Smart factories represent the next stage of industrial evolution, where production systems are digitally connected, highly automated, and data-driven. To achieve this level of intelligence, factories require powerful and flexible industrial controllers that can integrate field devices, process real-time data, and connect seamlessly with higher-level systems.
The BL350 industrial embedded computer is designed to meet these requirements, serving as a core edge controller in smart factory environments. By combining industrial-grade hardware, flexible I/O expansion, and advanced software support, BL350 enables manufacturers to build scalable, efficient, and intelligent production systems.
In a typical smart factory architecture, BL350 is deployed at the edge of the production network, close to machines and production lines.
Its primary roles include:
Edge controller for machines and production lines
Industrial data acquisition and preprocessing unit
Protocol gateway between field devices and IT systems
Edge computing platform for analytics and optimization
By operating at the edge, BL350 reduces system latency, improves reliability, and enables local decision-making without relying solely on centralized servers.
BL350 can be used as the main controller or auxiliary controller for automated machines and production lines.
Assembly lines
Packaging machines
Conveyor systems
Automated test stations
Collect digital and analog signals from sensors
Control motors, actuators, relays, and solenoid valves
Execute logic programs using Soft PLC or CODESYS
Communicate with local HMI panels and operator interfaces
With modular X-series and Y-series I/O boards, BL350 can be easily adapted to different machine configurations, reducing hardware complexity and deployment time.
A smart factory relies on continuous data collection and real-time analysis. BL350 serves as an industrial data acquisition and edge computing node, collecting information from machines and sensors across the shop floor.
Temperature and pressure sensors
Flow and level transmitters
Vibration and condition monitoring sensors
Energy meters and power analyzers
Data filtering and normalization
Threshold detection and alarm generation
Local data aggregation and compression
Preprocessing before cloud upload
By processing data locally, BL350 reduces network bandwidth usage and ensures faster responses to abnormal conditions.
Smart factories often contain a mix of new and legacy equipment using different communication protocols. BL350 acts as an industrial protocol gateway, enabling seamless interoperability.
RS485 / RS232 for legacy devices
CAN bus for field-level equipment
Ethernet for factory networks and SCADA systems
4G / Wi-Fi for remote connectivity
Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP
Serial devices to MQTT
Machine-level protocols to SCADA or MES systems
This capability allows factories to modernize existing equipment without costly replacements.
BL350 supports direct integration with SCADA, HMI, and MES systems, forming a bridge between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT).
Local visualization and dashboards
Real-time alarm display
Production data reporting
Equipment status and OEE analysis
With support for Linux-based applications, web dashboards, and Ignition SCADA, BL350 can function as a compact SCADA node at the edge, reducing the need for separate industrial PCs.
Smart factories increasingly require remote visibility and centralized management. BL350 enables remote monitoring and maintenance through secure network connectivity.
Remote access via Ethernet or cellular networks
Secure device management and updates
Alarm notifications and event reporting
Long-term unattended operation
Industrial features such as a hardware watchdog, wide temperature support, and stable power design ensure reliable 24/7 operation in demanding factory environments.
With its multi-core ARM processor and Linux ecosystem, BL350 also supports advanced smart factory applications, including:
Predictive maintenance using historical data
AI-assisted anomaly detection
Vision-based inspection via USB or Ethernet cameras
Energy optimization and carbon monitoring
These capabilities make BL350 a future-ready platform for factories transitioning toward Industry 4.0.
The BL350 industrial embedded computer provides a powerful and flexible foundation for smart factory automation. By integrating control, communication, and edge computing into a single industrial platform, BL350 helps manufacturers achieve:
Higher production efficiency
Improved equipment reliability
Better data transparency
Lower system complexity and cost
As smart factories continue to evolve, BL350 serves as a reliable edge intelligence platform, enabling scalable and intelligent industrial automation systems.
