DCI - ARES
The DCI DigiTrak ARES is an advanced handheld locating system for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), designed to track the precise position, depth, pitch, and heading of an underground drill head in real time. As the industry’s first AI-powered locator, ARES represents a generational leap in trenchless technology, allowing operators to guide bores with unprecedented accuracy to avoid critical underground infrastructure.
ARES reinforces DCI as the undisputed leader in HDD technology, an industry they pioneered. By launching a platform built from the ground up, DCI demonstrates a commitment to long-term customer success. ARES showcases DCI and Tactile’s shared values in creating tools for professionals that meaningfully improve working conditions and serve both the customer and the brand.
Horizontal Directional Drilling
The impact of ARES is tied directly to the benefits of (HDD) itself: keeping cities functioning while essential infrastructure is upgraded. HDD allows for the installation of utilities—fiber optics, water, power, and gas—without trenching open roads, disrupting traffic, or destroying sidewalks and landscapes. ARES enhances this non-invasive method by making it safer and more accurate. By providing clearer data and more reliable tracking, the system reduces the risk of accidental utility strikes, which can cause catastrophic public safety incidents and environmental damage. The efficiency gained means projects are completed faster, reducing the duration of construction noise and emissions. Ultimately, ARES facilitates the rapid deployment of modern infrastructure with minimal surface disruption to the community.
Next Generation
The form language pays homage to the iconic silhouette of DCI’s lineage—preserving the brand’s recognizable profile—while sharpening the lines to reflect modern precision. ARES transforms a physically demanding and mentally taxing job into a streamlined, manageable process. The most immediate benefit is ergonomic: the rebalanced center of mass and contoured handle significantly reduces wrist strain and fatigue during long shifts. By consolidating complex controls into a unified D-Pad and trigger system on the handle, the design allows operators to navigate the entire UI without ever removing their hands from the grip. The shift to physical-only controls ensures total reliability in adverse weather. Touchscreens often fail in rain or mud; ARES’s tactile buttons allow operators to maintain full control while wearing heavy safety gloves.
The aesthetic of ARES is a deliberate balance of “Rugged” and “Refined,” visually communicating its dual identity as a tough job site tool and a precision instrument. Materials are chosen for both durability and visual hierarchy. The handle, base, and screen bezel are wrapped in a durable, lightly textured black overmold. This not only protects the device from drops and impact but also creates a visual distinction between the “touch points” and the structural chassis. The matte finish obscures mud and scratches, ensuring the device retains a professional appearance despite harsh abuse. Branding is integrated subtly through mold textures and laser etching, reinforcing a premium feel. The result is a tool that looks as capable as it performs—solid, balanced, and purpose-built for the challenging environment of underground construction.
