Edge computing is becoming essential as more industrial equipment connects to cloud platforms for analytics, monitoring, and secure data handling. Beijer’s new EG500 is built to manage this shift, combining a compact form factor with hardened security features and cloud-ready integration. With an industrial Linux OS, onboard firewall, TPM 2.0, and support for major cloud services, it’s designed to simplify secure IIoT deployments while also serving as a capable web-based HMI for machine-level dashboards.
The EG500 Edge Computer. Image used courtesy of Beijer Electronics
The EG500
When designing an industrial Edge PC, there are a few essential features. The PC must be compact to fit in tight spaces, and it must be secure. Measuring only 120 x 90 x 30 mm, the EG500 is extremely compact for the amount of computer power it puts out, and the DIN rail mount makes for easy installation in control panels. When connecting industrial devices to the internet, you must be sure your connected devices are secure in order to prevent unwanted control of your equipment. The EG500 includes an integrated firewall, TPM 2.0, and no root access for users.
The EG500 being used for machine efficiency dashboards. Image used courtesy of Beijer Electronics
The OS, Welotech egOS, uses a special version of Linux specifically designed for edge devices. The OS has built-in features for security, such as network routing, NAT functions, and additional firewall protection.
Each EG500 comes equipped with the latest Intel Atom x6413 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 100 GB container storage with space to add up to 1 TB of additional storage, three Ethernet ports, three USB 3.0 ports, and one RS-232 connection.
The EG500 comes fully integrated with Azure IoT, AWS containers, as well as Azure IoT Hub. With these services already integrated into the EG500, you can be sure your connection and data will be safe in the cloud.
Dashboard created using WebIQ. Image used courtesy of WebIQ
Web-Based HMI Solution
The EG500 can also be used as a web-based, headless HMI using WebIQ. Built using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, WebIQ is a fully customizable HMI IDE that is capable of running on the EG500. Users can create interactive dashboards with virtually no coding required.
Cloud Computing In The Industrial World
Connecting equipment to the internet is a dangerous activity; if someone were to access your manufacturing equipment, they could cause disruptions to production or even harm someone. Then there is the data itself, which can sometimes consist of sensitive personal data, such as patient information. This data needs to be secured and kept away from attackers. Today, we have access to secure data repositories such as AWS and Azure. These cloud data repositories and software containers offer different levels of high-end protection, so you can rest assured that your data and your customers' data will remain safe.
By using a device such as the EG500, machine builders can offer their customers a fully integrated and secure IIoT system capable of operating the latest Edge OS and providing access to popular cloud applications.
