Industrial Automation based on Node-RED and Raspberry pi using Node-RED Dashboard

This article will explain how we implemented Industrial Automation based on Node-RED and Raspberry Pi using Node-RED Dashboard. We have implemented the device in a rebar wood processing factory. Specifically, we have installed a device to control the wood dryer chamber. The environmental data to be considered are temperature and humidity in the room.

Industrial Automation based on Node-RED and Raspberry pi using Node-RED Dashboard
Industrial Automation

Industrial Automation

This is the age of the 4th industrial evaluation. Industry 4.0 is growing fast. It includes massive improvement of industries empowered by IoT, data mining, and machine learning. The IoT is now moving to IIoT(Industrial Internet of Things). Now we have the customized Raspberry Pi version, Revolution Pi, for the industrial Internet of Things.

Node-RED and Raspberry Pi

Node-RED is an IoT platform introduced by IBM based on node.js. This flow-based programming platform collects, stores, analyzes, manages, controls the data flow, and executes logical operations based on the instruction set. 

Raspberry Pi is a very popular mini-computer with both processing and controlling features. This characteristic made it IoT friendly device. It can be used as an IoT server to communicate with sensors, industrial machines, the client through MQTT protocols, and a Wi-Fi network. 

Industrial Automation using Node-RED Dashboard and Raspberry Pi

As Node-RED is an IoT tool and Raspberry Pi can be used as a controller and processor, we can deploy Node-RED and Raspberry Pi to collect sensor data. We can control the dryer fan, heater, spray, and flap to dehumidify based on the sensor and user-defined data from the Node-RED dashboard. 
We have used the Arduino Ethernet shield to collect sensor data. After collecting data, Arduino will send data to Raspberry Pi through the MQTT protocol. 

The code for Arduino ethernet shield:

The raspberry pi displays the node-RED dashboard. Users can set data from the Raspberry Pi touch display easily. The Node-RED dashboard looks like the following.

Industrial Automation based on Node-RED and Raspberry pi

The Node-RED flow is given below:

The Node-RED gets the sensor values, and based on the data, it triggers the GPIO pins connected to Relay.

Raspberry pi GPIO using Node-RED

Watch video documentation on Industrial Automation based on Node-RED and Raspberry Pi using Node-RED Dashboard:

11/Post a Comment/Comments

  1. The amazing processing and controlling features of raspberry pi needs to be fully exploited.

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    1. You are right, raspberry pi is an awesome IoT device and it's powerful.

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    2. Node-RED is a visual programming tool that enables users to wire together devices, APIs, and online services to create automations using a browser-based flow editor. It was developed by IBM and is now an open-source project.

      In industrial automation, Node-RED can be used to control and monitor various systems and devices. For example, Node-RED can be used to connect to PLCs, sensors, and other industrial devices, collect and process data, and then send control commands back to the devices.

      Node-RED works by allowing users to create flows, which consist of interconnected nodes. Nodes represent various functionalities, such as reading data from a device, processing the data, and sending control commands. Users can drag and drop nodes from a library and connect them to create a flow that represents the desired automation.

      Node-RED's visual interface and support for various communication protocols make it a versatile and user-friendly solution for industrial automation. The platform is also highly scalable, making it suitable for both small and large-scale industrial automation projects.

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  2. Hi i don't see the Arduino code on the page ?

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    1. Please check now. The post has been updated. Thanks

      Delete
  3. Can Node-RED be used for real-time control in industrial automation?

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    1. Yes, Node-RED can be used for real-time control in industrial automation. Node-RED provides a visual interface for programming and allows users to easily connect and control different devices and sensors in real-time. The platform also supports various communication protocols such as Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT, and others, which are commonly used in industrial automation for real-time communication between devices. The use of Raspberry Pi, which has a fast and responsive processor, can further enhance the real-time control capabilities of Node-RED in industrial automation applications.

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  4. What are some of the benefits of using Node-RED and Raspberry Pi for industrial automation?

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    1. Some of the benefits of using Node-RED and Raspberry Pi for industrial automation include:

      Ease of use: Node-RED provides a visual, drag-and-drop interface for programming, making it easier for non-programmers to create and manage industrial automation solutions.

      Low cost: Raspberry Pi is a low-cost and small form factor computer, which makes it an affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses.

      Scalability: Node-RED is a flexible platform that can be easily scaled for both small and large-scale industrial automation systems.

      Integration: Node-RED supports various communication protocols and APIs, making it easy to integrate different devices, sensors, and systems into a single automation solution.

      Fast development: Node-RED's visual interface and pre-built nodes allow for faster development times compared to traditional programming methods.

      Enhanced performance: Raspberry Pi provides fast and responsive performance, making it suitable for real-time control and monitoring applications in industrial automation.

      Improved accuracy: Node-RED's visual programming environment and ability to connect different devices and sensors can improve the accuracy of industrial automation systems.

      Better reliability: By using Node-RED and Raspberry Pi, industrial automation systems can be made more reliable and efficient, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

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  5. Is it possible to create custom nodes in Node-RED for industrial automation applications?

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    1. It is possible to create custom nodes in *Node-RED* for industrial automation applications. Follow the basic steps:

      Determine the functionality you want to implement in the custom node. This can be anything from interfacing with a specific sensor or controller to implementing a custom algorithm for data processing.

      Create a new Node-RED node using the Node.js runtime environment. You can create a new directory in the Node-RED nodes directory (~/.node-red/nodes/) and add a JavaScript file with the appropriate functions.

      Define the node's input and output properties. This can include data types, validation rules, and default values.

      Implement the node's functionality using JavaScript. You can use existing Node-RED nodes and libraries to implement complex functionality and integrate with external systems.

      Test the custom node by deploying it to a Node-RED flow and testing its functionality in a real-world scenario.

      Optionally, package the custom node as a Node-RED module and publish it to the Node-RED package repository for others to use.

      Creating custom nodes in Node-RED can be a powerful way to extend its functionality for specific industrial automation applications. By leveraging the flexibility and extensibility of Node.js, you can create custom nodes that integrate with a wide range of sensors, controllers, and protocols and automate complex industrial processes.

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