Sharing expertise in vision and edge Ai.

Joint initiatives, workshops and technology exchange will support the development and practical testing of Ai based image processing applications.

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has joined IPAI in Heilbronn (D) as a partner. The industrial camera manufacturer is contributing its expertise to the network, particularly in the areas of computer vision and edge Ai. At the same time, IDS aims to engage with companies, research institutions and technology partners to develop new Ai applications together, share experience and discuss current issues surrounding artificial intelligence.

IPAI is an innovation platform for applied artificial intelligence and supports companies and institutions in their Ai transformation. With the Ai campus currently being developed in Heilbronn, IPAI aims to create Europe’s leading centre for applied artificial intelligence. The ecosystem brings together expertise from a wide range of fields and provides an environment in which new ideas and approaches can be explored and advanced.

Learning, experimenting and developing together.
Through the partnership, IDS aims to draw on the experience and inspiration provided by the network to further develop the use of Ai within the company. In addition, the image processing specialist wants to actively share its own know-how as an "expert for the eyes" with the community and play a key role in topics relating to computer vision. The focus is on questions that are crucial to many industrial Ai applications: How can visual data be used effectively for Ai? What requirements does Ai place on camera technology? And how canAi methods be used directly on or close to the camera?

"For us, artificial intelligence is not just a topic for the future. It is already an integral part of specific developments and applications today. At the same time, there are still many questions that we, as a company, do not want to and cannot answer in isolation. What matters is collaboration: learning from one another, exploring approaches together and using them to develop solutions that deliver real added value in practice. "IPAI offers an exciting environment for this," says Jan Hartmann, Managing Partner at IDS.

From idea to application.
IDS specifically focuses on formats that combine knowledge transfer with hands-on experimentation. The new “Ai Vision Circle” gives IPAI members an opportunity to exchange ideas on Ai based image processing and further develop them together. With a Vision Readiness Check and computer vision hackathons, the industrial camera manufacturer supports participants in identifying potential and testing concrete solutions. In addition, they can borrow IDS cameras for their projects and receive expert advice on their use. Exploring new requirements and applications together also helps IDS look beyond today’s use cases.

Ai directly on the camera.
From a technology perspective, IDS has also been working with artificial intelligence for many years. With IDS NXT, the company offers a complete system for deploying intelligent cameras. This expertise is now increasingly being incorporated into the uEye Live portfolio for industrial process monitoring. Ai enabled monitoring cameras allow Ai based image analysis on-the-edge. Powerful neural networks from IDS partner DENKweit handle typical tasks such as rapid object and position detection, precise parcel handling and efficient code reading.

For IDS, the partnership also opens up new perspectives on future requirements for cameras and machine vision. Dialogue with stakeholders from industry, research and technology helps the company identify new fields of application at an early stage and understand how technological developments, such as vibe coding or quantum computing, may change applications and business models. IDS intends to incorporate the insights gained into the development of future cameras and computer vision components.

---

@IDS_Imaging @mepaxIntPR #IPAI #Pauto #Ai

High-performance edge computing multiscreened platform with Ai performance.

Displays maps, video streams and operational data across three 14-inch screens while bringing powerful Ai processing directly into the field.

Bressner Technology is expanding its range of rugged mobile computing systems with the Durabook Z14I-DX3, an exceptional mobile workstation that combines three Full HD touchscreens with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra technology and optional NVIDIA® graphics acceleration. It has been developed for applications in which large volumes of information need to be assessed simultaneously and a conventional laptop would quickly reach its limits.

The Z14I-DX3 is available from Bressner with immediate effect. The company sees potential applications particularly in government agencies and emergency services, energy and utilities, field engineering, maritime environments and industrial operations.

Three displays, one integrated workspace.
In addition to its central 14-inch display, the Z14I-DX3 features two fold-out side screens. Within moments, the system can be transformed into a mobile workstation with three full-size displays. For transport, the additional screens fold inwards and remain securely attached to the device. No separate monitors, cables or mounting hardware are required.

The additional screen space is particularly useful when several sources of information need to remain visible at the same time. An operational map can be shown on the main screen, for example, while a live video stream runs on the second display and telemetry or sensor data is presented on the third. This arrangement also simplifies the control of unmanned systems, technical diagnostics and the monitoring of geographically distributed equipment.

All three touchscreens provide Full HD resolution, a brightness of 1,200 nits and DynaVue® technology for improved readability in direct sunlight. They can be operated using a finger, gloves or a stylus and continue to support reliable input in wet conditions. Display brightness can be adjusted simultaneously across all three screens or individually for each display.

Processing power for demanding edge applications.
The Z14I-DX3 is powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors with an integrated Intel® AI Boost NPU. This enables AI-assisted workloads to be processed directly on the device, reducing dependence on a reliable connection to data centers or cloud services. This is a significant advantage in remote locations and time-critical operations.

For more demanding applications, Durabook offers a choice of dedicated NVIDIA® GPUs. Available options include the RTX™ A500 AI accelerator, RTX™ 3500 Ada and RTX™ 5000 Ada. The most powerful configuration delivers up to 682 TOPS and is suitable for tasks such as real-time image recognition, sensor fusion and local video analysis. Combined with the platform’s CPU and NPU, the system’s total Ai performance exceeds this figure.

“The Z14I-DX3 rugged mobile laptop with its triple-screen design is a prime example of how Durabook is moving beyond the expected evolution of rugged computing,” said Fred Kao, CEO of Twinhead. “The Z14I-DX3 combines the capabilities customers expect from a rugged Durabook computer with an expansive multi-screen workspace and Ai performance in a powerful edge computing platform.” 

Modern and legacy connectivity.
Mobile operations often require both new and existing equipment to be connected. The Z14I-DX3 therefore offers a broad selection of interfaces, including Thunderbolt™ 4, two RJ-45 Ethernet ports, two serial RS-232 ports, ExpressCard 54 and USB ports spanning several generations.

Wireless connectivity is provided through Intel® Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth® 5.4. Depending on the selected configuration, the workstation can also be equipped with dedicated GPS as well as 4G LTE or 5G mobile connectivity. Nano-SIM and eSIM are supported.

Two removable NVMe PCIe SSDs can be exchanged without tools in a matter of seconds. This makes it easier to switch between different operational profiles and supports the secure handling of sensitive data. Security options include a smart card reader, a Windows Hello-compatible webcam, an RFID/NFC reader and a fingerprint sensor.

Designed for use beyond protected office environments.
The Z14I-DX3 is certified to MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G. Its design therefore addresses both mechanical stresses and operation in electromagnetically demanding environments. The rugged construction makes the workstation a mobile alternative for tasks that have traditionally required a fixed command station or several separate devices.

