In this article, Ankur Tomar, Regional Solutions Marketing Manager at Farnell, shares his insights on how Raspberry Pi is bridging the gap between traditional embedded solutions, industrial controllers, and modern edge computing platforms.
Raspberry Pi for Professionals
Raspberry Pi was born as an affordable and low-cost single-board computer (SBC), initially aimed at hobbyists, designers, and students interested in computer science. However, its versatility has driven its adoption in large-scale industrial applications. Over time, the Raspberry Pi family has expanded from the original model to the current Raspberry Pi 5, Compute Modules, and Pico range, offering solutions tailored to different design requirements. For engineers seeking embedded applications, Raspberry Pi introduced the RP2040 and RP2350 microcontrollers, which are ideal for edge computing, sensor control, and motor management in industrial environments.
Scaling to New Levels
For larger-scale, high-performance applications, engineers can choose from three Raspberry Pi product categories: Microcontroller-based designs, such as Raspberry Pi Pico devices, suitable for lightweight embedded projects. Single-board computers (SBCs), including the Raspberry Pi 5 and earlier models, which offer full computing capabilities for automation systems, gateways, and HMI solutions. Compute Modules (CM4 and CM5), designed for high-volume production with custom hardware, which act as the integrated “brain” on dedicated carrier boards.
The choice between an SBC and a SOM depends primarily on production volume and design complexity. SBCs are suitable for prototypes and low-volume projects, while SOMs are ideal for large-scale deployments with specific peripheral and power requirements.
The technical advantages of the Raspberry Pi make it an attractive option for industrial applications. Whether controlling sensors, managing motors, or acting as a gateway for connected devices, Raspberry Pi boards incorporate low-power, multi-core ARM processors, high-speed connectivity via PCI Express, and hardware-accelerated video processing. Their extensive I/O capabilities include USB, HDMI, SPI, I²C, UART, and dual-display support, complemented by wireless options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Engineers benefit from a broad ecosystem of accessories, including cameras, AI HATs, PoE, multi-touch displays, and industrial I/O extensions, enabling them to prototype complex systems without the need to design custom hardware.
On the software side, the Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS is supported by a global developer community and offers compatibility with embedded computing frameworks, IoT platforms, industrial automation tools, and cloud integration. Environments such as Docker and Node-RED further simplify deployment and management.
Designed for Industry:
The evolution toward Industry 4.0 and the arrival of Industry 5.0 have propelled industrial automation toward intelligent, distributed computing at the edge. Unlike traditional PLCs, which often require proprietary programming knowledge and costly licenses, Raspberry Pi supports multiple languages and operating environments, enabling engineers to develop custom solutions without being tied to a single vendor. Multi-core ARM processors provide sufficient computing power for AI inference, high-speed data processing, and real-time control. By being integrated into industrial enclosures and equipped with eMMC storage, Raspberry Pi boards offer reliable operation in controlled environments while reducing development costs. Practical examples include Raspberry Pi-based PLCs from manufacturers such as Revolution Pi, Industry Shield, and Episenses, which leverage the platform's computing power, software ecosystem, and low cost to replace or complement traditional automation systems.
Pi at the Edge of IoT:
Raspberry Pi also plays a key role in edge computing and IoT applications. Thanks to its support for RS-485, Modbus, SPI, I²C, CAN, Ethernet, and wireless interfaces, it can connect to a wide range of industrial sensors. AI HAT modules and additional cameras enable local, real-time neural processing, allowing for object detection, predictive maintenance, and quality control without overloading the main processor. By aggregating and processing data from multiple sensors, Raspberry Pi reduces bandwidth requirements and latency while supporting advanced analytics and automated decision-making. Real-world applications include automated quality inspection, packaging verification, workplace safety monitoring, digital signage, transportation displays, environmental control in smart buildings, connected homes, and precision agriculture. These implementations demonstrate the platform's ability to support complex, high-performance edge applications.
Raspberry Pi's suitability for the edge is further strengthened by its ability to integrate multiple sensors and run AI tasks locally. AI modules enable color classification, facial recognition, and other applications directly on the device, eliminating network latency and enabling real-time decision-making.
