Hardware Automation Engineer

OnLogic Helix 320 debuts: A fanless industrial mini PC with Intel Twin Lake CPUs and quad 2.5G Ethernet. OnLogic has added a new fanless mini PC to its lineup, and it is aimed squarely at industrial and enterprise deployments rather than living-room media centers. Called the Helix 320, the system is built around Intel's Twin Lake family of processors and offers a level of connectivity that should appeal to edge computing, automation, and IoT-focused buyers. The Helix 320 can be configured with one of two CPU options. The entry point is a 4-core Intel N250 paired with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Step up, and you get an 8-core Intel Core 3 N355 with 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory. In both cases, the RAM is soldered to the board, so buyers should choose their memory configuration carefully at purchase. Storage, thankfully, is upgradable through a single M.2 2280 slot. Twin Lake performance: modest but purpose-built. The Intel N250 is a 4-core chip made up entirely of Gracemont efficiency cores, with a peak clock speed of 3.8 GHz. In multicore workloads, it should land somewhere near a Core i7-10710U, a processor found in lightweight laptops from roughly seven years ago. That makes it fine for basic industrial tasks, kiosk-style applications, thin-client duties, and light data collection, but not for heavy compute. The 8-core Core 3 N355 is the more interesting option. It also tops out at 3.9 GHz, but with twice the core count it can handle significantly more work. OnLogic's faster Helix 320 configuration should be able to keep pace with something like a Core Ultra 5 115U "Meteor Lake" chip from around two years ago. That is still not going to rival modern mid-range desktop CPUs from Intel or AMD, but for a fanless industrial machine, it is a sensible trade-off between performance, power draw, and reliability. Because the Helix 320 is fanless, there are no moving parts to suck in dust or fail in a factory floor environment. That design choice helps explain why OnLogic did not push for more powerful silicon. The system is meant to run continuously, not to win benchmark charts. | A total of four 2.5G Ethernet ports are present on the Helix 320 mini PC | Impressive I/O for industrial and enterprise use. Where the Helix 320 really stands out is connectivity. As industrial automation and edge computing continue to converge, having the right ports on a compact, rugged box matters more than raw CPU speed. OnLogic has packed in a serious amount of I/O: * 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 * 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A * 2x DisplayPort * 4x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet * 1x 14-pin COM (dual RS-232/422/485) * 1x 3.5 mm audio jack That quad 2.5G Ethernet setup is particularly notable for a mini PC. It opens the door to use as a network appliance, a small edge server, or a gateway device that can segment traffic across multiple networks. The COM port, meanwhile, keeps the Helix 320 relevant for legacy industrial equipment that still relies on serial communication. Cellular support is available through an M.2 B-key slot, and Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth can be added via an M.2 2230 E-key slot. For full configuration details and available options, buyers can check OnLogic's official Helix 320 specifications page here. Compact, aluminum, and mountable. The Helix 320 measures roughly 180 x 120 x 32 mm, or about 7 x 4.7 x 1.26 inches. The enclosure is made from aluminum, which helps with passive cooling and gives the system a durable feel. OnLogic also supports several mounting options, making it easier to install behind a display, inside a cabinet, or on a wall in a workspace where space is tight. Pricing starts at $1,243 for the base model with the Intel N250 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SATA 3 M.2 SSD. That is not inexpensive, but industrial hardware rarely is. Buyers are paying for the fanless design, the wide I/O selection, the aluminum chassis, and the kind of validation and support that comes with enterprise-focused systems. Who should buy it - and who should not. The Helix 320 is not for everyone. Normal consumers who do not need a fanless design, COM ports, or quad Ethernet will likely be better served by a mainstream mini PC. For those buyers, a compact Apple Mac mini is often a simpler and more affordable option. The current Mac mini is available on Amazon here, and it offers strong everyday performance in a much more consumer-friendly package. But for system integrators, factory automation teams, and edge computing projects that need a small, silent, mountable PC with serious networking and serial connectivity, the OnLogic Helix 320 fills a specific niche. It is not the fastest mini PC on the market, and its soldered RAM limits long-term upgradability. Still, its fanless Twin Lake design, quad 2.5G Ethernet, and industrial I/O make it a compelling option for the right deployment. For more context on how industrial automation and edge computing are shaping hardware choices like this, there is also a relevant industry discussion on LinkedIn here. In short, the OnLogic Helix 320 is a purpose-built industrial mini PC that prioritizes reliability and connectivity over raw speed. If that sounds like your workload, it may be worth a closer look.