Bressner supports users in selecting the appropriate processor, graphics solution, storage capacity and communication options. The company can also assist with integrating the workstation into existing IT and operational environments.

---

@BRESSNER_Tech@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #PAuto #Display #Ai

Edge Ai system.

Designed to simplify enterprise deployment of private LLMs, AI agents, RAG applications and multimodal AI while supporting flexible accelerator configurations.

Aetina Corporation has launched of MegaEdge AIP-RQ87, a ready-to-deploy 2U edge agentic AI system designed to help enterprises and system integrators (SIs) rapidly implement AI agent, private LLM, RAG application, multimodal AI, and AI-driven intelligent automation. Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors with high-bandwidth PCIe Gen5 x16 architecture, AIP-RQ87 delivers enterprise-grade AI computing in a compact 2U rackmount design purpose-built for on-premises and edge deployment.

As enterprises transition from AI experimentation to production, organizations demand on-premises solutions delivering robust performance, data security, and seamless integration. Traditional AI servers often require complex infrastructure planning, large footprints, and specialized resources. AIP-RQ87 addresses these challenges with a compact 2U chassis, flexible AI accelerator support, high power capacity, exclusive Power Distribution Board (PDB) design, and modular tool-less maintenance—enabling businesses to reduce deployment complexity while efficiently deploying advanced AI workloads where data is generated.

Deconstructing heterogeneous edge computing: A Highly Flexible Modular AI Inference Platform.
MegaEdge AIP-RQ87 is purpose-built for system integrators, AI developers, research labs, and SMEs, delivering a flexible on-premises AI platform that eliminates the complexity of traditional infrastructure. The system features high-bandwidth, low-latency PCIe Gen5 x16 architecture with support for both NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Series GPUs and Qualcomm® Cloud AI 100 Ultra accelerators—allowing enterprises to select optimal computing configurations based on workload requirements, power constraints, and budget.

AIP-RQ87 integrates Intel® Core™ Ultra 5/7/9 processors with Intel® Q870 chipset, supporting up to 256GB DDR5 memory within a compact 2U footprint (500mm depth). Optimized for private large-parameter LLMs, RAG, and enterprise AI inference, the platform enables deployment of AI agents, multimodal AI, and intelligent automation across verticals—from knowledge assistants and legal compliance to video analytics and smart retail.

Proprietary hardware innovations for maximum field reliability.
To enable stable operation of dual 600W AI accelerators in a compact 2U edge system, AIP-RQ87 incorporates patent-pending hardware innovations and industrial-grade specifications:

• Proprietary Power Distribution Board (PDB) [Patent Pending]: Aetina’s innovative “cable-free split-circuitry design” disrupts conventional chassis designs plagued by dense cable bundles. By distributing power through a centralized backplane, this architecture optimizes delivery to high-wattage accelerators, reduces cable clutter, and enhances stability during sustained high-load operations.
• Modular Tool-Less GPU and SATA Box Design [Patent Pending]: This service-friendly innovation enables instant tool-free hardware installation, upgrades, and maintenance—significantly reducing mean time to repair (MTTR) while improving service efficiency and deployment flexibility
• 2000W Power Supply: Integrated industrial-grade high-wattage PSU provides maintainable power capacity for mission-critical AI applications—ideal for smart retail, smart cities, enterprise data centers, and edge nodes requiring continuous operation.
• Featured 1x 10G LAN Port (10GbE): High-speed 10GbE transmission eliminates bandwidth bottlenecks in massive data exchange and distributed machine learning, ensuring millisecond-level responsiveness and optimized AI inference performance.

Enabling Private AI, Intelligent Automation, and Real-Time Decisions.
As enterprise AI progresses from proof-of-concept toward scaled deployment, organizations prioritize data sovereignty, deployment efficiency, and long-term operations over model performance alone. For enterprises processing sensitive data internally while minimizing cloud dependency, on-premises AI deployment is becoming critical.

MegaEdge AIP-RQ87 helps enterprises retain core data internally, reduce cloud transfer costs and latency, and provide controllable computing foundations for private LLMs and AI agents. Key deployment scenarios span three directions:

• Private AI Knowledge Assistants & Legal Compliance: Integrate product documentation, SOPs, internal knowledge bases, and regulatory data for real-time semantic retrieval and knowledge Q&A.
• Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) & Business Automation: Support classification, extraction, summarization, and report generation from contracts, invoices, and business records—enhancing workflow approval and operational efficiency.
• Financial Industry Applications: Serve as intelligent wealth management advisors, smart regulatory compliance assistants, and financial risk management solutions.

Richard Hung, Vice President of Product Division at Aetina, stated: “Enterprise AI competitiveness now extends beyond model capabilities to deployment efficiency, data sovereignty, and long-term operations. Aetina MegaEdge AIP-RQ87’s rapidly deployable 2U edge platform helps enterprises and SIs pragmatically implement private LLMs, AI agents, and intelligent automation—making on-premises AI truly achievable.”

Mass Production Ready, Actively Expanding Global On-Premises AI Markets.
MegaEdge AIP-RQ87 has entered mass production with CE, FCC Class A, and UKCA certifications, ready for global deployment. With AIP-RQ87 joining the MegaEdge PCIe Series, Aetina expands its enterprise-grade edge AI infrastructure portfolio—helping customers build secure, scalable, maintainable on-premises AI environments and accelerate from private LLM adoption to large-scale intelligent automation.

---

@AetinaCorp @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Ai #EdgeComputing

Platform for predictive maintenance solution.

PROGNOST* Systems' UP! product family provides cloud-based fleet diagnostics and early failure detection for compressors. It is hosted on Nerve, TTTECH Industrial’s secure, IEC 62443-4-2 certified edge computing platform. With Nerve as basis, PROGNOST’s solutions can operate reliably in their customers’ existing industrial environments, while complying with high requirements for data sovereignty, availability, and offline capability. 

Their UP! product family was introduced in April 2024, extending the company’s offering for machinery monitoring and predictive maintenance. UP! Detect enables automated vibration analysis for the early detection of abnormal compressor behavior to ensure maximum availability and uptime. UP! Insight provides cloud-based fleet monitoring and analytics to improve machine health, reduce costs, and maximize the uptime of compressors. The UP! product family is run as Docker applications on Nerve from TTTECH Industrial, which serves as the secure, IEC 62443‑certified foundation for edge‑based condition monitoring and remote device management via the Nerve Management System.

