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Editorial archive;
AI-assisted engineering increases control programming productivity 28/04/2023 Beckhoff has developed the TwinCAT Chat Client for its TwinCAT XAE engineering environment which makes it possible to use Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, conveniently in the development of a TwinCAT project. Full Story...
Software-based solution protects plant uptime 12/09/2022 Availability plays a crucial role in the process industry in particular, so building redundancy into automation technology designs is vital. Beckhoff expanded its extensive range of solutions in this area to include a software solution for redundant control operation –TwinCAT Controller Redundancy. Full Story...
Compact multi-axis robotic system 24/06/2022 Beckhoff has introduced a new concept for robotics applications with ATRO, a modular system from which the right robot kinematics can be put together in a flexible way to suit any application. Full Story...
When the controller becomes a modular control cabinet 06/12/2021 With the launch of the new MX-System, Beckhoff can now offer a flexible, space-optimised, and intelligent system solution that replaces the conventional control cabinet in a bid to revolutionise control cabinet construction and automation. Full Story...
Simplified transport of sensitive workpieces 22/03/2021 A key innovation of a new plasma systems treatment unit, created by Plasmatreat, is the inclusion of a planar motor system which transports workpieces with greater precision and flexibility. Full Story...
PC-based control drives AGV advances 01/02/2021 A comprehensive PC-based control solution has enabled a Chinese technology company to develop better-performing products more efficiently and is also helping these products to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0 and the Made in China 2025 initiative. Full Story...
Reducing cabling effort with an integrated motor controller 18/08/2020 The EP7402 EtherCAT Box from Beckhoff aims to help the control architecture and cabling of roller conveyor systems become more efficient. Full Story...
IPC provides compact, fanless control at the edge 21/04/2020 The new C7015 ultra-compact Industrial PC (IPC) from Beckhoff has been designed with IP 65/67 protection to allow for direct installation onto machines or other equipment. Full Story...
BMW standardises globally on industrial PCs and control panels 19/11/2019 Beckhoff Automation will supply the BMW Group with Industrial PC (IPC) technology for use in car manufacturing through 2030 for its production facilities worldwide. Full Story...
System-integrated measurement technology – also for high-end requirements 09/09/2019 PC-based control provides measurement technology that can be integrated seamlessly into the control technology. Martin Podrouschek, product manager at Beckhoff Automation, explains its advantages and wide range of uses extending up to high-end applications. Full Story...
Whitepaper: Ultra-compact Industrial PCs serve as universal IoT gateways 30/07/2019 This whitepaper looks at current industrial market challenges relating to IIoT and Industry 4.0 and the role of Industrial PCs In helping meet these challenges. Full Story...
Efficient motion system engineering reduces motor costs 08/07/2019 Configuration using PC-based control software, EtherCAT networks, integrated drives, and one-cable technology (OCT) can simplify motion control system design and reduce servomotor costs, says Matt Prellwitz. Full Story...
Machine control: The benefits of gaining intelligence 13/05/2019 Control Engineering Europe focuses on the increasing addition of artificial intelligence technology in machine control solutions, asking what benefits this will bring for the machine builder and the end user. Full Story...
When control worlds converge 01/03/2019 Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLCs are increasingly converging. PLC systems have acquired more extensive visualisation systems, similar to those traditionally used by process engineers to manage complex processing workflows. Full Story...
Secure data transfer to mobile devices 05/11/2018 The TwinCAT IoT Communicator from Beckhoff is said to simplify communication between PLCs and mobile devices by connecting the TwinCAT controller directly and securely to a messaging service through TLS encryption. Full Story...
Controller gains the ability to speak 17/07/2018 The human body has evolved into what could be called a system of perfectly harmonised functional units. The same applies in a figurative sense for an automation system, which combines the functions of intelligence, sensors, motion control and vision in perfect harmony. Now with the introduction of TwinCAT Speech software, automation systems can also learn to hear and speak. Full Story...
Panel PCs gain 10.1in widescreen display 26/02/2018 Beckhoff has extended its range of entry-level touch screen panels with the introduction of a larger, 10.1in display. Full Story...
Universal platform for both industrial and process automation tasks 22/10/2017 PC-based control from Beckhoff is now able to provide a universal platform that covers both industrial automation and process automation, through the integration of process-specific protocols and interfaces, and by offering an extended range of products for hazardous areas. Full Story...
When size matters 23/08/2017 An innovative compact control solution was specified for use on an equally innovative photochromic lense coating technology. Control Engineering Europe finds out more. Full Story...
Starting the smart factory journey 03/07/2017 Every journey starts with a single step. Suzanne Gill finds out what organisations need to do start the journey to becoming a smart factory. Full Story...
Hygienic and flexible linear-motion transport solution 08/06/2017 Beckhoff has introduced a hygienic version of its eXtended Transport System (XTS), a transport solution which sees the company’s linear motion technology driving movers around a track, independently of each other at high speeds and with high accuracy. Full Story...
DIN-rail mountable servos with integrated safety 13/12/2016 The servo terminals in the Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal system integrate a complete servo drive to facilitate highly dynamic positioning tasks in a standard I/O terminal housing. Full Story...
PC-based control holds the key! 16/10/2016 Making key and locking mechanisms requires the use of very high-precision production technology that needs to be able to compensate for temperature fluctuations, even of a few degrees. Full Story...
Minimised cabling and assembly costs at the field level 19/07/2016 With EtherCAT P, Beckhoff combines ultra-fast EtherCAT communication and power supply (2 x 24 V DC/3A) in a standard four-wire Ethernet cable. It enables direct power supply for both EtherCAT P slaves and the connected sensors and actuators in such a way that separate power lines can be eliminated, considerably simplifying system cabling. Full Story...
