Node-RED is a visual programming tool for connecting physical hardware devices, APIs, and online services together as part of the Internet of Things. It was originally developed by the IBM Emerging Technology Services team and is now a part of the OpenJS Foundation. Node-RED’s low-code, drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create complex data flows without writing code. Node-RED is an open-source tool and there is a huge assortment of downloadable nodes available online at https://flows.nodered.org/. There you’ll find nodes for various tasks, including input/output, data processing, logic, and social media functions.
But what can Node-RED do? Node-RED has had millions of downloads and is being applied in many applications, both commercial and industrial. One example is an OEM who makes cotton gins. This OEM used low-code Node-RED programming to connect weather data with their machinery’s operations. Their system adjusted processes based on real-time humidity and rain forecasts vital to the cotton industry and even sent text alerts to operators. The Node-RED platform is extremely flexible and offers virtually unlimited possibilities, whether used for simple communication or for complex data analysis.
Due to the growing popularity of this tool, many of our PLCs now support Node-RED implementations. These PLCs allow you to take full advantage of Node-RED’s capabilities while at the same time saving you on equipment costs. The posts below contain articles, videos, etc. to help you learn more about Node-RED and how it is utilized in industrial automation.
How Low-Code and No-Code Visual Programming Tools Can Simplify and Accelerate Seamless Industrial IoT Connectivity
In this article, we explore the transformative impact of low-code/no-code PLC programming in industrial automation with Tim Shippy, a veteran AutomationDirect Product Engineer. Read More –>
Node-RED Essentials Video Playlist
Check out this large training playlist from nodered.org that details all of the essentials needed to become fluent with this programming tool. Watch Now –>
CLICK PLUS Node-RED & OPC UA Modules from AutomationDirect
We’ve taken our most affordable PLC and combined it with Node-RED for the most cost-effective, industrialized Node-RED capable control system in the market. Check out this video to see what make CLICK PLUS and Node-RED a win, win for everyone! Watch Now –>
Node-RED Project Examples
Looking for some example projects involving Node-Red? Check these out! Read More –>
AutomationDirect Community Site – Node-RED
Need advice or guidance with Node-RED? Head on over to our dedicated community forum page, where you can post questions and converse with fellow automation professionals. There, you will also find a link to our GitHub repository where we house all of our example programs. Read More –>
AutomationDirect BRX PLC to Node-RED Setup
BRX PLCs offer MQTT communication which allows them to utilize Node-RED for IIoT applications. Check out this video for part 1 of a two-part series on how to set up and use BRX PLCs with Node-RED over MQTT. Watch Now –>
AutomationDirect BRX PLC to Node-RED Dashboard
One cool feature of Node-RED is the ability to create custom web-based dashboards, accessible from anywhere. Part 2 of our BRX PLC to Node-RED setup video series details how to easily create your own dashboards in this powerful IIoT platform. Watch Now –>
Productivity: Node-RED MQTT
Got a Productivity PLC and want to use Node-RED? No problem. Check out this video from ACC Automation for a detailed dive into setting up Productivity PLCs to communicate with Node-RED over MQTT. Watch Now –>