NRU-160-FT: AI Controller from Acceed withstands heat and dust

With the NRU-160-FT, German distributor Acceed aims to bring AI computing power to the very places where data is collected and decisions are made. The system can be installed in dust- or waterproof enclosures and uses their walls for heat dissipation, for example in construction machinery, in car parks and on roads, or in autonomous logistics vehicles. With Nvidia’s Jetson Orin AI module, the embedded computer achieves up to 100 INT8-TOPS and can simultaneously process up to 18 Full HD video streams, whilst consuming around 25 Watt of power.

The new NRU-160-FT has been designed to support developers and integrators in the fields of robotics, automation, automotive and transport technology, and agricultural and construction machinery who require reliable AI computing power for outdoor use. The compact controller measures just 199 × 136 × 49 mm and operates with either the Jetson Orin-NX or the Orin-Nano from Nvidia. Both variants use CUDA and Tensor cores to run neural networks directly on the device.

The Conduction Cooling concept (heat conduction rather than airflow) utilises a flat passive cooling profile that dissipates heat to a mounting surface. This ensures the electronics remain stable even at high ambient temperatures. The manufacturer Neousys specifies an operating range of –25 to +70 °C without clock speed reduction in 25 W mode.

The interfaces are designed for mobile scenarios and focus on the flexible, industrial-grade connection of cameras and sensors. The NRU-161V-FT model supports up to six GMSL2 cameras, typical for automotive applications. Drivers for popular Sony cameras such as the IMX390, IMX490 and ISX031 are pre-installed, making them ideal for driver assistance, safety applications or robotic navigation. The NRU-162S-FT offers five Gigabit interfaces for IP and industrial cameras, four of which support PoE, all designed as M12 sockets for harsh environments. The power supply can operate within a range of 8 to 35 V. With power-on control, the system can start automatically with the vehicle and shut down in a controlled manner when the ignition is switched off – an important feature for use in construction machinery, agricultural vehicles or transport robots. The NRU-160-FT saves energy, reduces maintenance requirements (no fans, no filters) and allows for smaller power supplies or longer battery life. This lowers acquisition and operating costs, particularly in fleets or off-grid systems. The system is complemented by CAN-FD, RS-232, mini-PCIe and an M.2 B-Key socket for mobile communication modules up to 5G.

The Neousys NRU-160-FT combines high AI performance, a robust design and sophisticated cooling for enclosed enclosures. For those seeking a reliable way to analyse data from cameras and sensors outdoors or in moving machinery, this offers a technically sound and cost-effective long-term solution. The system is well suited for the transition from laboratory prototypes to real-world field applications and should be shortlisted for edge AI planning in industrial environments.

Acceed (acceed.com) supplies the NRU-160-FT in various configurations and provides support with project planning, installation and long-term supply.