Astrial: maker-inspired system on modules for industrial edge AI
Machines are entering a new era. They are no longer passive components of a process but increasingly intelligent and autonomous entities, capable of analyzing information, making decisions, and acting in real time. This transformation is driven by artificial intelligence, increasingly shaping how industrial systems learn and respond, and by a new generation of hardware designed to meet the demands of edge computing and supported by electronic manufacturing services for AI applications.
At the heart of this shift, there’s Astrial by System Electronics, a family of System-on-Modules (SoMs), that channel the flexibility of the maker world into a rugged, production-ready platform for industrial environments. It represents a key step in the evolution of AI in system on module industry, bridging the gap between prototyping and industrial-scale production.
From prototype to production without redesign
Development cycles are under pressure to become faster and more efficient. Astrial responds by adopting the rpi Compute Module form factor, making it fully compatible with CM4 and CM5 carriers. This design choice allows companies to move from prototyping to mass production without rebuilding their system architecture. The familiar dimensions and pinout of Astrial mean that a proof-of-concept built on maker tools can evolve directly into an industrial product, cutting time-to-market and securing long-term reliability.
Industrial environments demand resilience. Astrial modules are engineered with components certified for wide temperature ranges and are assembled under a controlled bill of materials to guarantee long-term availability. They are supported throughout their lifecycle, both in hardware and in software maintenance, ensuring that customers can rely on them for years of operation without disruption.
For machine builders and OEMs, this stability translates into confidence that production lines, robotics systems, or vision platforms will keep performing under demanding conditions.
AI power where it matters
Edge intelligence requires computational strength that goes far beyond simple input and output control. Astrial integrates the NXP i.MX8M Plus processor, providing quad-core performance and embedded vision capabilities, alongside dedicated Hailo accelerators. Depending on configuration, the module can deliver up to 26 TOPS of inference power, enabling real-time object detection, classification, tracking, and anomaly detection.
Key hardware highlights include:
- Up to 8 GB of industrial-grade RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage
- Secure element EdgeLock SE050 for root-of-trust and secure boot
- Dual MIPI-CSI camera inputs, HDMI or MIPI-DSI output, plus Ethernet, CAN, USB, UART, I²C and SPI connectivity
This combination turns Astrial into a compact, highly capable platform that allows machines to not only capture data but also interpret it instantly and act accordingly.
Moreover with connected machines comes the responsibility of ensuring trust. Astrial integrates a hardware-based secure architecture, protecting systems against tampering and ensuring that only verified software runs on the device. In critical sectors like mobility, energy, or industrial automation, this level of security is essential.
An ecosystem ready for multiple markets
Astrial is not just hardware, but a complete ecosystem. Development carrier boards allow engineers to prototype quickly. Reference designs provide guidance for application-specific integration. A maintained Linux BSP based on Yocto ensures software continuity and long-term support. Tutorials, Python APIs, and ready-to-use AI demos are made available through community channels, giving developers the tools to move from idea to implementation in the shortest possible time.
Astrial is suited for a broad range of industrial and edge AI applications:
- Factory Automation: inspection with AI, motion control, condition monitoring
- Smart Vision Systems: object recognition, tracking, and surveillance
- E-Mobility and Motorsport: onboard AI for telemetry and data processing
- Marine and Rail: predictive maintenance and robust control in harsh environments
- Agritech and Robotics: autonomous navigation, crop analysis, and field robotics
Each of these markets shares the same challenge: how to transform passive machines into intelligent, responsive systems. Astrial provides the platform to make that leap possible.
Astrial’s Distinctive Approach
The strength of Astrial lies in the balance between maker-inspired agility and industrial-grade reliability. Its compatibility with rpi Compute Modules allows engineers to innovate quickly, while its hardened build ensures those innovations are ready for production. A controlled supply chain guarantees long-term availability, with no dependency on consumer components. Through Electronic EMS partnerships and electronic manufacturing services for AI applications, and a strong network of distributors such as EBV Elektronik, Astrial delivers a reliable foundation for innovation.
For companies competing in a rapidly evolving market, Astrial offers not only a powerful SoM but also a faster, safer, and more reliable path to intelligent machines. To explore Astrial in detail and discover how System Electronics supports innovation in industrial edge AI and electronic manufacturing services, contact our experts. To explore Astrial in detail and discover how System Electronics supports innovation in industrial edge AI, visit astrial.ai.