TTTECH’s long-time experience in reliable industrial automation and solutions for safety-critical systems played a key role in PROGNOST’s decision for Nerve, according to Robin Schlup, Team Leader IoT Solutions & Cybersecurity, Burckhardt Compression AG: “Compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2 is a must. That’s why we needed a cybersecure platform to host our cloud-based UP! product family and support real-time data collection, processing, and transfer for monitoring and predictive maintenance. Nerve provides this cybersecure basis, as well as the flexibility to extend and upgrade systems. The collaboration with TTTECH Industrial was smooth – they took our concerns seriously, were open for feature suggestions and adjustments of the roadmap and provided us with competent and fast technical support.”

The IIoT platform Nerve is certified on product level according to the industrial cybersecurity standard IEC 62443-4-2, covering the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act as well as NIS2-compliant incident reporting and risk management. It provides centralized device, software, and update management via the Nerve Management System and can be run completely offline, keeping data fully on premises if required, which supports use cases in critical infrastructure applications. As it can be run on any industrial PC, customers can integrate it easily into their existing shop-floor environments.

Herbert Hufnagl, Senior Vice President Industrial, TTTECH, adds: “We are excited to collaborate with PROGNOST on their UP! product family and deliver new, valuable services for their customers. Nerve can be applied for a range of use cases, from brownfield digitalization to condition monitoring, predictive maintenance to machine learning. PROGNOST’s customers operate in critical infrastructure, which often has specific demands. Nerve can accommodate such requirements - it is an open, secure, and scalable IIoT platform that can grow with customers’ business and provide actionable insights for maximizing uptime and reliability in their production.”

The UP! product family in combination with Nerve make high-quality machine monitoring affordable and accessible for all types of reciprocating compressors. End customers gain access to advanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities tailored for critical infrastructure across sectors such as oil and gas downstream, petrochemicals, marine, and industrial gases. This combined system supports the deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning analytics for extensive machine fleets, based on real-time telemetry data and edge computing. End customers can establish predictive maintenance strategies using instantly accessible vibration and process data in expert diagnostic systems.

The solution from PROGNOST and TTTECH enables machine builders and operators to implement condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and digital services without compromising on cybersecurity and scalability for future upgrades and extensions.

---

* PROGNOST Systems GmbH is part of Burckhardt Compression AG.

#TTTech #ProgNost #PAuto

Mini computer opens up new applications.

The first COM-HPC Mini Computer-on-Module (COM) powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ-X Series processors has been launched by congatec. Their new conga-HPC/mIQ-X with the Qualcomm® Oryon™ CPU delivers exceptional single and multithread compute performance - previously achieved only with x86 based-designs - at best-in-class power efficiency. Edge Ai applications, including local machine learning (ML), and the running of large language models (LLMs), benefit from up to 45 TOPS of Ai performance with the dedicated NPU powered by the Qualcomm ® Hexagon™ processor. The conga-HPC/mIQ-X addresses the growing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient compute platforms in markets such as security, transactional retail, robotics, medical technology, and industrial automation.

Robust, compact, and Ai-optimised.
With a form factor roughly the size of a credit card, the conga-HPC/mIQ-X features a robust design with soldered, fast LPDDR5X RAM and support for an industrial temperature range from -40 °C to +85 °C.

Typical use cases include video surveillance, sensor and camera systems for edge analytics, and applications with local Ai processing. This platform is ideal for developers who want to leverage the strengths of Arm on Microsoft Windows. It significantly reduces development time compared to other implementations through simplified software integration and UEFI-compatible firmware. All size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimised designs also benefit from the high performance per watt of the new mini modules.

“The conga-HPC/mIQ-X takes embedded Arm computing to a new level of performance and simplifies the development of Ai-accelerated edge and vision systems through UEFI BIOS support, Windows integration, and a complete ecosystem,” explains Konrad Garhammer, COO and CTO of congatec.

The conga-HPC/mIQ-X COM-HPC Mini module - measuring just 95 mm x 70 mm - is based on Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-X Series processors with up to 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory.
With up to 12 Oryon cores, a dedicated Hexagon NPU, DSP, and Qualcomm® Spectra ISP, it offers optimized computing units for ultra-efficient processing of video, image, and audio data.
The integrated Qualcomm ® Adreno™ GPU delivers powerful graphics, supporting up to 3 displays and 8K resolution.
For fast networking and peripheral connectivity, the COM-HPC Mini module offers 2x 2.5 Gb Ethernet, up to 16x PCIe Gen3/Gen4 lanes, 2x USB4, 2x USB3.2 Gen2x1, and 8x USB2.0.
Graphics output is via 2x DDI and eDP, and up to 4 cameras can be connected directly via MIPI CSI. 2x I2C, 2x UART, and 12x GPIO round out the feature set.
The integrated TPM 2.0 module serves as the hardware root of trust.

To accelerate time-to-market, congatec offers optimised cooling solutions, evaluation boards, and comprehensive design support. The new COM-HPC Mini module is also available as an application-ready aReady.COM. It is delivered customised with validated and pre-installed operating systems and optional software building blocks for IoT functionality, faster development, and optimised cost.

---

@congatecAG @UnnGmbh #PAuto

Partnership enhances grid edge innovation with advanced monitoring solutions.

Megger have entered into a strategic partnership with Sentrisense, a cutting-edge provider of grid-edge sensor and software monitoring solutions. This partnership marks a key milestone in Megger’s mission to deliver a holistic ecosystem of online testing, online monitoring, and intelligent data insight for assets to the energy sector. Together, Megger and Sentrisense aim to empower utilities to optimise grid performance, enhance asset reliability, and meet the evolving demands of modern energy systems. Through this partnership, Megger and Sentrisense will combine their strengths to integrate advanced autonomous overhead line monitoring technology into a unified portfolio.

Oliver Opgen-Rhein, VP of Monitoring Solutions at Megger remarked, “With Sentrisense, we are returning vision into action. This partnership is a critical step for Megger’s strategy to establish an end-to-end ecosystem for grid-edge performance monitoring and optimisation. I’m looking forward to working together to enhance the reliability, safety, and intelligence of modern grids.

This partnership reflects Megger’s commitment to extending its capabilities across the asset lifecycle, reinforcing its position as a critical partner for utilities navigating the challenges of modern energy demands.

