Nimbus Technologies has emerged as a major player in Industrial IoT and edge computing

R Krishnan Iyer, Director, Nimbus Technologies

Nimbus Technologies has built its reputation around Industrial Data Acquisition Systems, PLC-based automation, and communication solutions. How have these product lines evolved over the years, and which segments are currently driving the strongest growth for the company?

Over the past five years, our product lines have rapidly evolved to meet the demands of modern automation, with our strongest growth currently driven by Industrial IoT (IIoT), wireless communication, and LoRa/LoRaWAN technologies. Our core strength lies in wired and wireless Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems tailored for PLC and SCADA communications. We have developed a major thrust in multi-protocol gateways, facilitating seamless communication across industry standards such as Modbus, CAN Bus, Profibus, HART, BACnet, M-Bus, and Ethernet/IP.

Industrial users today are looking for greater productivity, reliability, and visibility across their operations. What unique advantages do Nimbus Technologies' solutions offer in helping customers achieve these objectives?

Nimbus Technologies provides robust, Industry 4.0-compliant gateways designed for maximum reliability. By supporting a vast array of communication protocols, our solutions allow industrial users to bridge different systems effortlessly. This unified visibility enables operators to extract actionable data from their machinery, significantly reducing downtime and driving higher productivity across various manufacturing and processing segments.

As industries accelerate their digital transformation journeys, how is Nimbus integrating emerging technologies such as Industrial IoT, edge computing, cloud connectivity, and AI-driven analytics into its automation and data acquisition platforms?

Nimbus Technologies has emerged as a major player in Industrial IoT and edge computing. We are now introducing AI-based edge controllers to bring intelligence closer to the data source. All our 4G/5G routers support modern IIoT protocols like MQTT, alongside industry-proven standards such as DNP3, IEC 60870-5-104, Modbus RTU/TCP, and IPsec. Furthermore, we offer solutions for the remote programming and monitoring of PCs and PLCs directly from central SCADA control rooms or server locations, empowering true digital transformation.

Interoperability remains a major challenge in many industrial environments with legacy and modern equipment operating side by side. How does Nimbus address communication and integration challenges across diverse industrial systems?

Interoperability is a critical challenge, and it is an area where Nimbus truly excels. Backed by strong partnerships with global leaders like ICPDAS and Robustel, our products have a 20-year track record of success. We specialise in retrofitting legacy DAQ modules by providing intelligent protocol gateways. These gateways act as a bridge – translating older protocols (like DCON and M-Bus) on one side, to modern protocols (such as CAN Bus, Profibus, HART, BACnet, and Ethernet/IP) on the other. This allows businesses to integrate legacy hardware with modern networks without costly rip-and-replace upgrades.

Can you highlight some recent innovations, flagship projects, or customer success stories that demonstrate the value and performance of your solutions in real-world industrial applications?

We have successfully supported major system integrators and automation companies in remotely connecting their devices, PLCs, and transmitters to SCADA/DCS systems. We have executed over 20 to 30 large-scale projects across India, with some deployments involving up to 3,000 remote IIoT device connections over 4G SIM routers and LoRa-based solutions. Additionally, we have delivered comprehensive vibration, energy, and ambient/environmental monitoring solutions for major companies in the steel, cement, and power distribution (Discom) sectors.

With industries increasingly prioritising operational resilience and cybersecurity, what measures has Nimbus incorporated into its products and communication systems to ensure secure and reliable operations?

Operational resilience and cybersecurity are top priorities for Nimbus Technologies. All our communication and IIoT products are strictly cybersecurity compliant. We partner with technology leaders who engineer these products to meet the rigorous demands of critical infrastructure projects. Because our solutions are frequently used in networks communicating with government servers, they are designed to pass the strictest compliance and encryption standards.

The automation market is becoming increasingly competitive, with global and domestic players offering a wide range of solutions. What differentiates Nimbus Technologies in terms of technology, service capabilities, and customer engagement?

What differentiates Nimbus is our ability to offer world-class product lines – supported by our partners ICPDAS and Robustel – at affordable price points. These products are continuously upgraded with the latest technology, allowing us to stay ahead of the competition. Beyond our technology, our true differentiator is our trusted, responsive after-sales and technical support. By keeping our customers' operations running smoothly and efficiently, we ensure long-term satisfaction and strong client retention.

Looking ahead five to ten years, what major trends do you foresee shaping the future of industrial automation, data acquisition, and industrial communications, and how is Nimbus positioning itself to capitalise on these opportunities?

The future of the industry is undoubtedly being shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), IIoT, smart sensors, and AI-enabled wireless edge computing. Over the next three to five years, Nimbus is positioning itself to introduce smart AI-driven products in data acquisition and edge computing, featuring built-in node-RED capabilities. This next generation of smart, predictive technology will be our primary offering to help industries capitalise on the benefits of advanced automation.

R Krishnan Iyer is Director, Nimbus Technologies. An AMIE graduate with rich industry experience of over 40 years, Mr Iyer has passion for R&D in product development and applications. Nimbus Technologies has a turnover over Rs 20.0 crore, and has on its rolls over 20 engineers and support staff.