High precision I/Os for measurement applications 14/06/2016 With its EL3751 EtherCAT terminal, Beckhoff believes it is able to offer high-precision I/Os for measurement applications. It is said to be capable of up to 10,000 samples per second, with a measurement accuracy of ±0.01% and 24 bit resolution, even in demanding applications. Full Story...
IoT bus coupler transmits data to the cloud 03/05/2016 The EK9160 IoT Bus Coupler from Beckhoff is designed to transmit all control data simply, safely and cost-effectively to all common cloud systems in plug-and-play mode without the need for programming or a controller. Full Story...
Integrated charting tool enables simple graphical display of signal curves 15/03/2016 The acquisition and analysis of data on machines is becoming more important. Process data needs to be clearly and graphically displayed and analysed across the entire lifecycle of a machine in the correct chronological order. Using TwinCAT 3 Scope, it is possible to display curves with a resolution up to the microsecond range Full Story...
Taking kinematics to the next level 10/06/2014 TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation, from Beckhoff, is said to enable machine manufacturers and users to control robots and their own complex kinematic constructions directly from within the TwinCAT software platform. Full Story...
Compact I/O modules in die-cast zinc housings 20/05/2014 Beckhoff has extended the range of applications that can be served by the EtherCAT Box product line with the introduction of its ER series I/O modules. Full Story...
Built-in multi-touch panel PCs 03/02/2014 With its range of control panels and panel PCs, Beckhoff offers a product portfolio for solving PLC, motion and HMI tasks universally, in a plant or machine, with a uniform look and feel. Full Story...
Google Glass makes an appearance on the Beckhoff booth at SPS/IPC/Drives 03/12/2013 Beckhoff used the SPS/IPC/Drives event this year to present a futuristic vision using Google Glass as a new concept for machine operation. Full Story...
EtherCAT-based solution for the on-site measurement of compressed air 17/09/2013 Compressed air is used in nearly every area of industry – whether for driving, controlling, movement or transport. For efficient machine and plant processes, compressed air must be analysed and monitored as thoroughly as possible while being optimally integrated into the control system. Full Story...
Industry prepares for the next ‘industrial revolution’ 12/06/2013 Industry 4.0 was high on the agenda of lots of exhibitors at the Hannover Messe this year. Referred to by many as the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ the concept of Industry 4.0 is to merge the virtual world with the real world, bringing IT and production closer together. Full Story...
PC or PLC based control – take your pick 26/03/2013 Automation suppliers may never agree on whether PC or PLC-based control offers the best solution – in reality it really depends on the application and user preference. However, with most PLC-based systems now offering the same ‘openness’ as PCs, they look like they will be around for some time. Full Story...
TwinCAT 3 is available for download online 19/09/2012 TwinCAT 3 is now globally-available for download from the Beckhoff website featuring a greatly expanded toolset available via eXtended Automation (XA). Full Story...
Bringing together linear and rotary drive systems 24/07/2012 One of the highlights on the Beckhoff stand at the 2012 Hannover Fair was its new XTS drive system (eXtended Transport System). Full Story...
Ultra-fast performance with standard components 01/05/2012 eXtreme Fast Control - XFC - is a new system introduced by Beckhoff at the Hannover Fair, which promises cycle times of 12.5 µs, continuously maintained from the PLC to the I/O signals. Full Story...
Innovations from SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2011 31/01/2012 Suzanne Gill reports on some of the latest innovations that were introduced at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2011 event, which evidenced consumer technology moving into the industrial space and multi product combinations continuing to gain momentum. Full Story...
Slimmed down servo control 22/03/2011 The incredibly thin new servo controller from Beckhoff - measuring just 12mm wide - was displayed at SPS/IPS/Drives. The EL7201 servo terminal, for the Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminal system, integrates a complete servo drive for motors up to 200 W into a standard I/O terminal housing. Full Story...
Bus terminals double their packing density 02/01/2010 Miniaturisation in the field of control technology allows designers to build their machines and systems even smaller and more compact. Aiming at this goal, Beckhoff was showing an expanded line of IP20 I/O systems at SPS/IPC/Drives, with a new generation of Bus Terminals increasing the I/O packing density. Full Story...
Riding on the PC Skyrocket 10/12/2009 In its biggest move since the introduction of EtherCAT in 2003, Beckhoff announced its plans at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Nürnberg for TwinCAT 3, an “eXtended Automation” version of its real-time machine control software introduced in 1996. The package will be ready for a Beta release at Hannover Fair 2010, and as a full product by the end of 2010. Full Story...
I/O terminals replace switches and potentiometers in control cabinets 05/07/2009 Beckhoff Automation GmbH has an idea for bringing more efficient manual operation into the switch cabinet: by incorporating the manual concept into its Bus Terminals. These four new terminals, equipped with switches and potentiometers, function as operating devices for changing process data independently of the controller. Full Story...
A Perplexing New Trend: PC-based Safety Control 05/05/2009 PC-based safety? Can it really be true? A machine safety system built on a PC? Would you trust your arms and fingers on the operation of a Windows PC? Surely this is going to make some people nervous. Full Story...
Perfect Packaging with PC Control 20/01/2009 Multivac, the packaging machinery specialists with headquarters in Wolfertschwenden, Germany, manufactures thermoformers which are considered by many in the packaging industry to be the best in the world. Full Story...
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