As edge AI deployments continue to grow in industrial and heavy machinery environments, connectivity and integration with existing systems become just as critical as perception itself. That’s why we’re introducing the M8 CAN Adapter — a simple, powerful way to bring CAN communication to the OAK4 ecosystem.
The M8 CAN Adapter is currently available in our store as part of an early prototype access program. We have a limited number of units available. While the hardware is still under active development, we’re making it accessible to developers and partners who want to start integrating CAN today.
Plug-and-Play CAN for OAK4
The M8 CAN Adapter adds CAN bus capabilities to any OAK4 device with a straightforward connection via the M8 port. No complex integration, no custom hardware modifications — just plug it in and start communicating.
This approach dramatically reduces development time, especially in early testing and validation phases where flexibility matters most.
Built for Industrial Needs
CAN (Controller Area Network) is a backbone of communication in industries like heavy machinery, automotive, and robotics. Until now, CAN support was often expected to be embedded directly into hardware, limiting flexibility across different device variants.
The M8 CAN Adapter changes that by offering:
- A modular solution for CAN connectivity
- Compatibility with existing and future OAK4 devices
- Faster iteration cycles for developers and integrators
Why We Built It
This adapter was driven by real-world demand.
In the heavy machinery industry, CAN integration is not optional — it’s essential. Many customers requested built-in CAN support, but embedding it into every device variant slows down development and limits adaptability.
With the M8 CAN Adapter, we enable:
- Rapid prototyping and testing
- Easier validation in field environments
- Deployment across devices that don’t yet have embedded CAN
Key Features
- Supports CAN 2.0A and 2.0B
- Baud rates up to 1 Mbps
- Native Linux SocketCAN interface for seamless software integration
- M12 5-pin A-coded connector (CANopen compatible)
This means developers can immediately leverage standard Linux CAN tools and workflows without needing custom drivers or middleware.
Rugged and Ready
Once out of development phase, we aim the can adapter to have a rugged design:
- IP67 rated for dust and water resistance
- Operable in temperatures from -20°C to 60°C
Whether it’s mounted on heavy equipment or deployed in outdoor conditions, it’s going to be built last.
Package Contents
Each package includes:
- M8 CAN Adapter (PR1 prototype)
- M8 cable (male-to-female)
- M12 5-pin A-coded male pigtail cable
A Step Toward Flexible Edge Systems
The M8 CAN Adapter is part of a broader vision: making OAK devices more adaptable to diverse industrial ecosystems without sacrificing simplicity.
Instead of locking features into hardware, we’re enabling modular expansion — so you can build exactly the system you need, when you need it.
With the current early access prototype program, we’re taking this a step further by involving the community directly in the development process. By getting these adapters into real-world applications early, we can iterate faster and ensure the final product is shaped by practical needs and real deployment challenges.
M8 Can adapter is available now in out store.
