Owasys highlight open-platform IoT technology for heavy equipment

FOR more than two decades, Owasys have established themselves as a leading manufacturer of advanced control and connectivity systems for mining and off-highway machinery. As the sector moves towards increasingly data-driven operations, demand continues to grow for intelligent hardware that can withstand the harsh realities of quarrying and extraction environments.

At Hillhead 2026, Owasys will showcase their flagship owa5X platform, a next-generation Linux IoT gateway engineered for extreme operating conditions, including heavy dust, vibration and temperature variation. Rated to IP67/IP6K9K standards, the unit features a quad-core i.MX8 M Plus A53 64-bit processor operating at 1.6GHz, supported by up to 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB eMMC storage.

For advanced edge computing applications, the owa5X is also available with an optional Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivering up to 2.3 TOPS, making it suitable for demanding mining, minerals, and construction applications.

Unlike conventional ‘black box’ systems, the owa5X has been developed as an open, highly adaptable platform for modern connected fleets. Built on open-source Debian or Yocto architectures, it gives OEMs and fleet operators the flexibility to develop proprietary applications or utilize high-speed data processing through four CAN-FD SIC interfaces.

The platform also supports Edge AI directly on the machine, delivering real-time analytics and decision-making without relying entirely on cloud connectivity. Security is enhanced through integrated TPM 2.0 technology, providing robust protection for hardware and data.

Alongside the owa5X, Owasys will also present the new owa347, a compact, cost-effective IoT gateway for fleet management and smaller machinery applications. Housed in an IP67-rated enclosure, the unit is powered by an ARM Cortex A7 processor with 512MB of DDR3 RAM and features LTE connectivity and a programmable three-axis accelerometer.

Owasys will exhibit alongside UK distributor and system integration specialist Control Technologies UK, offering visitors insight into both the hardware platform and the integration expertise required to implement tailored machine intelligence solutions.

Live demonstrations of the Owasys gateways will take place at stand PA41, throughout Hillhead 2026.