- inexpensive modules: $35 USB-C master per 4 modules; $17 for 16 GPIO, $35 for RS-485, $25 for CAN, etc. https://www.tinkerforge.com/en/shop/bricklets.html
- plug and play fieldbus (TCP/IP request/response; seems like bricks have IDs from the factory https://www.tinkerforge.com/en/doc/Programming_Interface.htm...)
- excellent docs for multiple programming languages
- easy setup and logging GUIs https://www.tinkerforge.com/en/doc/Software/Brick_Logger.htm...
I'm super impressed they built a 7 person business around this concept and have been going since 2011 (all while doing their manufacturing in Germany!)