Docker Extensions

Docker Extensions expand platform capabilities using Docker container technology. A Docker Extension is a standard Docker image that the platform loads, executes, and exposes as functions inside the App Builder.

Docker Extensions versus extension nodes

Docker Extensions add completely new function classes to the platform. Do not confuse them with extension nodes (modifiers, filters, recorders, and error handlers), which are the small nodes that attach directly to a function output on the canvas.

The platform supports two categories of Docker Extensions:

1. Official extensions: Pre-built, managed modules maintained by Heisenware.

2. Custom Extensions: User-created Docker images containing custom algorithms, drivers, or proprietary logic.

Official extensions

Pre-built modules add advanced capabilities to the platform without manual coding:

Extension	Description
Industrial blockchain	Provides immutable data logging and audit trails.
RAG AI	Enables Retrieval-Augmented Generation for context-aware AI assistants.
Process simulations	Simulates utilities consumption, CNC machine telemetry, and silo fill levels.
OGC SensorThings API	Manages IoT sensor data via the standardized OGC SensorThings specification.

Once installed, these extensions run alongside standard platform services, appearing as selectable blocks in the Function Explorer.

Adding extensions to the App Builder

Custom Extensions

Build a custom Docker Extension by wrapping code inside a Code Adapter and loading the image into the platform or running it on your infrastructure. See the Custom Extensions guide for deployment steps.