Raspberry Pi based IPC can act as a gateway or a soft-PLC
25 November 2024 
The German industrial safety specialist Pilz has announced an industrial PC, based on a low-cost Raspberry Pi computer module, which can be used as an industrial Internet gateway, a soft-PLC or an edge device. The modular IndustrialPI PC uses an open Linux-based operating system and supports up to ten input and output modules, each with up to 16 I/O.
As an IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) gateway, the IndustrialPI integrates with existing systems and can collect and process data from plant and machinery and transfer it to the cloud to give users an overview of their equipment, wherever they are.
As a soft-PLC, IndustrialPI can control plant and machinery. One typical application is erecting cartons in the packaging industry. The PC operates as an automation and drive controller for wide range of automation projects, including pure control applications, as well as synchronous axis movements.
There are two versions of the IndustrialPI: the first has 4GB of RAM, 32GB of eMMC data memory and a 64-bit operating system. It is particularly suitable for soft-PLC applications. The other version (the IndustrialPI 4 Wifi) doubles the RAM to 8GB and can be used as a gateway, data collector and diagnostic device in conjunction with Pilz’s PNOZmulti 2 safety controller and PSS 4000 automation system. It can be used to exchange data between the IoT and cloud services
Although based on the same Raspberry Pi as used by hobbyists, Pilz stresses that the 24V IndustrialPI has a tough IP20-protected housing, robust mechanics, and industrial-grade electronics. It meets the requirements of industrial control technology in accordance with EN 61131-2. It comes with an operating system tailored to the IndustrialPI, and includes the Node-Red development tool.
The IndustrialPI has two USB A interfaces, two RJ-45 Ethernet ports, one RS-485 port, a micro-USB socket, a micro-HDMI port and two PiBridge connectors. It can be incorporated into two different networks at the same time via the RJ-45 ports.
