What are industrial computers?

Industrial computers are rugged computing systems designed to operate reliably in harsh environments such as factories, warehouses, outdoor settings, and transportation hubs. Unlike consumer-grade PCs, these systems are built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, vibrations, and electrical noise, making them ideal for mission-critical tasks in industrial automation, machine control, and IoT applications.

Industrial PCs are built for reliability and longevity in demanding environments, unlike consumer PCs, which are primarily designed for office or home use.

Industrial PCs come in several types, tailored to different industrial needs:

• Panel PCs: All-in-one touchscreen computers for easy control in environments like production lines.

• Box PCs: Compact, fanless units ideal for space-constrained industrial applications.

• Rackmount PCs: Designed to fit in server racks for control rooms or data centres.

• DIN-rail PCs: Mountable directly on DIN rails, commonly used in control cabinets for automation systems.

• Embedded PCs: Customisable systems built into machines or kiosks for specialised tasks.

These rugged industrial computers serve a variety of functions in industries like manufacturing, energy, and smart automation.

Industrial PCs are used in a wide range of applications across several sectors, including:

• Factory automation

• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems

• Machine control and monitoring

• Industrial robotics

• Transportation systems (railways, airports, vehicle fleets)

• Oil and gas monitoring

• Smart agriculture

• Warehouse and logistics management

With their rugged design, these systems are capable of handling complex tasks in mission-critical applications.

Industrial computers offer numerous advantages, including:

• Reliability: Built to run 24/7 in demanding industrial environments without failure.

• Ruggedness: Protected against dust, moisture, shock, and vibration.

• Long lifecycle: Extended product life cycles, ideal for long-term industrial use.

• Wide temperature range: Operates in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C or more.

• Customisation: Can be configured with specific I/O ports, storage, and expansion cards.

• Enhanced security: Often used in isolated networks with high-security requirements.

These features make industrial PCs the ideal choice for automation, IoT, and edge computing.

In Industry 4.0, industrial computers enable smart factories by:

• Supporting real-time data acquisition and processing for automation and predictive maintenance.

• Edge computing capabilities to process data closer to machines and sensors, reducing latency.

• Integrating with IoT (Internet of Things) devices, sensors, and cloud systems for smart manufacturing.

• Enabling the use of AI and machine learning for process optimisation and anomaly detection.

These systems are pivotal in transforming traditional industries into connected, automated ecosystems.

Industrial computers can run a variety of operating systems, depending on the application:

• Windows IoT for compatibility with Windows-based applications.

• Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS) for open-source flexibility.

• RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems) for applications requiring precise timing and deterministic operations.

• Custom embedded OS for specific applications like automation or robotics.

Choosing the right OS depends on the performance, compatibility, and real-time requirements of the industrial application.

Industrial PCs typically come with the following features:

• Fanless cooling systems to avoid mechanical failure and dust buildup.

• Wide-range power input (e.g., 9-36V DC) for flexibility in industrial settings.

• Multiple I/O ports: USB, serial (RS-232/RS-485), Ethernet, and CAN Bus for connectivity.

• Modular expansion with PCIe, M.2, and Mini PCIe slots.

• Mounting versatility: DIN-rail, rack, or panel mount for easy installation.

• Certifications: Compliance with industry standards such as CE, FCC, UL, EN50155 (railway), MIL-STD-810G (military), and IP ratings (water and dust resistance).

Yes, many industrial computers are designed with IP65/IP67-rated enclosures, which makes them dustproof and waterproof. This allows them to operate in extreme weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and high humidity. They are used in outdoor kiosks, transportation systems, and field monitoring applications.

A fanless design uses passive cooling methods, such as heatsinks, to maintain optimal operating temperatures. This design is important because:

• Reduces the risk of mechanical failure from moving parts (fans).

• Prevents dust and debris buildup, ensuring better long-term performance.

• Provides silent operation, ideal for environments where noise must be kept to a minimum.
  Fanless industrial PCs are perfect for dusty, noisy, or temperature-sensitive environments.

Yes, industrial computers are highly customisable. Manufacturers offer various configuration options, such as:

• Choice of processor (e.g., Intel Core, ARM).

• RAM and storage options tailored to specific tasks.

• Specialised I/O for connectivity (e.g., CAN Bus, serial ports, PoE).

• Wireless connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, GPS).

• Custom mounting and housing to fit specific industrial environments.

This level of flexibility allows you to configure an industrial PC that perfectly fits your operational needs.

Industrial computers are used in a wide variety of industries, including:

• Manufacturing and automation

• Transportation (rail, aviation, logistics)

• Defence and aerospace

• Energy and utilities

• Mining and construction

• Healthcare and medical devices

• Retail and smart kiosks

Due to their ruggedness and reliability, industrial PCs are critical to operations that require high uptime and extreme durability.

Yes, industrial computers are designed with various networking capabilities, including:

• Gigabit Ethernet

• Wi-Fi 6, 5G, and Bluetooth for wireless communication

• Industrial Ethernet protocols (e.g., PROFINET, EtherCAT)

• Fieldbus communication (e.g., Modbus, CAN Bus)

These connectivity options allow industrial PCs to integrate seamlessly into modern IoT and smart manufacturing networks.

You can purchase industrial computers from reputable suppliers and manufacturers, including:

• Advantech

• OnLogic

• Aaeon

• Neousys Technology

• Siemens Industrial PCs

• Assured Systems

These companies offer pre-configured systems or custom solutions tailored to your specific needs.

When purchasing industrial computers, look for certifications such as:

• CE, FCC for general compliance

• UL for safety standards

• IP65/IP67 for water and dust resistance

• EN50155 for railway applications

• MIL-STD-810G for military-grade durability

• ATEX for use in explosive environments

These certifications ensure that the industrial computer meets the required standards for your specific application.

Yes, many industrial computers are designed with low-power processors (e.g., Intel Atom, ARM-based CPUs) and solid-state storage to minimise energy consumption. This makes them ideal for remote, off-grid, or energy-sensitive applications.

Yes, some industrial computers come equipped with GPU support or AI accelerators to enable edge AI applications, such as:

• Real-time video analysis

• Predictive maintenance

• Intelligent automation
  These systems are increasingly used in smart factories and IoT environments where AI can optimise production processes.