Emerson has unveiled a new generation of industrial personal computers designed to support artificial intelligence and machine learning in demanding automation environments.
The US-based engineering group announced three new models in its PACSystems range — the IPC 6010, IPC 7010, and IPC 8010 — aimed at industries requiring high-performance computing for data-intensive applications such as predictive maintenance, process optimisation, and quality inspection.
The devices are equipped with 13th Generation Intel Core processors and up to 64GB of soldered ECC memory, enabling them to withstand extreme industrial conditions including high vibration and temperatures of up to 70°C. Emerson said the fan-less design, combined with optional cooling systems and patented vibration and thermal management technologies, extends operational life and reliability in harsh environments.
Targeted at sectors undergoing digital transformation, the new PACSystems platforms are intended to support real-time data collection, protocol conversion, analytics, and visualisation. They also offer solid-state drive storage of up to 4TB and multiple connectivity options, including gigabit Ethernet and PCIe expansion slots, to meet the needs of scalable automation systems.
The systems are available with pre-installed operating systems such as Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, PACEdge, or Linux, and can be configured with Emerson’s Movicon Connext and Movicon WebHMI software for Edge computing and visualisation. Alternatively, users can install their own software. Built-in security features include Trusted Platform Module crypto-processors and Secure Boot technology.
“These innovative next-generation IPCs are a key part of the hardware backbone supporting Emerson’s Boundless Automation vision,” said Harish Shinde, Vice President and General Manager for Controls and Software at Emerson’s discrete automation business. “They are designed to future-proof industrial systems and ensure continuous uptime, even in extreme environments.”
Emerson said the new range aims to offer scalable performance at various price points, lowering cost-of-ownership for customers seeking to deploy AI and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities on the factory floor.
