Flying high with EtherCAT
February 2016
News
Even 12 years after its introduction, the worldwide expansion of EtherCAT continues. One indicator for its success is the increasing number of members of the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), which is at almost 3500. Thus raising an EtherCAT flag at the Thorong La pass in the Himalayas recently is symbolic of the development of the technology.
Since its introduction at the SPS IPC Drives 2003 in Nuremberg, Germany, the technology has practically circumnavigated the whole world and made its way into numerous industries and companies. Even if raising the EtherCAT flag at the Thorong La pass in the Himalayas does not automatically mean that the technology is used in this remote area of the world, it is still symbolic of the widespread expansion of EtherCAT.
EtherCAT’s success is based not least on the active work of the EtherCAT Technology Group whose 25 team members at five locations promote, develop and support the technology all over the world. With almost 3500 member companies from 58 countries and six continents, the ETG is not only the world’s largest fieldbus user organisation but also truly globally active. Although a huge number of the members come from Europe, the figures in the rest of the world are also impressive. With 1200 members, more than a third of the ETG members come from Asia, the fastest growing member region. Growth has also been seen in the United States where the ETG recently crossed the 400 member mark. It is not only the number of members that shows the global growth of EtherCAT technology, but also the product variety, which has no equal in the Industrial Ethernet market. There are over 500 different drives with EtherCAT interfaces from 150 different manufacturers, 189 manufacturers offer controls with EtherCAT master functionality and more than 100 manufacturers offer around 1000 different EtherCAT I/O devices.
For more information contact EtherCAT Technology Group, +49 911 540 56 226, [email protected], www.ethercat.org
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...
printer friendly version