Collaborative innovation for smarter grids.
By uniting Megger's expertise in monitoring of distribution networks with Sentrisense’ innovative real-time monitoring technologies for transmission networks, the partnership builds on a shared vision to transform the energy industry. The integration of Sentrisense’ sensor platform will enable utilities to implement a dynamic line rating (DLR), ambient adjusted rating (AAR), and asset health applications (e.g. for towers and conductors) in even the most challenging conditions. Sebastián Cerone, CEO of Sentrisense, said of the partnership, "Our technology was designed to unlock real-time line performance, and joining Megger allows us to amplify this goal on a global scale. Together, we’re empowering utilities to act on insights in ways that were previously unimaginable." Oliver Opgen-Rhein, VP of Monitoring Solutions at Megger, added, “With Sentrisense, we’re turning vision into action. This partnership is a critical step for Megger’s strategy to establish an end-to-end ecosystem for grid-edge performance monitoring and optimisation. I’m looking forward to working together to enhance the reliability, safety, and intelligence of modern grids.”

“Our technology was designed to unlock real-time line performance, and joining Megger allows us to amplify this goal on a global scale. Together, we’re empowering utilities to act on insights in ways that were previously unimaginable,” said Sebastián Cerone, CEO of Sentrisense.

Driving Global Collaboration and Rollout The collaborative rollout will commence with joint commercial and technical initiatives across selected markets through 2025. Customers can look forward to integrated tools that blend online diagnostics, continuous online visibility, and meteorological data, ensuring that utilities gain unparalleled insights into their grid assets. The companies will also jointly appear at major global utility events to showcase their breakthrough innovations.

---

@sentrisense #Megger #TandM 

OT data mobility out of the box.

Combines the power of edge computing with the flexibility of a cloud platform

DeltaV™ SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect has been announced by Emerson. This is a flexible, preconfigured edge solution engineered to deliver more seamless operational technology (OT) data mobility out of the box. Designed to connect existing field devices to the cloud-hosted DeltaV SaaS Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in minutes, the DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect edge solution eliminates much of the traditional engineering work necessary to bring critical operational data into the control system for better visibility and safer, more flexible and reliable control.

Unlocks secure communication to all field devices using their native protocols.

“DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect advances Emerson’s Boundless Automation vision of seamless data mobility from the intelligent field, through the edge, and into the cloud,” said Nina Golder, vice president of Emerson’s Guardian software and solutions business. “Designed with open protocols and preconfigured with the most advanced edge technology stack available, the DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect edge solution empowers users to remotely monitor and configure their field assets, bringing visibility and operations online in minutes while still providing powerful capabilities to customise their experience.”

Built on Emerson’s PACEdge™ software for edge computing, the DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect edge solution can communicate with all field devices – remote terminal units, flow computers, valves, sensors and more – in their native protocols using an Emerson-tested third-party polling engine that eliminates the need for additional conversion or adapters. PACEdge provides an IIoT application enablement platform designed to integrate information technology and OT domains without disrupting OT assets, architectures or systems.

All software necessary to connect and run the edge solution is preinstalled on the device, and additional applications can be added via a built-in marketplace. In addition, users can also build and add their own custom containerised applications with built-in Node-RED, a low-code programming platform for event-driven applications.

Built in alignment with International Society of Automation (ISA) 62443 standards and the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act, the DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect edge solution provides a secure platform for industrial operations. It also provides report by exception capabilities, allowing the device to automatically switch polling frequencies for increased communication when a new value is registered from a device in the field, helping teams maintain critical visibility without increasing bandwidth and communication costs. 

Data buffering features allow the DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect edge solution to store data during communication outages and send it when communication is restored so no data is lost. Dynamic polling resolution automatically changes polling rates when events occur, helping ensure all critical data is delivered promptly.

---

• The DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect edge solution will be on display at Emerson Exchange Americas 2025, being held May 19-22 in San Antonio (TX USA).

@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Cybersecurity

 

Module enables faster easier digitisation.

The Embedded Edge Compute Module builds on Rockwell Automation's recent history of enabling computation functionality expanding the power of the ControlLogix® platform.  This in-chassis edge solution provides key scalability and remote support functions to today’s workforce. At first release, the Embedded Edge Compute Module enables FactoryTalk® Optix™ software and provides a communication path to REST API, OPC UA, and MQTT to meet the needs of various applications.

The latest firmware update for the Embedded Edge Compute Module introduces the Docker Engine, which enables the hosting and deployment of containerized apps, including Rockwell Automation apps, third-party apps (such as Node-Red and Grafana) and low-code apps allowing users to build, integrate and deploy applications quickly and efficiently. This update significantly enhances the module’s capabilities, emphasizing IT/OT convergence and simplifying control software management.

This module offers flexibility while offering a premier integration experience with the ControlLogix hardware and software ecosystem. The module allows a consistent user experience, with Studio 5000® environment with ControlFLASH Plus™ and FactoryTalk Linx.

The introduction of this module and its continued enhancements offers a level of IT/OT interoperability which allows users to make digitization easier, faster, and scalable, supporting a wide range of applications.

---

@ROKAutomation @ROKAutoEMEA #PAuto 

Next-Generation Edge Computing and AI.

Aims to boost performance in AI and edge applications with high reliability and efficiency.

The E1.S edge server SSD, from Innodisk, offers exceptional performance, reliability, and thermal management capabilities to address the critical needs of modern data-intensive environments and bridge the gap between traditional industrial SSDs and data center SSDs.

As AI and 5G technologies rapidly evolve, the demands on data processing and storage continue to grow. The E1.S SSD addresses the challenges of balancing heat dissipation and performance, which has become a major concern for today’s SSDs. Traditional industrial and data center SSDs often struggle to meet the needs of edge applications. Innodisk’s E1.S eliminates these bottlenecks with its Enterprise and Data Center Standard Form Factor (EDSFF) design and offers a superior alternative to U.2 and M.2 SSDs.

The E1.S SSD is engineered to excel in demanding environments, featuring robust thermal management capabilities, including dynamic thermal throttling technology and a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. With capacity options ranging from 400GB to 8TB and high drive writes per day (DWPD) support, this versatile drive serves both as an efficient boot drive for data centers and a reliable storage solution for high-performance computing applications. Its exceptional durability and compact form factor make it particularly well-suited for deployment in 1U servers, AI systems, and machine-learning environments.

Optimized for PCIe Gen 5, the E1.S addresses the heat dissipation and power challenges typical in M.2 SSDs under high-performance workloads. Its hot-plug design ensures seamless upgrades while reducing downtime. The E1.S has been validated for next-gen industrial computers and edge servers, including integration into NVIDIA’s MGX short-form edge AI server. The E1.S standard temperature series also serves as a robust boot drive for data centers, featuring hot-swappable capability and advanced features—including SSD event logs, self-monitoring, and online firmware updates. For larger server infrastructures, Innodisk offers the E3.S SSD with additional capacity and durability, which is ideal for data centers.

