EtherCAT Plug Fest focuses on interoperability

August 2024 News

In June, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) held the 2024 European EtherCAT Plug Fest, one of the organisation’s most popular developer meetings. The event took place in Hattersheim, Germany at the facilities of ETG member company, Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation. All providers of EtherCAT MainDevices, SubDevices, codes and tools were invited. With more than 65 participants from 29 different manufacturers, the Plug Fest was fully booked. The EtherCAT experts on site were impressed by the continued high interest in EtherCAT and the impressive demand for this type of developer meeting.

The EtherCAT Plug Fests focuses on the implementation of interoperability tests. Vendors of EtherCAT Main and SubDevices meet to improve the interoperability of their products, and also to share information about implementation, and answer questions about the technology. The ETG’s EtherCAT experts remain on site to share their expertise directly and personally, supporting the development process of all individual participants.

Florian Hammel, part of ETG’s technical team and on-site contact person in Hattersheim, explains: “The more devices that can be tested for interoperability at an EtherCAT Plug Fest, the better. We therefore regard the event here in Hattersheim as a complete success. The advantage of personal exchange between the participants and ETG representatives is also beyond question.” The EtherCAT Plug Fests take place at regular intervals in Europe, Japan, Korea, and North America. All information on future event dates can be found online at www.ethercat.org/events

For more information contact EtherCAT Technology Group, +49 911 540 56226, [email protected], www.ethercat.org/press

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...

---

Fuel your competitive edge with tech that transforms
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre, offers a vibrant, solution-focused platform tailored to the unique needs of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial, manufacturing, engineering, maritime, agricultural and mining sectors.

Read more...

---

Helm wins for AI and automation at Business Excellence Awards
News
Helm, the South African leader in AI-powered customer experience solutions, has been recognised at the Business Excellence Awards 2025, receiving two prestigious awards.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric launches first registered Innovation Hub in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first registered Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.

Read more...

---

4Sight OT Automation receives Schneider Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
4Sight OT Automation is a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award in South Africa.

Read more...

---

A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies
Conical Technologies News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.

Read more...

---

Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.

Read more...

---

Top laboratory industry trends in the spotlight at analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
The future of laboratories and transformative diagnostic technologies will come under the spotlight in July at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.

Read more...

---

Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.

Read more...

---