Japan-based PiLink has unveiled the PL-R5 and PL-R5M series, a lineup of compact industrial computers built around the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. The systems come in both IP20 and IP65 configurations, with the ruggedized IP65 models featuring waterproof M8 connectors suitable for harsh factory environments. At 132 x 88.7 x 35 mm (5.2 x 3.5 x 1.4 inches) and weighing about 540 grams (1.2 lbs), these units pack serious industrial capability into a compact form factor.
The PL-R5 series targets higher bandwidth applications with USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a wide 9V to 40V DC input range. The PL-R5M trades some of that connectivity for additional flexibility, offering 100 Mbps Ethernet (with optional Gigabit), USB 2.0, and a 10.7V to 28.8V DC input. Both lines support optional WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, plus an M.2 B-Key slot for 4G LTE cellular connectivity using an industrial-grade Cat-7 modem. Expansion options include RS-232, RS-485, I2C interfaces, and on select models, CAN Bus support for automotive and industrial automation applications.
The IP65 variants come in several configurations: Basic, Basic Plus (adding four analog inputs and four DI/DO ports), USB (three USB ports), and a DIO CAN model with two CAN Bus interfaces. The IP20 versions expand these options further with Single Pair Ethernet, display output for maintenance, and additional COM ports. Under the hood, the CM5 brings a quad-core Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4 GHz, up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM with ECC support, and up to 64GB of eMMC storage. The systems operate between -20°C and 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) and meet IEC vibration and shock standards.
All models run Raspberry Pi OS (Bookworm or Trixie) with appropriate drivers. PiLink has not published pricing, and interested customers will need to contact the company directly through its website for purchase information.
On the software side, the CM5 hardware opens up a range of open-source possibilities. Home Assistant OS runs natively on Compute Module 5, making these units viable for industrial-grade home automation deployments, while the RS-485 interfaces enable direct communication with Modbus RTU devices using tools like mbusd or Python's PyModbus library. The CAN Bus variants are particularly appealing for 3D printer enthusiasts, as Klipper firmware recommends the Raspberry Pi 5 architecture and can leverage CAN Bus for toolhead communication. For industrial IoT workflows, Node-RED pairs well with the onboard connectivity for MQTT-based sensor networks and PLC integration. The quad-core Cortex-A76 also handles Docker containers comfortably, supporting self-hosted services like Portainer for container management or Immich for local photo backups.
