Forlinx Launches FCU3101 Edge AI Computing Box With 3 TOPS NPU

Forlinx has introduced the FCU3101, a compact Edge AI computing box designed to bring AI inference and computer vision capabilities closer to industrial equipment, cameras and connected systems.

Built around the Rockchip RV1126B or RV1126BJ processor, the FCU3101 combines local AI processing, image acquisition, data handling and industrial connectivity in a fanless enclosure.

The company is positioning the Edge AI computing box for Industrial IoT, smart manufacturing and security applications where low latency and reliable operation are important.

3 TOPS AI Processing at the Edge

At the heart of the FCU3101 is a quad core Cortex A53 processor running at up to 1.6GHz, paired with a native AI accelerator capable of delivering up to 3 TOPS of inference performance.

The onboard NPU is designed for local AI workloads, allowing applications to process video and sensor data without having to send every task to a remote server. This can help reduce response times for applications that require immediate decisions at the machine or site level.

According to Forlinx, the platform can support computer vision workloads such as human detection, intrusion detection, smoke and fire recognition, license plate recognition, product defect inspection and material counting. The system also supports multiple video streams for edge based analysis.

Designed for Industrial Vision Applications

The Edge AI computing box is aimed at applications where AI needs to work alongside existing industrial equipment rather than operate as an isolated computing platform.

In smart manufacturing environments, the system can be used for automated inspection, counting components, checking product dimensions and identifying irregularities on production lines. Its local processing capability allows visual data to be analysed close to the source, supporting faster responses to production events.

For security applications, Forlinx highlights use cases including access control, perimeter monitoring, intrusion detection, vehicle identification and other forms of intelligent surveillance.

The company also offers an AI algorithm suite intended to simplify deployment. Instead of requiring customers to build and optimise every model from the beginning, Forlinx says its existing algorithms can be deployed for common vision tasks, with custom algorithm development available for specific requirements.

Connectivity Built Around Industrial Equipment

One of the more important aspects of the FCU3101 is its range of interfaces.

The system includes two Ethernet ports, with one supporting Gigabit Ethernet and the other supporting 10/100Mbps connectivity. It also provides two RS485 ports and two RS232 ports, making it suitable for communication with industrial controllers, sensors and other equipment.

Two digital inputs and two relay outputs are also available. The relay outputs are rated for contacts up to 5A at 30VDC, giving the system a direct interface with certain field devices and control equipment.

For additional connectivity, the FCU3101 supports Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 4.2. An optional 4G Cat 1 module can provide cellular connectivity, while a Nano SIM slot is included for supported deployments.

The system also features USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, HDMI output with support for resolutions up to 1920 × 1080, a 3.5mm audio output and a Type C debugging interface.

Fanless Design for Industrial Deployment

The FCU3101 uses passive cooling rather than a cooling fan. This removes a moving component from the system and allows the compact computing box to operate without the noise and maintenance considerations associated with fan based cooling.

The enclosure measures 202 × 123 × 42mm and weighs about 0.8kg. It can be installed on a desktop or mounted using brackets.

Forlinx offers different operating temperature configurations. The industrial grade version is specified for operation from ?40°C to +85°C, while the extended commercial configuration supports ?20°C to +85°C. The system accepts a DC input from 9V to 36V, with 24V listed as the default input, and includes reverse polarity and overcurrent protection.

These features make the FCU3101 particularly relevant to factory environments and other locations where computing hardware may face wider temperature variations than conventional office equipment.

Linux Platform With Flexible Storage

The FCU3101 runs Linux and is available with either 2GB or 4GB of memory. Storage options include 16GB and 64GB eMMC, while a TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 128GB.

The platform also includes a hardware watchdog, real time clock and reset function. A programmable light bar provides a visual status indicator, while the reset button can be configured to restore network parameters.

For developers and system integrators, these features provide additional options when deploying the FCU3101 as part of a larger industrial or connected system.

Built for Edge AI Rather Than Cloud Dependent Processing

The arrival of systems such as the FCU3101 reflects the growing shift toward processing AI workloads closer to where data is generated.

Industrial cameras, production equipment and security systems can produce large volumes of visual information. Moving all of that data to a central server can increase network traffic and introduce additional latency. An edge computing architecture instead allows selected processing and inference tasks to happen locally.

With its integrated NPU, industrial interfaces and compact fanless design, the FCU3101 takes this approach into a form factor intended for deployment alongside existing industrial infrastructure.

Forlinx says the platform is designed to support low latency computer vision and machine learning applications across industrial and security environments.

Key Specifications

The specifications are based on information published by Forlinx and independently reported technical details.

A Compact Platform for Industrial AI

Forlinx’s FCU3101 sits at the intersection of edge computing, industrial connectivity and computer vision. Rather than focusing solely on AI processing power, the system combines a 3 TOPS NPU with the interfaces and environmental characteristics needed to connect AI workloads with equipment deployed in the field.

Its combination of fanless operation, wide voltage input, industrial temperature support, serial connectivity and local AI inference makes it a practical option for manufacturers and system integrators looking to add computer vision capabilities without relying entirely on cloud infrastructure.

Forlinx has not published pricing on the product page and is directing customers to contact the company for quotations. The company lists a sample lead time of five working days and a bulk order lead time of approximately six weeks.

The company also states that CE, FCC and RoHS certification reports are expected in Q4 2026.

For more information, readers can refer to the official Forlinx FCU3101 product page.