2026 CIIF Observation: How to Choose an Integrated Control-Computing Industrial Computer
At the 2026 Shanghai Industrial Fair, “integrated control-computing” became the dominant theme in the controller hall. It has moved from concept to productized deployment. For manufacturers, the question is no longer whether to adopt it, but how to choose the right platform.
What Is an Integrated Control-Computing Computer?
It sits between a traditional PLC and a general-purpose industrial PC. It must provide PLC-level real-time control, integrate an NPU for local AI inference, and converge communication, computing, and O&M into one device. Traditional PLCs lack AI compute; industrial PCs lack deterministic real-time performance. Integrated control-computing bridges that gap.
Key Selection Dimensions
EdgePLC: A Controller-Level Solution
EdgePLC is Beilai Technology’s industrial AI edge controller series. Its architecture combines an ARMxy high-performance processor with distributed I/O expansion, integrating PLC real-time control, AI edge inference, and industrial communication.
CODESYS Versions
|
Version |
Capabilities |
Applications |
|
PRO |
IEC 61131-3 logic control, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP |
Basic PLC, process control, equipment automation |
|
SM |
PRO + single/multi-axis synchronized motion (electronic cam/gear) |
Multi-axis motion, packaging, winding machines |
|
CR |
SM + G-code parsing, 3D path interpolation, robot kinematics |
CNC machine tools, SCARA/Delta robots |
Engineers can use the familiar CODESYS environment and migrate existing PLC programs with minimal learning curve.
SOM Platform Matrix
|
Model |
Processor |
NPU |
Typical Use |
|
BL237 |
RK3562J, 4×A53 + M0 |
1 TOPS |
Lightweight AI inspection, AGV navigation |
|
BL241 |
RK3568J, 4×A55 |
1 TOPS |
Vision-guided robots, edge AIoT gateway |
|
BL244 |
RK3576J, 4×A72 + 4×A53 |
6 TOPS |
Multi-camera vision, motion + AI fusion |
|
BL245 |
RK3588J, 4×A76 + 4×A55 |
6 TOPS |
Flagship AI inference, CNC + robotics |
|
BL246 |
BCM2712, 4×A76 |
Hailo expandable |
Raspberry Pi ecosystem, elastic AI |
All models support Linux-RT, IGH EtherCAT master, IEC 61131-3 programming (OpenPLC/NexPLC/CODESYS), YOLOv5/8 + OpenCV, and DIN35 mounting. BL237–BL245 operate from -40°C to 85°C with EMC Level 3 protection; BL246 supports -20°C to 85°C.
Four-Step Decision Framework
Typical Scenarios
Conclusion
Integrated control-computing is redefining the industrial controller. EdgePLC combines PLC control, local AI inference, and industrial communication in a single DIN-rail device—from entry-level to flagship. Selection is about matching compute, software, I/O, and environment. With CODESYS support across the series, EdgePLC gives users open hardware and software choice.
