When we announce a new product, we want you—our loyal customers and OptoBlog readers—to be the first to hear about it. 

And this isn't just one product. This is EPIC: the world's first Edge Programmable Industrial Control system—a brand-new I/O and control system built for the future of automation and designed for the way you work.

In our almost 45 years of manufacturing automation products, I don't think we've ever been this excited about introducing a new system. And here's why:

groov EPIC^® gives you guaranteed-for-life I/O, a flexible Linux®-based controller with gateway functions, high-resolution touchscreen, two independent network interfaces, USB and HDMI ports, and software including control programming, groov View for device-independent HMI, Node-RED for simple data flows, and Ignition Edge^® for OPC-UA drivers and MQTT/Sparkplug communications—and more.

It all comes together to make groov EPIC your obvious choice for any industrial internet of things (IIoT) application. Or just about any application, since you know you can count on the quality of Opto 22 controllers and I/O.

The groov EPIC system will start shipping in May 2018, and you can pre-order it in April! 

Here are some features you'll like.

If you spec or buy systems:

• UL Hazardous Locations approved and ATEX compliant
• Wide -20 to 70 °C operating temperature range
• Stainless-steel chassis with 4, 8, or 16 I/O modules
• I/O module density of up to 24 channels per module
• Multi-featured analog input with voltage, current, and loop sourcing in single module
• Analog input resolution of 20 bits at 0.1% accuracy over span
• DC outputs with load switching at 0.4 A per channel @ 70 ºC
• AC outputs with load switching at 0.5 A per channel @ 70 ºC; blown-fuse detection
• AC/DC mechanical relay output at 5 A per channel @ 70 ºC
• Channel-to-channel isolation available 
• Multiple power supply options including AC, DC, and pass-through
• Dual, independent Gigabit Ethernet network interfaces 
• Fully compatible with the SNAP PAC System
• All products made in the U.S.A.

If you install, commission, or use systems in the field:

• Integrated high-resolution color touchscreen for commissioning and HMI
• No PC required for I/O and network configuration or troubleshooting
• Touch-sensitive pad on I/O modules for configuring and testing
• Viewable I/O module specs and wiring diagrams
• Stainless-steel DIN rail or panel mounted chassis
• Compact footprint with integrated power supply
• Spring-clamp terminal strip directly atop I/O module accommodating up to 14 AWG wire
• Integrated wireway with two-position swing-away cover
• Single module retention screw and strain relief tab built in
• LED indicators for module health at a glance, and for individual discrete channels
• Hot-swappable I/O

If you're a developer:

• Securely shares data among databases, cloud services, PLC systems, and more
• Real-time, open-source Linux OS
• Flowchart-based PAC Control with scripting for control programming
• Future support for IEC 61131
• Optional secure shell access (SSH) for your own custom-developed application
• groov View for building and securely viewing operator interfaces from any authorized mobile device or PC with a web browser—and from the EPIC controller's touchscreen
• Open-source Node-RED for wiring together APIs, cloud applications, and databases with simple data flows, using pre-built nodes
• Ignition Edge (a product of Inductive Automation^®) with OPC-UA drivers to Allen-Bradley^® and Siemens^® PLC systems
• MQTT transport protocol with Sparkplug payload for efficient data communications
• RESTful API to groov EPIC controller

If you're an OEM:

• Configuration, troubleshooting, and system visualization on board, and for any authorized web or mobile user
• Integrated high-resolution color touchscreen with HDMI output for optional external monitor 
• groov View HMI viewable on touchscreen, external monitor, and browser-based devices
• Dual, independent Gigabit Ethernet network interfaces
• Dual USB ports for serial communications or touchscreen monitors
• Real-time, open-source Linux OS running on an industrial quad-core ARM^® processor
• 2 GB RAM, 6 GB user space on industrial solid-state drive

Get a sneak peek at the groov EPIC press release (official release will be Wednesday, February 14).

Plan your system now

The groov EPIC system will start shipping in May 2018, and you'll be able to place pre-orders beginning in April. So now's the time to plan for what you need. 

Remember that groov EPIC is fully compatible with the SNAP PAC System and uses the same PAC Control programming software plus the same groov View HMI software you may already be using with a groov Box or groov Server for Windows. 

For additional information and application advice, contact an Opto 22 pre-sales engineer: 951-695-3000 or toll free, 800-321-6786.

Sign up now to stay informed on groov EPIC news. UPDATE: See parts and specs, and pre-order now!