Using Edge Computing Technology in Programmable Logic Controller to Realize the Intelligent System of Industrial Safety and Fire Protection

One reason behind a factory fire is personnel neglecting to pay attention to various details within the factory. For instance, environmental temperature can impact the safety of storage facilities, whereas humidity levels can affect the frequency of electrostatic discharge incidents. However, it is not feasible for workers to continuously monitor the changes in the factory environment and inspect equipment. Therefore, we investigated a method that can help provide intelligent judgments and can assist workers in monitoring the factory environment by using Bluetooth sensors and edge computers. The intelligent fire protection system designed in this study is characterized by the wireless transmission and easy arrangement of Bluetooth sensors, and is equipped with an edge computer on the production line. This system can make intelligent judgment on the environment and send a message to notify the users when the environment changes very rapidly. If the data captured from the environment exceeds a critical threshold requiring a warning, an alarm will notify the users. If required, the edge computer will take control of the programmable logic controller of the production line to implement relevant actions and achieve an intelligent automatic fire protection system.