An industrial controller brings AI to machines, enabling local data processing and support for robotics, machine vision and factory automation.
ASRock Industrial has introduced the iEP-7050E Series, an industrial IoT controller designed to bring AI processing to the edge for applications such as robotics, machine vision, factory automation, autonomous systems, and transportation. Built on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) processors, the controller combines CPU, GPU, and NPU resources to deliver up to 180 TOPS of AI performance while supporting real-time computing through Intel Time Coordinated Computing (TCC) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN).
The platform is intended for industrial users that need AI systems to process data locally instead of sending it to the cloud. This helps reduce response time for tasks such as computer vision, predictive maintenance, and machine control. It supports up to 128GB of DDR5-7200 memory with Intel In-Band ECC, allowing systems to handle AI workloads while improving data reliability during operation.
The iEP-7050E Series is available in several versions, including Basic, PoE, 5G/Wi-Fi, 8DIO, CANBus, and Out-of-Band (OOB) management models. The modular design allows system builders to choose the connectivity and I/O options required for their deployment.
The controller includes multiple networking and expansion interfaces. Depending on the model, it offers up to six Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.2 ports, an RS232/422/485 serial interface, HDMI 2.1b output, configurable digital I/O, CANBus interfaces, and Single Pair Ethernet (T1S) connectors. Expansion options include M.2 slots for 4G LTE or 5G modules, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, a PCIe Gen5 M.2 storage slot, and a microSD card slot.
The iEP-7050E Series uses a fanless enclosure and operates in temperatures from -25°C to 60°C. It supports dual 9V/19V to 36V DC power inputs and includes protection against overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, and power surges. The system can be installed using wall, VESA, or DIN-rail mounting for fixed equipment and mobile industrial systems.
Along with the hardware, ASRock Industrial has expanded its AI Pathfinder tool, which recommends compatible edge AI platforms, accelerator cards, and hardware configurations for different AI workloads. The company says the tool is intended to simplify system selection and speed up AI deployment.
Click here for the original announcement.
