esp32 boards go for about $10 on ebay and are just as easy to program as Arduinos. esp32 boards have a WiFi interface for use as wireless Computer/Model Railroad Interface nodes
C/MRI nodes typically control switch positions and signals and monitor block detectors and switch position feedback. of course there are other possibly uses such road crossing signals/gates
yes, LCC defines a prototcol and comparable hardware and no doubt some MRRs are already doing this
of course many model railroads are not interested in computer control of their layout. but for those who are, use of esp32 or other processor boards that support WiFi:
while centralized control and internode communication is not trivial, a common program could run on most nodes to update outputs when a message arrives and asynchronously send a message when an input (e.g. block detector) changes state.
a unique WiFi address can be programmed into Flash/EEPROM memory along with configuration information including the number of input/output bits
bear in mind that C/MRI trades software for wiring between devices on a model RR. It does not mean sitting in front of a keyboard and screen to control it. instead of a PC, a Raspberry Pi could be a centralized and autonomous controller supporting signalling and route selection via panels. of course CTC is possible
for me, wireless makes experimenting easier and software is easily changed
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
For an extra buck (and on eBay not even that) you can get the ESP32CAM, with small camera head suitable for inside-locomotive mounting, and an extra sawbuck adds LoRa complete with antenna.
Of course it helps to be a CSEE first and a railroader a somewhat distant second... I think I need to sic some people in the IxD community onto C/MRI. "Software is easily changed" is a double-edged sword...