Let’s be honest—industrial automation isn’t what it used to be. And that’s a good thing. As the lines between OT and IT continue to blur, the need for smarter, more flexible and more open systems is growing fast. Enter the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE — our latest edge device that doesn’t just keep up with this evolution, it helps drive it.

Built on the principles of openness, modularity and real-time performance, this device is more than just another industrial PC. It’s a full-fledged edge computing platform that speaks the language of automation and the cloud fluently.

Built for Harsh Environments, designed for High Performance

At its core, the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE is a rugged industrial PC, purpose-built for 24/7 operation in demanding environments. Powered by a Quad-Core Intel Atom CPU and equipped with 16 GB RAM, it’s ready to handle complex analytics and control tasks — right at the edge.

But what really sets it apart? It runs a full Ubuntu Pro Desktop OS, giving you the freedom to deploy software however you like—whether as native Linux applications or containerized services.

Containerized Virtual PLCnext Control: Automation reimagined

Unlike traditional PLCs, the control functionality on the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE is fully containerized. Thanks to the Open Container Initiative (OCI), your Virtual PLCnext Control runs as a software container—bringing all the real-time capabilities you expect, with the flexibility of modern IT infrastructure.

You still get support for industrial protocols like PROFINET and Modbus TCP/IP and you can integrate I/O modules and bus couplers just like you would with any PLCnext Control. But now, you can also run your own services, AI models or even web servers side by side.

Edge Applications Made Easy

The real magic happens when you start thinking beyond traditional automation. With the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE, you can:

• Process data locally for real-time insights
• Deploy AI models using our MLnext framework (no coding required)
• Visualize data directly on the device with dashboards
• Integrate with ROS for autonomous systems like AGVs

And yes, you can plug in cameras, scanners or other USB devices directly. No extra hardware needed.

Use Case: Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

Imagine an AGV that not only navigates autonomously but also monitors its own health. With the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE, that’s not science fiction, it’s reality.

• ROS-ready interface for seamless navigation integration
• Local AI-based anomaly detection for predictive maintenance
• Wireless data transmission to reduce cabling
• Firmware updates via PLCnext Store for easy fleet management

This is edge computing where it matters most — on the move, in real time and with full control.

Why It Matters: OT + IT = Real Innovation

The VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE is more than a device, it’s a bridge. A bridge between the deterministic world of OT and the dynamic, data-driven world of IT. It empowers engineers, developers and system integrators to build solutions that are:

• Modular
• Scalable
• Future-proof

And most importantly, it does so without locking you into proprietary ecosystems or outdated paradigms.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Industrial Automation

With the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE, we’re not just adding another product to the PLCnext Control portfolio — we’re opening up new possibilities. Whether you’re building smart factories, autonomous systems or AI-driven maintenance solutions, this device gives you the tools to do it in your way.