groov EPIC & RIO Firmware 4.0: Future-Ready, Backward-Compatible

This new firmware release upgrades the foundation of all your groov EPIC and RIO devices—without changing what works.

Firmware 4.0 transforms the core of every groov device we’ve ever shipped, while keeping everything you rely on right where you left it.

Learn what's new, along with how and why you should update.

Works on every groov device—since day one. Same feel. Same blue buttons.

From the outside, it all looks the same. And that’s the point. What you see hasn’t changed. Your familiar blue buttons? Still there, right where you expect them.

But behind the scenes, 4.0 installs a brand-new Linux kernel—the core of the Operating System (OS) that runs every app and process on your groov device—quietly preparing your EPICs and RIOs for the next generation of high-impact features.

And here’s the part that’s almost unheard of:

You can install this same firmware on every groov EPIC and RIO we’ve ever shipped. That’s not accidental. It’s exactly why we built the platform the way we did: to grow with the industry, evolving technology, and your needs.

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What you’ll notice right away

Ready faster

Firmware 4.0 brings noticeably faster boot times to all groov EPICs—almost 50% faster! The controller is ready in about 1 minute 17 seconds, and the login screen appears just 28 seconds later, at 1 minute 45—a substantial improvement over earlier versions.

Faster startups mean you get quicker updates, faster reboots, and less downtime exactly where it counts.

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More WiFi adapter options

Firmware 4.0 expands support, giving you access to a broader range of modern, easier-to-find USB-to-WiFi adapters. If you're already using one of the original adapters, no action is needed—they're still fully supported.

But if you’ve had trouble sourcing one of the previously approved WiFi dongles, this update should make things a lot easier. All of these are now supported:

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Upgraded software, smoother experience

Firmware 4.0 updates key software platforms across the board, making your development, integration, and visualization workflows faster and more flexible.

Node-RED now runs on Node.js 20.12.2. That means node installations, like the popular serial node, no longer require jumping through compatibility hoops in groov Manage. You can install what you need without rolling back or sideloading. Your existing flows stay intact, and updates are now quick and clean.

Ignition/Ignition Edge revved to version 8.1.47, with updated Cirrus Link MQTT modules (v4.0.29). And thanks to the Chromium browser upgrade, you can now run Ignition’s Perspective (web-based UI) directly on your EPIC's touchscreen or connected HDMI display—no hacks, no external clients. This version also includes general bug fixes and security updates to help keep your system stable and supported.

CODESYS gets an updated runtime, device library, and the now-included OPC-UA client license. While there are no major changes here, this patch addressed a security vulnerability in the OPC-UA stack—an important fix for secure deployments.

Python 3.10.14 is now the system version. If you work in the shell or run custom scripts, you now have better access to modern libraries and a more stable development environment.

Docker container support is now available in firmware 4.0. If you're working in the shell and have a license, you can run lightweight, isolated applications directly on your groov device. It’s a powerful new capability for advanced use cases, backed by docs and community support at developer.opto22.com.

Looking for a deeper dive?

Terry Orchard penned an OptoForum post with many of the technical details found under the hood.

Ready to upgrade?

Firmware 4.0 is available now—free, as always.

**Due to the significance of this release, we strongly recommend reviewing the release notes before installing your firmware, especially if you use CODESYS or Ignition: