Waterway Transport | ARM Industrial PC Powers an Intelligent Bridge Collision-Avoidance System

Bridges are critical nodes in waterway transport, where collision protection is mission-critical. Active, intelligent anti-collision systems have become the “smart eyes” safeguarding bridge assets and public safety. Drawing on deep hardware expertise, SINSMART supplied the core computing platform that enabled our customer to upgrade detection range and accuracy—without increasing footprint or power draw.

Project Upgrade

The customer had previously deployed a SINSMART industrial PC solution that ran stably and earned strong trust. In this new phase, they set a higher bar:

• Extend monitoring to a 100-meter water area

• Precisely identify vessels and issue early warnings of potential collision risks

Given the more complex recognition scenarios and longer detection distance, the customer again selected SINSMART for a stronger, ARM-based hardware upgrade.

Core Requirements

1. AI Compute: ARM architecture with ≥100 TOPS performance

2. Rich I/O: At least 4 Ethernet ports for multi-camera and network devices; CAN bus; GPIO

3. Compact & Rugged: Embedded computer design preferred; capable of reliable outdoor operation

4. Reliable Connectivity: 4G/5G wireless backhaul

5. System Compatibility: Ubuntu pre-installed and compatible with the customer’s application

SINSMART ARM Industrial PC Solution

To meet the ARM and small-form-factor requirements—while accommodating extensive expansion—we recommended a Jetson AGX Orin–based SINSMART ARM industrial computer.

1) 100+ TOPS Edge AI Compute

Powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin (Ampere-architecture GPU + Arm Cortex-A78AE CPU), the platform delivers up to 100 TOPS of AI performance for long-range vessel recognition, distance estimation, and risk scoring—satisfying the project’s upgraded compute needs.

2) Versatile, Industrial-Grade I/O

• Ethernet: 6× RJ45 with screw locks (2× Intel® I225 2.5GbE + 4× 802.3at PoE+) to both network and power multiple cameras

• Industrial comms: 1× isolated RS-485, 2× RS-232, 1× CAN, and 4-in/4-out isolated DIO for precise, low-latency control

• Wireless expansion: Full-size mini-PCIe (supports Wi-Fi 6/CAN) and M.2 B-Key (supports LTE/5G) to ensure robust backhaul

3) Embedded, Fanless Mechanics

A compact chassis (230 × 173 × 66 mm, ~2.7 kg) fits tight enclosures on bridge structures. Passive cooling enables stable operation from –25 °C to 70 °C (at 30 W TDP), resisting outdoor temperature swings and dust ingress.

4) Storage & OS Compatibility

Dual front-access 2.5" SSD bays plus M.2 NVMe SSD provide ample logging and video storage. The unit ships with Ubuntu pre-installed, delivering a stable platform for the customer’s collision-avoidance software stack.

5) Power & System Reliability

A wide-range 8–48 VDC input with ignition power control adapts to complex field power conditions. Isolation design helps mitigate EMI and transients, improving overall system uptime.

Outcomes

• 100 m detection range achieved with accurate vessel identification and proactive alerts

• Simplified deployment via PoE+, reducing external power runs to cameras

• Always-connected operations through modular 4G/5G backhaul

• Lower maintenance thanks to fanless, sealed mechanics and industrial-grade components

Conclusion

By understanding the realities of outdoor, mission-critical environments, SINSMART , professional embedded pc manufacturer, delivered an ARM industrial computing platform that solved the core hardware challenges of an intelligent bridge anti-collision upgrade. Beyond rugged hardware, we provide scenario-driven engineering and ongoing technical support—making SINSMART a trusted partner in the digitalization and safety modernization of waterway infrastructure.