This ready-to-use data collection kit provides a reliable, off-the-shelf platform that simplifies the development of IIoT solutions by providing all the essential elements for data collection, from edge devices to cloud services, with little to no programming required. This accelerates development, integration, and time to market, giving systems integrators the upgrade they need.
The software: ThingsPro Gateway
The first important component of the starter kit is the ThingsPro Gateway, a ready-to-use data acquisition software platform that simplifies the complex task of transferring data from the edge to the cloud.
To simplify data acquisition, the ThingsPro gateway provides a Modbus infrastructure that easily connects to Modbus RTU/TCP devices and SCADA systems. It also includes extensive network support for 4G connectivity, wireless fault tolerance, gateways, and VPNs, ensuring your data is securely collected in remote locations.
To move your data to the cloud, it has integrated client support for services like AWS IoT and Cirrus Link Sparkplug. With the integration of the SDK for devices with AWS IoT, the ThingsPro gateway allows you to configure tags and devices on AWS IoT and then transfer field data to various AWS cloud services, such as Amazon Kinesis, AWS Lambda, and Amazon S3, for data collection, processing, and storage. The starter kit also supports running AWS Greengrass for local computation, messaging, data caching, and synchronization. Furthermore, with the integrated Cirrus Link Sparkplug SDK, you can easily connect your IIoT gateway to the Inductive Automation Ignition platform or another MQTT server.
"The value of IIoT gateways lies in connecting devices at the edge and transporting the necessary data to the cloud," says Johnny Fang, Product Manager for Embedded Computing at Moxa. "To accelerate the integration between on-the-ground devices and cloud services and help users bring their solutions to market sooner, we are actively working to add support for more and more cloud services, such as Microsoft Azure, Google IoT Core, and Schneider Wonderware, in upcoming releases.".
Finally, for those customers who require customized solutions, ThingsPro Gateway includes C and Python APIs that accelerate application development and create a tailor-made solution that meets their specific needs.
The Hardware: UC-8112 Edge Computer.
The other key component is the UC-8112 edge computer, a ready-to-use, communications-focused, industrial-grade computing platform featuring a 1 GHz ARM processor, 512 MB of RAM, two LAN ports, and two serial ports, all housed in a rugged, compact, palm-sized enclosure. It provides a flexible platform suitable for a wide range of applications and is available in a variety of temperature-rated models that can operate in harsh environments from -40°C to +75°C. A wide selection of accessories is also available to add LTE or Wi-Fi connectivity if needed. And for those already developing a proof of concept with a Raspberry Pi, they can easily migrate their applications to the UC-8112 to transform their IIoT ideas from prototypes into robust solutions suitable for industrial application and mass production.
All in one: The IIoT Gateway Starter Kit.
By combining the UC-8112 edge computing hardware and ThingsPro Gateway software, the IIoT Gateway Starter Kit offers a flexible, robust, and powerful platform. It is ideal for remote monitoring, data collection, and data processing for a variety of IIoT applications, including solar and wind energy, electric vehicle charging stations, water and wastewater monitoring, and smart manufacturing.
