The global push toward Industry 4.0 is reshaping manufacturing, with smart factories poised to achieve unprecedented levels of automation, flexibility, and real-time intelligence in the coming decade. To minimize downtime, enhance product quality, and maximize efficiency across operations, manufacturers are integrating sensor arrays, machine vision, robotics, and high-speed data pipelines. Yet, real-time decision-making on the factory floor remains challenging. Massive data streams from cameras, PLCs, IoT devices, AGVs/AMRs, and industrial robots cannot rely solely on cloud processing due to latency, bandwidth costs, and cybersecurity risks. Consequently, edge computing has emerged as the backbone of smart factory deployment—enabling AI-ready, ruggedized systems to perform high-speed inference near the data source and accelerate intelligent manufacturing.
To meet these challenges, manufacturers require robust hardware platforms that serve as the foundation for intelligent edge computing in smart factories. Smart factories demand industrial embedded systems that combine computing power, connectivity, reliability, and environmental resilience. These systems must integrate seamlessly with diverse field devices—sensors, cameras, PLCs, machine vision units, and industrial communication buses. High-performance edge AI inference is critical for applications such as defect detection, automated optical inspection (AOI), robotic pick-and-place, and AI-driven predictive maintenance.
From a hardware standpoint, manufacturers seek solutions that offer:
● High AI compute density for real-time image processing, robotics control, and anomaly detection
● Flexible I/O interfaces for integration with legacy industrial devices
● Robust industrial communication via COM ports, CANbus, and Ethernet
● Stable performance in harsh environments with fluctuating conditions such as temperature swings and vibration
● Reliable, low-latency local processing to minimize cloud dependency
● Compact footprints for deployment on robotic arms, control cabinets, or mobile equipment
● Optional wireless and cellular connectivity for remote management and mobile robotics
These demanding requirements underscore the need for a compact yet powerful system capable of continuous operation while executing sophisticated AI workloads.
The Portwell PJAI-1100F is purpose-built for modern smart factories, powered by the NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ NX module. Delivering up to 157 TOPS (Orin NX 16GB in Super Mode) for multiple concurrent AI inference pipelines, it enables high-speed vision inspection, robotic guidance, process optimization, and real-time anomaly detection directly at the factory edge—supporting faster, more informed decision-making.
Equipped with up to 16GB 128-bit LPDDR5 memory, PJAI-1100F handles complex neural networks and large data workloads with ease. Its rich connectivity includes 2x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, 3x USB 3.2 Type-A, 2x DB9 COM, and 1x DB9 CANbus, ensuring seamless integration with PLCs, motion controllers, industrial robots, barcode scanners, and machine vision sensors—compatible with both new and legacy automation infrastructures.
For expansion, PJAI-1100F offers M.2 2280 Key M (NVMe PCIe x4) for high-speed data logging and model storage, M.2 2230 Key E for optional Wi-Fi, and M.2 3042/3052 Key B for 4G/5G connectivity—ideal for mobile robotics and distributed assets.
Designed for factory environments, PJAI-1100F supports a -20°C to 60°C operating range, ensuring stable performance near furnaces, production lines, and warehouse zones. Its compact footprint (152 x 112 x 90 mm) fits constrained spaces such as robot arms, control cabinets, or AMRs. An optional wall-mount kit adds flexibility, while the integrated high-efficiency fan module sustains 40W operation for continuous high-load AI inference.
In terms of software support, PJAI-1100F supports the NVIDIA JetPack™ SDK (JetPack 6.x), providing a comprehensive AI software stack with CUDA®, cuDNN, TensorRT, DeepStream, and other tools for accelerated vision, robotics, and edge inference.
By combining NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ NX’s AI acceleration with ruggedized industrial design, PJAI-1100F empowers advanced smart factory functions including AI-powered AOI, real-time anomaly detection, robotics perception and navigation, edge-based digital twin execution, predictive maintenance, and equipment health monitoring.
As smart factories advance toward higher automation, intelligence, and interconnectivity, reliable edge AI computing has become mission-critical. Portwell’s PJAI-1100F delivers a robust, AI-optimized embedded solution designed to meet Industry 4.0 demands with high-performance, energy-efficient NVIDIA® Jetson Orin™ NX processing, industrial-grade connectivity, rugged reliability, and flexible expansion.
Whether enabling high-speed machine vision, powering autonomous robots, or supporting predictive maintenance, PJAI-1100F enhances operational visibility, accuracy, productivity, and uptime. As manufacturers accelerate AI-driven processes, PJAI-1100F provides a solid foundation for building intelligent and adaptive smart factory ecosystems.