Innodisk leads the market with its industrial-grade NAND technology, advanced thermal management, and customizable SSD solutions. By offering tailored services, Innodisk ensures the perfect balance between SSD heat dissipation and performance. Whether for AI, edge computing, or high-performance enterprise environments, the E1.S and E3.S SSDs deliver the reliability and performance needed for today’s most demanding workloads.

---

@Innodisk_Corp  @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #AI

Empowering Edge AI and Generative AI applications.

Innodisk's 6400 series is purpose-built for data-intensive applications in AI, telehealth, and edge computing, where high performance at the edge is crucial. Available in versatile form factors, including CUDIMM, CSODIMM, and RDIMM, the series delivers unmatched speed, stability, and capacity to meet the rigorous demands of modern edge AI and industrial applications.

The DDR5 6400 series delivers a data transfer rate of 6400 MT/s, offering a 14% boost in speed over previous generations and doubling the maximum capacity to 64GB. These enhancements make it an optimal choice for applications like Large Language Models (LLMs), generative AI, autonomous vehicles, and mixed reality, which require high-speed, reliable data processing in real time.

Innodisk’s DDR5 6400 series integrates several advanced technologies to ensure stable, uninterrupted performance:

• Client Clock Driver (CKD): Enhances signal integrity by buffering clock signals, which is essential for minimizing noise and ensuring accuracy during high-frequency data transfers.
• Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS): Offers robust protection against voltage fluctuations, safeguarding sensitive components.
• eFuse Circuit Protection (RDIMM): Designed to interrupt the circuit in case of overvoltage, preventing damage to components in server systems with higher voltage requirements.
• Wide Industrial Temperature Range: The DDR5 6400 series is designed to operate in temperatures from 0°C to 95°C (Tc) and will soon support an extended range of -40°C to 95°C (Tc), making it ideal for challenging industrial environments.
• Anti-Sulfuration Protection: 30μ” gold plating protects against sulfurization, ensuring long-term durability.

The DDR5 6400 series is fully compatible with the latest Intel and AMD processors and supports a range of options—CUDIMM, CSODIMM, ECC CUDIMM, ECC CSODIMM, and RDIMM—with capacities from 8GB to 64GB, giving users flexible configurations for varied use cases.

Beyond cloud-based AI, Innodisk’s DDR5 6400 memory modules are ideal for next-generation edge AI applications, where real-time responsiveness and enhanced security are crucial. For instance, smart factories can leverage LLMs to consolidate and manage complex production data instantly, supporting swift decision-making. In remote healthcare, high-resolution 3D imaging and real-time data analysis empower precise, remote surgical procedures for patients. In releasing the DDR5 6400 series, Innodisk reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative memory solutions that drive advancements in AI, telehealth, and industrial automation.

---

@Innodisk_Corp  @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #AI

Packages enhance the deployment of IoT Edge.

Advantech has announced Edge Service Packages, including Azure IoT Edge and AWS IoT Greengrass. The growing demand for real-time insights and localized actions in industrial settings is fuelling the adoption of edge computing solutions. Edge-as-a-Service encompasses the integration of hardware, edge software, and corresponding cloud services for efficient edge orchestration. The synergy between Edge and Cloud is pivotal for successful digital transformation. Advantech's Edge Service Packages are designed to cater to Advantech hardware platforms and third-party software applications, offering enhanced flexibility and user experience. These solutions deliver device control, edge monitoring, and software management services, facilitating the seamless scaling of digitalization through accelerated deployment and integration.

To align with edge computing trends, Advantech presents the Edge Service Packages, Azure IoT Edge and AWS IoT Greengrass, to enhance the deployment of IoT Edge on edge platforms by adding value and simplifying the process. Leveraging cloud intelligence, they seamlessly integrate edge computing, outlining a roadmap for scalable workloads in hybrid cloud and edge computing. In addition, Advantech offers a wide selection of hardware that is Azure IoT Edge or AWS IoT Greengrass certified. Users can develop custom solutions by selecting preferred hardware and edge service packages according to their targeted cloud service or specifications, helping customers develop IoT-enabled applications in an optimized way.

Azure IoT Edge - Simplifies connectivity and development at the Edge.
This package helps deploy Azure IoT Edge on premises to break up data silos and consolidate operational data at scale in the Azure Cloud. It encompasses essential Azure IoT Edge services, such as the IoT Hub Device Provisioning Service, connecting physical devices with their corresponding identities in the Microsoft Azure IoT Hub. Another example for the Azure IoT Edge module is OPC UA Publisher. When applied with Advantech’s Edge Manager, this web application can configure and manage the OPC UA server to ensure seamless communication with the OPC UA Publisher Edge module. This tool streamlines the selection of data nodes and facilitates their transmission to the cloud without the need for coding.

AWS IoT Greengrass - Builds intelligent IoT Devices more quickly.
AWS IoT Greengrass serves as an open-source edge runtime and cloud service, designed for constructing, deploying, and managing device software. It provides pre-built components so end users can easily extend edge device functionality without writing code. The components of AWS IoT Greengrass offer the addition of features and swift connectivity to AWS services or third-party applications at the edge. This package helps end users deploy and configure assets such as Lambda functions, Docker images, or machine learning models for local inference. Furthermore, it enables users to promptly initiate the Greengrass service on edge devices, manage it seamlessly through AWS IoT Greengrass, and efficiently transmit telemetry data to the AWS Cloud.

Advantech EdgeSync 360 - Transforms industrial device management.
Nevertheless, Advantech has developed an open cloud-based industrial IoT platform, EdgeSync 360, to revolutionize device and data management across various industrial applications. This suite of software products includes Edgelink for edge connectivity management, DeviceOn for IPC management, and WebAccess for SCADA and HMI visualization. For cloud service, EdgeHub is a centralized platform that streamlines edge connectivity, device management, and data analysis, distributing intelligence across edge devices. It offers a seamless method to mass deploy and update not only software applications but also Docker containers, firmware, operating systems, and Linux applications in batches from cloud to edge.

Key Features for Advantech’s Edge Service Packages

Edge to Cloud Connectivity: This facilitates swift collection of equipment data through diverse industrial protocols such as MQTT, OPC UA, Modbus, and IEC-104. It ensures seamless integration with multiple cloud platforms and third-party systems for efficient data transfer.

Device Management: Packages include zero-touch onboarding and provisioning for secure and streamlined deployment. This enables remote monitoring of system conditions, covering hardware status, error diagnostics, and event notifications.

Software Governance: Software governance allows rapid and remote implementation of new software configurations across the plant or multiple pieces of equipment, reducing costs associated with software updates.

Advantech’s Edge Service Packages are available now.

---

@Advantech_IIoT @AdvantechIA @Azure  @awscloud @proactivefleet #IIoT  #PAuto 

Template configuration for marine applications.

