Ardbox: compact Arduino PLC with 20 I/O
An original Arduino Leonardo inside a compact DIN-rail controller, with up to 20 inputs and outputs and RS-485. And Ardbox Q, the same format with Arduino UNO Q: real-time control plus Linux.
- Up to 20 I/O: Ardbox Analog with analog I/O, Ardbox Relay with relays.
- RS-485 and RS-232 for Modbus RTU and serial devices.
- Ardbox Q adds Linux, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 for data and AI at the edge.
Small cabinet, real PLC
For machines and panels that need 20 signals, not 58.
Two ways to use Ardbox
Ardbox Analog and Relay: Arduino Leonardo, programmed with the Arduino IDE. Simple, compact and well documented.
Ardbox Q: Arduino UNO Q with an STM32 for real-time control and Linux for data, dashboards and AI, in the same enclosure.
- Up to 20 I/ODigital, analog and relay, depending on the model.
- RS-485 and RS-232Modbus RTU and serial devices.
- USB programmingArduino IDE and the Industrial Shields boards package.
- 12 to 24 VdcIndustrial supply, compact DIN-rail enclosure.
- Ardbox Q: LinuxApp Lab, Python, Node-RED and Docker on the Linux side.
- Ardbox Q: wirelessDual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1.
Ardbox models
Classic Ardbox for simple control, Ardbox Q when you also need Linux.
Arduino Leonardo
Ardbox Analog and Relay
- Arduino IDE, no Linux.
- Analog version or relay version.
Arduino UNO Q
Ardbox Q AD and ADR
- Real-time STM32 plus Linux.
- AD with analog outputs, ADR with 8 relays.
Not sure which model? Compare every model by inputs, outputs and communications.
What you can build with it
Real projects with the problem, the solution and the hardware they use.
Small installations
Small machines and remote sites
Timers, counters, interlocks and sensor readings on sites with up to 20 signals.
Case study
Quality checks on a production line
An Ardbox PLC running the quality checks of a manufacturing line.
Edge AI
Control plus Linux
Real-time control on the STM32 and data or AI on Linux, in one compact controller.
Learn and start
- Free course
Getting started with an Arduino-based PLC, step by step.
Start the course - Software by family
How each Industrial Shields family is programmed.
How to program it - RS-485
Distance, speed, wiring and PLC code.
RS-485 guide - FAQ
Power supply, communications and choosing a model.
Read the FAQ
Questions about Ardbox
Does Ardbox have Ethernet?
No. Ardbox Analog, Ardbox Relay and Ardbox Q have no Ethernet. Ardbox Q has Wi-Fi on its Linux side.
What is the difference between Ardbox and Ardbox Q?
Ardbox uses an Arduino Leonardo and is programmed with the Arduino IDE. Ardbox Q uses an Arduino UNO Q: an STM32 for real-time control plus Linux for data and AI.
What supply voltage does it need?
12 to 24 Vdc, like every Industrial Shields PLC.
How many I/O does it have?
Up to 20, depending on the model.
Talk to an engineer
Tell us what the system must do and which signals it has. An Industrial Shields engineer will answer with the right model and the next steps.