Pilz Releases the Raspberry Pi’s Big Brother for Industrial Automation

Pilz has released the IndustrialPI, a versatile and modular industrial PC designed to meet the diverse needs of modern automation and drive technology. Leveraging open-source software and a variety of input and output modules, the IndustrialPI can function as an IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) gateway or a soft PLC. This innovative solution simplifies the implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts, offering users a familiar and adaptable platform for various industrial applications.

The Pilz IndustrialPI functions as an industrial gateway for modern automation. Image used courtesy of Pilz

IIoT Gateway Capabilities

The IIoT functionality enhances the IndustrialPI by enabling it to collect and transfer process and operational data directly from plant and machinery to a company cloud, providing real-time insights and a comprehensive operational overview. This capability allows the IndustrialPI to be easily integrated into existing system architectures, making it a flexible solution for modernizing industrial environments. As a bridge between the Internet of Things and cloud services, the IndustrialPI enables data exchange, improving communication and coordination across industries.

Additionally, its IIoT capabilities enable remote monitoring and diagnostics, allowing for proactive maintenance and quicker response times. By functioning as both a data collector and a diagnostic unit, the IndustrialPI supports cost-effective automation solutions.

An IndustrialPI schematic in an IIoT application. Image used courtesy of Pilz

Soft PLC Capabilities

The ability of the IndustrialPI to function as a soft PLC also dramatically enhances the component's use cases. A soft PLC (software-based programmable logic controller) performs the same functions as traditional hardware PLCs but operates on general-purpose computing devices. It offers flexibility and scalability, allowing for easy updates and modifications through software changes. This adaptability makes soft PLCs cost-effective, utilizing standard computing hardware that potentially reduces initial setup costs.

Typically, Soft PLCs integrate well with existing industrial systems and support various communication protocols. While achieving real-time control, something to note is their performance depends on the underlying operating system and hardware.

These benefits make soft PLCs ideal for industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage, where they must efficiently manage complex machinery and processes.

The IndustrialPI being utilized for an automated control application. Image used courtesy of Pilz

Hardware Specs

Having observed how performance depends on underlying operating systems and hardware, let's examine the specifications behind IndustrialPI. The IndustrialPI is offered in the IndustrialPI 4 and the IndustrialPI 4 Wi-Fi versions. The IndustrialPI 4 has hardware that makes it more suitable for automation applications as a soft PLC. The Pi 4 has 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB eMMC data memory, and a 64-bit operating system.

The IndustrialPI 4 Wi-Fi is an industrial PC with 8 GB of RAM, 32 GB eMMC storage, and a 64-bit operating system. It can function as a gateway, data collector, and diagnostic unit. When used with the PNOZmulti 2 safety controller and the PSS 4000 automation system from Pilz, it creates a robust solution for data exchange between the Internet of Things and cloud services.

This setup allows for flexible and customized applications to help users manage costs effectively. The IndustrialPI 4 Wi-Fi supports various industrial protocols and can be integrated into different networks, making it adaptable to various industrial automation tasks.

An Industrial Raspberry Pi?

The IndustrialPI is an industrial-grade version of the Raspberry Pi, which many people use for personal projects. The IndustrialPI retains the open-source nature of the Raspberry Pi, meaning it supports a wide range of software and development tools. It comes pre-installed with an operating system tailored for industrial use, which includes Node-RED. Node-RED is a user-friendly, open-source tool that allows easy programming and rapid prototyping of automation tasks through a visual reference. All of these functions, specifications, and familiarity make the IndsutrialPi flexible and customizable, helping users manage costs and adapt the device to their specific needs.