A free template configuration for marine applications, based on Emerson's Movicon.NExT™ HMI/SCADA system, and its PACSystems™ edge controllers, industrial panel PCs, and other control and networking products. This marine demonstration configuration provides a comprehensive user visualisation and interface experience, and it is available free of charge so designers and shipbuilders can accelerate their efforts to deliver a thoroughly modern and unified “single pane of glass” shipboard monitoring and control system.

Marine industry vessels like superyachts and ships may encompass as much automation complexity as a factory or a small city. Monitoring and control requirements are diverse, including subsystems used for propulsion, power delivery, climate control, machinery health supervision, security, and more. However, functionality is typically fragmented, and integration efforts must employ various digital communication protocols and hardwired signals. Furthermore, any visualisation system must be designed for always-on operation, even under challenging marine conditions.

These superyacht and ship characteristics are remarkably similar to the conditions found in a typical manufacturing factory, so it makes sense that industrial-grade Emerson automation technologies are an ideal fit for robust shipboard monitoring and control. The marine demo runs on redundant edge controllers and industrial panel PCs, which is a proven architecture well-suited for reliable and resilient operation.

Emerson edge controllers incorporate operational technology (OT) communication protocols, and they are adaptable to specialized marine industry protocols, so all instruments, devices, and subsystems can be integrated. Information technology (IT) protocols are optimized for conveying a large amount of data efficiently to and among PCs, supporting historizing, alarming, visualization, and other functionality. A self-healing PROFINET ring for accessing remote I/O, and redundant IT switches and rings, ensure uninterrupted communications amongst all devices. Data security is addressed because the HMI/SCADA solution carries IEC 62443-3-3 certification.

The marine demo has been developed by Emerson with numerous sample dashboards and displays, following a modern aesthetic to deliver unprecedented amounts of information in a streamlined format. Examples of systems and equipment supported include propulsion and Marex controls, electrical power generation/management, valve controls and tank volumes, schematics, fire detection, exterior/navigational lighting, interior lighting, CCTV, HVAC, alarms, data logging, and more. Here is a video depicting the marine demo.

Digital transformation is being implemented throughout factories worldwide so users can experience better visualisation and gain access to valuable data-driven insights. These same technologies are coming to seagoing vessels, and industrial automation and HMI/SCADA platforms are a superior choice. The Emerson marine demo combines proven hardware, software, and networking—providing a wealth of sample displays and concepts, which marine developers can use as templates for accelerating their designs.

---

@Emerson_News @EmersonExchange @mepaxIntPR  #Marine #Automation

Controllers into industrial edge applications.

Softing has announced the expansion of its Docker-based edgeConnector product family with the introduction of edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC, providing convenient access to data from ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers.

With the new Docker-based software module edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC, users can easily connect to their ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers. The data from the controllers is made available on edge devices or virtual environments via OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). This enables flexible integration into on-premises or cloud environments without modifying the existing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) configuration.

It is easy to configure locally via an integrated web interface. Alternatively, remote global mass configurations are possible via Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (REST API).

There are now five edgeConnector products available for the most common control systems. Besides the new edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC, these are edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 840D, edgeConnector Fanuc CNC, and edgeConnector Modbus. All edgeConnector products can be deployed very quickly thanks to containerized technology. They are operated on standard hardware and can be easily managed centrally. The integrated MQTT publisher/subscriber functionality allows Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions to be set up flexibly. The edgeConnectors support state-of-the-art security standards such as SSL/TLS, X.509 certificates, authentication, and data encryption. This gives users a simple and secure way to integrate data from production into innovative and flexible IIoT solutions.

"We are again expanding our Docker-based edgeConnector product family to address the growing need for integration interfaces in software that can be operated on standard hardware and can be managed efficiently," explains Abel Jimenez, Product Manager at Softing Industrial. "In this way, we support users and system integrators in bridging the gap between OT and IT."

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Manufacturing

BAS control series.

Described as an indispensable solution for programming and maintaining a Niagara system, Niagara Workbench™ is seldom used with field controllers because the controllers do not incorporate Niagara.

Contemporary Controls' line of Sedona controllers—the BAScontrol series and the Micro PC Edge series—are both compatible with the N4 Sedona Driver to deliver a one-tool solution for your Niagara N4 (version 4.11 or later). The BAScontrol series of unitary controllers are ideal for general purpose applications, such as controlling fan coils, heat pumps, lead-lag pump sequences, and constant volume air-handlers and RTUs. The Micro PC Edge controllers utilize technology developed for two highly popular micro PC platforms but designed for commercial applications.

Each series feature BACnet as a communications protocol and Sedona as a license-free function block programming language.

With the N4 Sedona Driver installed on N4 Workstation or N4 JACE, Niagara4 can be used to communicate via Sedona (SOX) to Sedona devices to read/write their points. It can also be used to program the wiresheet on Sedona devices.

---

See also Programming and maintaining with field controllers. (17/4/24) 

 @ccontrolsgmbh #Pauto #TandM

Industrial-grade computers provide scalability and cost savings.

Deliver Powerful Performance to Satisfy Evolving Automation Requirements.

Industrial automation continues to evolve, ushering in the necessity for more powerful yet cost-effective computers equipped with flexible interface options to accommodate control system expansion and scalability. Moxa meets those needs with its new BXP-C100 Series of box-type form factor computers. Driven by Tiger Lake 11th Gen Intel® Celeron® or Intel® Core™ i5, or i7 processors, Moxa BXP-C100 Series computers offer exceptional performance capabilities tailored for managing automation workloads, AI applications, robotics, and edge computing tasks with efficiency and reliability.

Like all Moxa network solutions, BXP-C100 Series computers are engineered to provide seamless connectivity with multiple IoT peripherals. Interface options include up to 10 software-selectable RS-232/422/485 serial ports, 10 gigabit Ethernet ports, 4 digital inputs, and 4 digital outputs, along with dual-storage CFast and SD slots supporting high-capacity memory requirements. The strategically located I/O ports, both on the front and rear sides, ensure streamlined access for technicians, enhancing operational efficiency. BXP-C100 Series computers also incorporate USB, HDMI, and VGA ports to facilitate video monitor connections. Plus, several models within the BXP-C100 Series integrate Intel Iris® Xe graphics, delivering up to 2.95 times faster graphics performance, elevating visual experiences, and enhancing productivity.

