure valves in remote deserts or technicians navigating wildfires and deep freezes – relies on technology they can trust, often in life-critical situations.
Advice for Young Pros Interested in Electric Energy
As much as Sasha Wang talks about her passion for her work, fostering a culture rooted in purpose, creation and shared success is equally meaningful to her. To build something with the company’s partners, as well as its employees, fulfills both Durabook’s and Wang’s mission. With that in mind, EET&D asked Wang what advice she can offer young professionals entering into the utility sector.
Sasha Wang’s advice for young professionals entering into the electric energy sector:
Enter the energy sector with curiosity and a strong sense of purpose. This is a dynamic and complex industry, but within that complexity lies incredible opportunity – opportunity to innovate, impact and contribute to something bigger than yourself.
Don’t be intimidated by the challenges – embrace them. Every challenge you face is also a valuable learning moment. It’s through solving tough problems, adapting to change and navigating uncertainty that you grow not just professionally, but personally.
Invest time in understanding the full picture – from the office to the front lines. Field experience is essential. It grounds your ideas in reality, gives context to your strategy and shows you how innovation actually plays out where it matters most.
And always remember – success in this sector isn’t achieved alone. It takes collaboration. Work closely with your team, seek out mentors and be open to diverse perspectives. Some of the best ideas come from brainstorming with others, learning from different disciplines and building solutions together. The future of energy depends on collective effort – and your voice can be part of that transformation
For women, specifically, those entering the workforce, Wang offers the following advice:
Don’t shrink yourself to fit a mold – create your own path. This industry needs your perspective, your voice and your ideas. Be confident, trust yourself and know that you belong in every room where decisions are being made.
Dare to ask questions, even when you’re unsure – that’s how you learn, grow and lead. No one has all the answers from day one, but those who succeed are the ones who stay curious and keep learning every day.
Speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Your insights are valuable. Seek allies who lift you up but also be that ally for others. And remember strength and empathy are not opposites – they are powerful together.
Your authenticity is your greatest asset. Own it, evolve it and let it guide you as you rise.
Sasha Wang is president of Durabook Americas, the business division that specifically and exclusively serves the commercial sector of North America. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the rugged-computer industry and previously served as Durabook's director of global sales and marketing.
