In traditional industrial automation systems, the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) typically adopts a combination architecture of Industrial PC (IPC) + industrial monitor. The industrial PC handles running control software, data processing, and communication, while the monitor is used for operator interaction and system visualization.

This architecture has been widely used for more than a decade, but as industrial systems evolve toward digitization, intelligence, and edge computing, its limitations are becoming increasingly apparent:

Large number of devices and complex system structure A typical system usually includes:
Large space occupation Industrial PCs are usually installed inside control cabinets, while monitors are mounted on operation panels, requiring additional wiring and installation space. This is not ideal for AGVs, equipment terminals, outdoor devices, or small control cabinets.
System stability risks The traditional architecture has multiple potential failure points, such as:

Therefore, industrial systems are gradually evolving toward integrated industrial edge terminals.

New Trend in Industrial Systems: Edge Computing + Integrated Visualization

With the development of Industrial IoT and edge computing, a new device form is rapidly gaining popularity — the Industrial Edge Visualization Tablet PC (Edge AI Panel PC).

This type of device integrates multiple system components into a single terminal, including:

Industrial computing platform
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Edge AI computing capability
Industrial protocol gateway
I/O acquisition and control
Remote operation and maintenance capability

Through this integrated design, system complexity can be significantly reduced.

The TPC371 Industrial Edge Visualization Tablet PC is an industrial-grade solution launched specifically for this trend. It can directly replace the traditional industrial PC + monitor combination in many applications.

TPC371: An Integrated Platform Combining Edge Computing and HMI

The TPC371 is an edge AI visualization tablet PC specially designed for industrial field use. It integrates industrial computing, display, communication, and I/O expansion capabilities into one device.

The device is based on the Rockchip RK3562 / RK3562J ARM processor platform, featuring high performance and low power consumption, while integrating a 1 TOPS NPU for AI computing power, enabling direct execution of AI algorithms at the edge.

Key core capabilities include:

Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor
Cortex-M0 real-time coprocessor
1 TOPS AI computing power NPU
10.1-inch industrial touchscreen
Wide temperature operation (-30°C ~ 70°C)
IP66 front panel protection
Rich industrial interfaces and I/O expansion

With this design, the TPC371 is not only an industrial HMI terminal but also a complete industrial edge computing node.

How TPC371 Replaces the Traditional IPC + Monitor Architecture

Integrated device architecture Traditional system architecture is usually as follows: PLC / Sensors ↓ Industrial PC ↓ HDMI / VGA Industrial Display
Built-in edge AI computing capability Traditional industrial PC HMI systems usually only handle data display, while AI analysis typically requires:
Rich industrial interfaces and I/O expansion TPC371 is not only a computing terminal but also features powerful industrial communication capabilities.
Industrial-grade reliability design TPC371 is designed specifically for industrial environments with high reliability. Key features include:

Typical Application Scenarios for TPC371

Smart Manufacturing Production Line HMI Terminal TPC371 can serve as a production line operation terminal with functions including:
AGV Onboard Control Terminal In AGV systems, TPC371 can function as an onboard scheduling and control terminal with features such as:
Energy System Monitoring TPC371 can be applied in:
Construction Machinery Operation Terminal In construction machinery cabins, TPC371 can replace traditional mechanical operation interfaces, providing:

Open Software Ecosystem

TPC371 provides an open software platform for easy secondary development.

Supported operating systems:

Linux
Ubuntu
Android
Yocto

Development environments include:

Qt
Node-RED
Python
Docker

It also supports various industrial protocols:

Modbus
BACnet
MQTT
OPC UA
IEC104

Additionally, the device offers:

BLIoTLink industrial protocol conversion software
BLRAT remote operation & maintenance tool
QuickConfig rapid configuration tool

Enabling quick construction of:

Industrial SCADA systems
Data acquisition gateways
Edge AI applications

Summary

As industrial systems progressively advance toward edge computing, AI, and Industrial IoT, the traditional industrial PC + monitor architecture is gradually being replaced by higher-integration devices.

Through its integrated design, the TPC371 Industrial Edge Visualization Tablet PC combines:

Industrial computing platform
HMI visualization
Edge AI computing
Industrial communication
I/O data acquisition

—all into a single device.

Compared to the traditional architecture, it offers:

Simpler system structure
Higher industrial reliability
Lower deployment costs
Stronger edge AI capabilities

Therefore, in scenarios such as smart manufacturing, energy systems, AGV equipment, and industrial automation control, the TPC371 is becoming an important platform for the new generation of industrial edge computing and visualization terminals.