Despite their compact footprint, Moxa BXP-C100 computers deliver maximum durability in harsh working conditions. Reliability, longevity, and energy efficiency are all increased by a sophisticated heat transfer system that safely distributes heat from the interior and allows for a fanless design in a temperature tolerance range of -30° to 60° C (-22° to 140° F). The computer's IP20-rated, all-metal housing features a unique fastening cover over the battery slot that ensures stability and a secure fit even under extreme vibration. In addition, the built-in TPM 2.0 module enhances platform security against unauthorized access.

Industrial automation technicians can meet their IT and OT needs seamlessly with the intelligent computing solutions offered by the BXP-C100 Series. Moxa's new line of x86-based industrial computers delivers a perfect blend of performance and responsiveness, empowering operators and users to run multiple workloads, including AI and deep learning applications, on a single platform. To satisfy specific needs, Moxa offers its BXP-C100 computers in fifteen different pre-configured and ready-to-ship models, each meticulously engineered to excel in diverse automation environments.

---

@Moxa_Europe @OConnellPR #PAuto #Energy #AI

New deployment options for edgeConnector products.

Customer demand for compact devices for edge applications powered by ARM processors is experiencing a significant increase. By integrating ARM 32-bit compatibility into its edgeConnector products, Softing Industrial is responding to the increasing demand for edge applications using ARM processors.

Previously, edgeConnector solutions were only available for integration into large PCs. In June last year, the integration of ARM 64-bit was successfully implemented. Now Softing Industrial presents the latest version 3.80 of edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 840D and edgeConnector Modbus, which also offers ARM 32-bit support for compact hardware solutions.

"The introduction of ARM 32-bit compatibility in our edgeConnector products marks an important step in our innovation strategy," explains Abel Jimenez, Product Manager at Softing Industrial. "This development opens up the possibility for our customers to use our solutions in a wider range of devices for edge applications, such as WAGO Compact Controller 100, WAGO PFC 200, and Open-Source Hardware Boards like Allwinner A20. We remain committed to providing the most advanced and flexible solutions for the changing needs of the industrial environment."

The Docker-based software modules of the edgeConnector product family enable access to process data in SIMATIC S7, SINUMERIK 840D and Modbus TCP controllers. They can be deployed quickly, run on standard hardware, and can be easily managed centrally. They provide users with a straightforward and secure way to integrate data from production into innovative and flexible industrial IoT solutions.

---

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Pre-built application supports.

Pre-built applications make it easy to utilize CC BACnet/IP and MS/TP Sedona Unitary controllers in constant volume air-handling, fan coil, and heat pump applications.

The Contemporary Controls' BASpi-Edge controller (with 6UI/4 relay/2 analogue out) can now, with the development a new pre-built application, FCU3, be made into a configurable controller for 2-pipe or 4-pipe fan coil applications. The BASPI-E6U4R2A is a hardened, cloud connected BACnet controller that is powered by Raspberry Pi, with enhanced features and data processing at the Edge.

Like our other pre-built apps, FCU3 is available as a free download from the website and comes with supporting documentation. Using the BAScontrol Toolset, a systems integrator can modify the sequence and the underlying control code to meet the needs of the application. Once developed and tested, a complete project backup can be made using BASbackup.

One of the most common HVAC applications is the fan coil. The FCU applications support a 20-point controller, a 22-point controller, and now the BASpi-Edge 12-point cloud connected controller. The supply fan can be single speed, multi-speed, or variable speed. Dependent upon the piping, the fan coil can be dedicated to either chilled water cooling or hot water heating, or simultaneous heating and cooling. There is a choice of modulating or staged heating/cooling up to two stages. An output exists for binary ventilation control.

Contemporary Controls also offers pre-built apps for constant volume air handlers and constant volume heat pumps.

Constant volume air handlers.
The constant volume CvRTU series of pre-built applications has been replaced with a new CvAHU series which includes three new macros—Staged Heat/Cool, Wall Setter, and Economizer. The targeted constant volume applications have not changed.

Constant volume heat pumps.
There are four possible applications. Three apps support the 22-point controllers, and the fourth supports a 20-point controller. All are intended for a single-speed supply fan. The exhaust port can be barometric, powered, or none at all. There is a single stage of DX heating or cooling. For colder climates, auxiliary heating can be produced with modulating or dual-staged heating. An output exists for binary ventilation control.

---

@ccontrolsgmbh #HVAC #Pauto 

Ultra-low power AI Microcontrollers.

Mouser Electronics has announced a new global distribution agreement with Ambiq, the leading supplier of low-powered, AI-enabled microcontrollers for wearables, hearables, IoT, edge devices and mobile edge computing applications.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Ambiq, which furthers our commitment to providing the latest products and technologies to our customers worldwide,” said Kristin Schuetter, Vice President of Supplier Management at Mouser Electronics. “We look forward to providing engineers and buyers worldwide with their innovative embedded solutions, backed by Mouser’s best-in-class logistics and unsurpassed customer service.”

“Mouser is well-known for its worldwide distribution and support system,” said Mike Kenyon, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Ambiq. “We are excited to enter into this relationship. With distribution through Mouser, we can draw on their expertise in delivering leading-edge technologies and expand our global customer base.”

Among the Ambiq products now available from Mouser are the Ambiq Apollo4 Blue Lite system-on-chip (SoC) and the Ambiq Apollo4 Blue Lite evaluation board. The Apollo4 Blue Lite SoC features a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 core with a Floating-Point Unit, along with a Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.1 radio with robust RF connectivity. This SoC is ideal for use in battery-powered endpoint devices, including smartwatches, fitness bands, animal trackers, voice-activated remotes and digital health products. The Ambiq Apollo4 Blue Lite evaluation board offers a complete demonstration and development platform for the Apollo4 Blue Lite device.

Mouser also offers the Apollo3 Blue Plus evaluation board and the Apollo3 Blue Plus SoC. The Apollo3 Blue Plus device is based on Ambiq’s Voice-on-SPOT (VoS) platform, making it the perfect microprocessor for enabling always-on voice assistant integration and command. The Apollo3 Blue Plus evaluation board enables quick and easy prototyping of the SoC. The Apollo3 Blue Plus Voice-on-SPOT kit, also available from Mouser, facilitates demos, evaluation, and the development of ultra-low power audio and voice capabilities on the Apollo3 Blue Plus SoC. The kit provides always-on voice capability with options for one or two microphones, signal processing, wake word/command detection, codec, and Bluetooth Low Energy communication.

The Artasie AM1805 evaluation board offers an easy method to measure and evaluate Ambiq’s AM18x5 real-time clocks. The evaluation board includes on-chip oscillators to provide minimum power consumption, full RTC functions including battery backup and programmable counters and alarms for timer and watchdog functions, and a PC serial interface for communication with a host controller.

---

@MouserElecEU @Publitek @Ambiq_AI #PAuto #IoT

Enhancing industrial automation.

