Edge Programmable Industrial controllers (EPics) are becoming increasingly popular

Today, edge computing, as an important supplement to cloud computing, has received more and more attention in building connected factories. Edge computing realizes the analysis, processing and storage of data at the edge of the network, which not only reduces the dependence on the cloud, but also improves the security of data.

However, the edge computing puts forward high requirements on the local processing ability of data, and the traditional PLC controller is no longer competent for such work. In recent years, edge Programmable Industrial controllers (EPics) are poised to replace traditional PCS, servers, and legacy hardware in factory environments.

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Designed to improve the efficiency of existing automation systems while reducing complexity and cost of ownership, edge controllers can handle more automation functions, including those traditionally performed by PCS or other dedicated devices. The edge controller can integrate PLC controller, PC, gateway, motion control, I/O data acquisition, fieldbus protocol, machine vision, device networking and other functions in one body, while realizing device motion control, data acquisition, computing and cloud connection, and cooperating with remote industrial cloud platform on the edge side to achieve intelligent production line control.

The software architecture of edge controllers is essentially a cloud and edge two-tier architecture that integrates user management, networking, security, and hardware interfaces on an innovative software platform configured at the edge (where the data is generated) to create an ecosystem of applications and tools that users can use to deliver richer functionality to the process than before.