Finding the Right Computing Hardware for Your Automation Company
When searching for an "automation company near me," you’re likely looking for a partner who can supply reliable, compact, and energy-efficient computing solutions for industrial environments. Automation companies—whether focused on robotics, PLC control, HMI systems, or edge data collection—require hardware that can operate 24/7 in harsh conditions without failure. Thinvent’s range of mini PCs, like the Aero series, are engineered to meet these exact demands.
Key Specifications for Automation Workloads
The Thinvent Aero Mini PC featured on this page is powered by an Intel N100 processor (12th Gen, 4 cores, up to 3.4 GHz, 6 MB cache), paired with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a 128 GB SSD. This configuration strikes an ideal balance between performance and low power consumption, making it suitable for real-time control tasks, data logging, and light machine vision. The fanless design ensures silent operation and resistance to dust and vibration—critical factors for factory floors. Additionally, the system supports multiple operating systems including Windows IoT, Ubuntu Linux, and Thinvent’s own Thinux Embedded Linux, giving automation engineers flexibility in software deployment.
Common Use Cases in Automation
These mini PCs can serve as:
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Edge computing gateways for collecting sensor data and forwarding it to cloud platforms.
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HMI (Human-Machine Interface) stations for operator dashboards running on Windows or Linux.
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PLC and SCADA controllers in distributed control systems.
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Machine vision controllers for quality inspection when paired with cameras.
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Retrofit controllers for upgrading legacy machinery with modern IoT capabilities.
The compact form factor (often under 1 liter volume) allows installation in tight cabinets or directly on machines, reducing space requirements compared to traditional tower PCs.
Thinvent’s Product Line for Automation
Thinvent offers a wide portfolio of industrial computing solutions beyond the Aero Mini PC, including thin clients, panel PCs, and all-in-one units. All products are built with long-term availability and industrial-grade components, helping automation companies standardize on a reliable hardware platform. The N100-based Aero series, with its 12V DC power input, low thermal output, and robust connectivity (dual HDMI, USB 3.2, Gigabit Ethernet), is an excellent starting point for any automation project. For more demanding tasks, Thinvent also offers models with higher-performance Intel Core i5/i7 processors.
Contact Thinvent today to discuss how our computing solutions can power your next automation deployment—no matter where you are located.