Henry Martel, Field Application Engineer, Antaira Technology, discusses "The Vital Role of NAT Routers in Secure Remote Access and Communication."

Network Address Translation (NAT) is a widely-used Layer 3 technology in which one or more local or "private" IP addresses are translated into one or more Global or "public" IP addresses in order to provide Internet access to the local hosts. Compared to NAT applications in residential or commercial networks, NAT in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) is more varied and complex, although the overall concept remains the same.

Antaira wired routers and wireless industrial routers are ruggedly engineered to IP30 rating standards, plus ensure a long service life with fanless cooling, shock and vibration resistance, and a wide operating temperature range.

In IACS, NAT is primarily about gaining access to information buried within a system outside your own. Consider a situation where a higher-level network outside the plant, for instance, the IT department, needs to access data located on a separate lower-level network or subnet in the OT department, consisting of a 12-port industrial Ethernet switch connecting PLCs, motor drives, IP cameras, and I/O devices. For the purpose of illustration, also assume there is a preventive maintenance application on a PC in the IT department. This application is seeking data such as heat, energy, and cycle times from a motor drive to predict its future maintenance needs. Since the two networks are on different addresses, however, the IT department PC is prevented from “talking” to the motor drive.

In this situation, an industrial NAT router can be deployed to assign a new IPv4 public address solely for the PC’s messages. Keep in mind this new address is not the private IP address of the PC itself. When a data packet is sent from the PC, the NAT knows to convert it to the motor drive’s address, therefore bridging the gap. When the motor drive responds with the requested data, the NAT subsequently converts the drive’s address back to the PC message address which in turn is sent to the PC.

Port Address Translation.
The above describes a straightforward example of the one-to-one static NAT protocol. In IACS, the Port Address Translation (PAT) version of the dynamic NAT protocol is often required when multiple devices are involved yet only one IPv4 address is available. So, let’s assume the same situation as above. Now, however, we need data from the motor drive as well as from three PLCs. Since we only have one IPv4 address we’ll need to assign a port number to each device’s IP address by adding a colon, i.e., 192.155.100.18 to 192.155.100.18:3 where the “3” indicates the port. When the PC sends a message requesting information from one of the three PLCs or the drive, the NAT router reads the address and knows to send it to whatever device is assigned to port 3, although all the devices share the same IPv4 address.

For an OEM machine maker, NAT is equally valuable. NAT allows an OEM to reuse IPv4 addresses without introducing a duplicate IP address error into the network architecture. For example, an OEM may use NAT for the replication of multiple control systems on skids and machines, including IP addressing, to help reduce development and commissioning costs. This way the end-user can have multiple machines on the same line configured with identical network settings and be able to perform remote support through a VPN connection.

Industrial Strength.
Like other industrial network devices, industrial NAT routers must be hardened to operate in environments where they will be subjected to extreme temperatures, heavy vibration, and electromagnetic interference. Carefully review a router's environmental specifications before deploying it, especially in an industrial area rated as Hazardous due to the presence of explosive levels of gases, dust, or liquids. 

NAT Router Applications.

1. Control Rooms or Network Cabinets: Many industrial facilities have control rooms or network cabinets where networking equipment is housed. This is a common location for NAT routers, along with other networking components such as switches, firewalls, and communication gateways. The NAT router in this context would provide a gateway between the local industrial network and the external network (e.g., the Internet).
2. Remote Monitoring Stations: Industrial facilities might have remote monitoring stations where engineers and technicians can access and monitor industrial processes from a distance. These stations might be equipped with NAT routers to facilitate secure remote access to the industrial network.
3. Communication Gateways: In complex industrial systems, there are often communication gateways that connect different protocols and networks. These gateways might incorporate NAT routing functionality to manage communication between different parts of the system and the outside world.
4. IoT and Edge Devices: As industrial IoT devices become more prevalent, NAT routers can be integrated into edge devices to manage communication between these devices and central servers or cloud platforms. This helps ensure that IoT devices can securely send data to and receive commands from remote locations.
5. Robotics and Manufacturing Cells: In manufacturing environments that utilize robotic systems or individual manufacturing cells, NAT routers can be used to provide remote access for maintenance and troubleshooting, as well as to facilitate data collection and analysis.
6. Energy Monitoring and Control Systems: Industries like energy production and distribution might employ NAT routers to enable remote monitoring and control of power generation, distribution, and consumption.
7. Process Control Systems: In industries such as chemical manufacturing, food and beverage production, and pharmaceuticals, NAT routers can be used to securely access and control critical processes remotely.
8. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants: Facilities responsible for water treatment and wastewater management may use NAT routers to enable remote monitoring and control of pumps, valves, sensors, and other equipment.
9. Mining and Extraction Operations: Industries involved in mining, oil extraction, and natural resource management can use NAT routers to establish secure connections for remote management and optimization of operations.
10. Transportation and Logistics: In sectors like transportation and logistics, NAT routers can be employed to enable remote tracking and management of fleets, as well as for maintaining communication with vehicles and sensors.

Remember that the specific location and implementation of NAT routers in industrial automation setups can vary greatly depending on the complexity and requirements of the system. The primary goal is to ensure secure, efficient, and reliable communication between industrial devices and external networks.

---

@AntairaTech @OConnell_PR #PAuto #Communications

Advances in digital factories.

Mouser Electronics has published a new eBook in collaboration with Analog Devices (ADI) exploring the technological advances in digital factories, including sensors, edge computing, and high-speed industrial communications.

The new eBook includes valuable links to a wide range of products from ADI, supporting power supply, automation, and connectivity in digital factories. These products include the ADIN1110 Low Power 10BASE-T1L Ethernet MAC-PHY, the LTC9111 Industrial SPoE PD Controllers, and the ADIN2299 RapID Platform Gen 2 Network Interface.

In Leading the Way to the Digital Factory, nine experts from a broad range of industries offer their experiences and insights regarding the deployment of new technologies on the factory floor. The eBook features four chapters addressing different technologies and strategies, including smart sensors and actuators, connected field instruments with Ethernet-APL, and the convergence of IT and OT networks.

Over the past decade, data collection, data analysis, sensor technology, and connectivity innovations have led to rapid advances in how we live, work, and communicate. These emerging technologies transformed operations across the industrial sector, leading to the rise of the "digital factory." These interconnected factory systems collect and analyse data in real time from a network of sensors and connected devices, leading to continued improvements in efficiency and productivity. By implementing technology upgrades in their facilities, business owners can unlock the potential the digital factory offers.

---

@MouserElecEU @ADI_News @Publitek #Components #PAuto