OnLogic to demonstrate physical AI Hardware and manufacturing solutions at IMTS 2026. Live demonstrations from Microsoft, Nokia, Inductive Automation, CODESYS, Edge Impulse, and ZEDEDA in Booth 236609 will feature purpose-built OnLogic hardware powering physical AI, automated control, and private wireless deployments on the factory floor. SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT (September 9, 2026) - At the 2026 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, global industrial computing manufacturer and edge AI specialists, OnLogic (www.onlogic.com), will showcase a full line of hardware for smart manufacturing. Visitors to Booth 236609 in the North Hall will see live, pre-validated solution demonstrations and get a first look at the company's new EdgeLogic SoftPLC appliance. More headlines. Articles. "Deploying artificial intelligence and modern automation at the physical edge shouldn't require forcing delicate datacenter hardware into harsh workplace environments, or dealing with the latency challenges of cloud infrastructure," said Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Americas and Global Partnerships at OnLogic. "At IMTS, working closely with our ecosystem partners, we are demonstrating how rugged, purpose-built computers securely extend cloud-like intelligence, real-time machine vision, application orchestration and control directly to machines and processes where data originates, enabling AI in the physical world." Debut of EdgeLogic SoftPLC Appliance IMTS 2026 marks the official debut of EdgeLogic, a pre-configured SoftPLC edge appliance that offers a more flexible alternative to traditional, proprietary PLCs. EdgeLogic combines industrial hardware with optimized CODESYS SoftPLC software and an optional Hilscher netX communication controller for real-time protocol translation. The appliance delivers pre-validated real-time machine control out of the box, allowing engineers and system integrators to bypass days of BIOS configuration, driver setup, and OS tuning while reducing the proprietary hardware and ongoing licensing costs associated with locked control ecosystems. Full Line Manufacturing Hardware and Live Partner Demonstrations OnLogic will display its full portfolio of industrial and rugged computers, panel PCs, and edge servers designed for factory floor, machine building, IIoT, and edge AI applications. Highlights include fanless edge systems powered by Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra processors featuring dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for local machine vision and defect detection. The booth will feature live, interactive demonstrations developed with industry software partners: - Microsoft: Demonstrating Microsoft Azure Local on small form factor edge platforms like the OnLogic Helix 521, extending containerized cloud workloads and Azure Arc management to the factory floor. - Inductive Automation: Highlighting hardware platforms running Ignition software for enterprise-wide SCADA and IIoT data collection. - Nokia ECE (Enterprise Campus Edge): Running Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE) micro solutions on rugged hardware to support mission-critical operational technology workloads over private wireless networks. - CODESYS: Showing containerized SoftPLC control software operating on fanless edge hardware to replace legacy, proprietary controller units. - Edge Impulse: Demonstrating localized machine learning and vision AI models running directly at the edge for instant quality inspection. - ZEDEDA: Showcasing centralized, cloud-native orchestration and management of edge hardware and containerized applications. Visit OnLogic at IMTS 2026 IMTS attendees are invited to visit Booth 236609 in the North Building of McCormick Place to interact with live software demonstrations, examine new fanless hardware lines, and speak directly with OnLogic engineers. To learn more about the OnLogic hardware solutions for manufacturing, visit https://www.onlogic.com/solutions/smart-manufacturing/.

OnLogic launches DNV certified computing solutions for global maritime operations. New DNV certified systems deliver long-term reliability for critical bridge, control room, and engine room applications at sea. OOSTERHOUT, THE NETHERLANDS (3 June, 2026) - Industrial computing and edge solution specialists, OnLogic (www.onlogic.com), have launched a new range of DNV certified industrial computing solutions designed to solve the global maritime industry's most persistent technical challenges. As maritime operations undergo rapid digital transformation, they face the dual challenge of meeting strict international standards while enduring the harsh environmental conditions of the high seas. This new lineup of hardware addresses those hurdles by offering pre-certified reliability for critical bridge, control room, and engine room applications. More headlines. Articles. Solving maritime computing challenges For maritime operators, system integrators, and equipment manufacturers, the stakes are high. Using uncertified hardware on a vessel can lead to immediate failure during audits, potential loss of vessel certification, and costly operational delays. Furthermore, because commercial hardware lifecycles are often short, integrators frequently face the burden of constant redesigns and re-certifications. OnLogic is moving to solve these persistent issues by offering DNV certified solutions. These systems have been tested to meet the non-negotiable international standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and environmental resilience, ensuring they can be installed on the navigation bridge, in control rooms, and in critical infrastructure areas without interfering with sensitive communication equipment. These solutions are specifically optimized for three primary use cases: - Navigation bridge and integrated console systems: Powering Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and radar data interfaces where EMC compliance is paramount. - Engine room monitoring and energy optimization: Serving as data acquisition gateways for telemetry, such as vibration, temperature, and fuel consumption, to inform predictive maintenance algorithms. - Secure fleet management and offshore IoT: Consolidating data from shipboard sensors and transmitting aggregated information to shore-based operations. "The maritime industry demands hardware that is as robust as the vessels themselves," says Michiel Schillemans, Director Europe. "Our goal is to provide a reliable foundation that allows integrators and fleet managers to focus on their core mission rather than worrying about hardware failure at sea. By providing DNV certified systems, we are helping our partners navigate compliance, withstand rough environmental conditions, and ensure their technology remains viable for years to come." Certified reliability for harsh environments The OnLogic maritime-ready line includes a range of rugged and industrial systems, as well as hardened panel PCs and touchscreens. These devices help maritime professionals make the most complex shipboard projects possible. Key features include: - DNV certification: Verified compliance for high-stakes environments, reducing the regulatory risk for integrators. - Fanless options: By eliminating the need for fans, these systems resist internal damage from dust and other airborne debris, ensuring maximum uptime even in non-climate-controlled installations. - Longevity through design: OnLogic provides a controlled bill of materials and 5+ year product lifecycles to eliminate the headache of obsolescence and mid-project redesigns. - Modern and legacy connectivity: Platforms are highly configurable with essential connectivity to interface with shipboard systems, including multiple COM and LAN ports, to bridge older navigation sensors with modern Ethernet, wireless, and IoT networks. About OnLogic OnLogic is a global industrial computer manufacturer who designs highly-configurable, solution-focused, AI-ready computers engineered for reliability at the IoT edge. Their systems operate in the world's harshest environments, empowering customers to solve their most complex computing challenges, no matter their industry. Founded in 2003, the company has offices in the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, and Malaysia. OnLogic has helped more than 70,000 customers worldwide advance their ideas with computers that are designed to last, built to order, and delivered in days. Featured product. Roboteon has a highly differentiated solution, leading the way in the warehouse automation market: Interoperability across various WMS and Robotic platforms; The sector's most complete and functionally-rich platform, from core integration to advanced execution, optimization and orchestration of work; Broad use of AI and advanced simulation to improve decision-making and execution; Deep domain expertise, with special insight into integration of robots to Warehouse Management Systems and existing automation