Integration into industrial systems is facilitated by a wide range of software frameworks and add-ons. Docker and balena provide containerized platforms for managing distributed devices, while the Node-RED and MQTT protocols enable seamless IoT communication. The extensive ecosystem of add-ons and libraries allows engineers to rapidly deploy complex solutions, from prototypes to full-scale implementations.
Raspberry Pi in Action:
Raspberry Pi is already widely used in various sectors. For example, flight information displays at airports run on Raspberry Pi, demonstrating its reliability and scalability. In retail, the platform supports digital kiosks, interactive menus, and maps, while industrial automation applications leverage Raspberry Pi for edge computing gateways, sensor networks, and as a PLC replacement. In smart buildings and homes, it is used for energy management, security, and environmental control. In agriculture, its applications include precision farming and environmental monitoring, while in media centers, video surveillance systems and AI-powered monitoring solutions further highlight the platform's versatility. A couple of practical examples are shown below.
Long-term support
is one of the main challenges engineers face when designing industrial systems, ensuring future support, as continuity and maintenance are fundamental in industrial applications. Raspberry Pi has demonstrated its commitment to long-term product availability, maintaining supply and support for models like the original Raspberry Pi from 2012. The company guarantees a lifecycle of up to 10 years, ensuring stability and availability for engineers designing long-term solutions. Beyond that period, continued supply can be arranged for customers with sufficient demand, offering an additional guarantee for mission-critical applications.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
NEC Large Format Displays and MPi4 Kit with Raspberry Pi:
Professional digital signage and information display solutions require reliable embedded computers for content playback, data visualization, and remote management. Traditionally, external players or even PCs were used. However, NEC has integrated the Compute Module 4 (CM4) directly into the display architecture, creating a compact, low-power platform that eliminates the need for external hardware without sacrificing professional-grade control and connectivity.
Sharp and NEC large format displays include the MPi4 Kit with Raspberry Pi CM4. This MPi4 Kit is an open-platform solution that enhances display performance for various visual applications and represents the smartest combination of computing power and affordable professional displays. The NEC interface board houses the module, which offers advanced digital signage features such as a watchdog timer and real-time clock for scheduling. The module's Ethernet and USB interfaces allow for easy integration into external networks or devices.
Sfera Labs Industrial Controllers:
The Italian company Sfera Labs designs and manufactures open technology solutions for industry. Its core offerings include industrial automation servers, I/O modules, and sensors based on Raspberry Pi devices. Faced with the challenge of upgrading its Strato Pi Max industrial server to meet the evolving needs of its customers, Sfera Labs began searching for a way to deliver faster processing speeds, improved connectivity, and greater reliability for mission-critical applications. Sfera Labs integrated Compute Module 5 (CM5) for several reasons: performance and cost, flexibility and scalability, reliability and support, as well as its ease of integration and full compliance with industry standards.
By combining the advanced capabilities of CM5 with the proven robustness and flexibility of the Strato Pi Max, Sfera Labs has created a solution that successfully meets the demanding requirements of modern industrial automation and IoT applications. The increased processing power and memory capacity of CM5 have enabled faster data processing, improved application responsiveness, and expanded support for more complex algorithms, such as machine learning and edge AI.
In conclusion,
Raspberry Pi has evolved from an enthusiast-focused single-board computer (SBC) into a high-performance industrial platform capable of integrating computing applications, edge AI, IoT, and industrial automation. Its combination of flexibility, performance, software ecosystem, and long-term support makes it an attractive alternative to traditional PLCs and industrial microcontrollers. Engineers can leverage SBCs for rapid prototyping, system-on-a-chip (SOM) for high-volume, custom deployments, and microcontroller-based designs for low-complexity embedded applications. With its advanced capabilities, Raspberry Pi continues to redefine what is possible in industrial electronics, intelligent automation, and edge computing, enabling engineers to create smarter, more efficient, and scalable solutions for the modern industrial landscape.
For more information, visit Raspberry Pi for Industry | Farnell Spain
