Scientific automation enables the processor power to be fully utilised, particularly with multi-core support, so that conventional PC-based automation applications can be extended with new components. Not only measurement technology and condition monitoring, but also robotics can be integrated into the standard control system. Robotics and motion control functions can be combined and synchronised on a single platform for optimum performance.
Reduced engineering costs: configuration, parameterisation and diagnostics in one system
The TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation software integrates robot control into the TwinCAT automation suite. PLC, motion control, HMI, measurement technology and robotics functions can be executed on an Industrial PC. Configuration and programming take place entirely in TwinCAT, so that the engineering time and costs can be reduced significantly. So far, the following kinematic systems have been implemented: Cartesian gantry, shear kinematics, roller kinematics (H-Bot), SCARA, 2-D kinematics, 2-D parallel kinematics and 3-D delta kinematics. Further kinematic systems are planned for the future. In addition, TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation offers tracking functions. This means that the robot is synchronised with a moving object, so that it can pick up work pieces from conveyor belts or inclined turntables, for example.
eXtended Automation and scalable drive technology
With TwinCAT 3, the new software generation for PC-based control technology, C/C++ and Matlab/Simulink are available as programming languages in addition to IEC 61131-3. This makes integration of special robot kinematics quite straightforward. In cases where special controllers have to be used, they can simply be integrated as Matlab/Simulink models.
Particularly in applications with small robots there is demand for compact drive equipment for small outputs. The EL7201 servo terminal for the Beckhoff EtherCAT terminal system integrates a complete servo drive for motors up to 200 W in a standard terminal housing. Simple integration facilitates implementation of compact and cost-effective robotics applications.
The AX5000 EtherCAT drives in conjunction with servomotors are available for highly dynamic positioning tasks. The new AM8000 synchronous servomotor series in standard or stainless steel design is characterised by high dynamics and energy efficiency at low cost. One of the highlights is the new single-cable technology, with which the power and feedback system are combined in the standard motor cable. Material and commissioning costs are thus significantly lowered. The AM8800 stainless steel model with IP67 protection is particularly suitable for application in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Efficient and safe robot control systems
EtherCAT, the real-time Ethernet fieldbus, offers maximum performance with very short update times. TwinSAFE guarantees safe data transmission. The integrated safety system from Beckhoff ensures safety from the I/Os up to the drives, which also includes programming and testing of the safety program in the TwinCAT system.
Pluggable system solution helps tackle skills shortages and addresses DC power supply needs Beckhoff Automation
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
As a replacement for the conventional control cabinet, the MX-System from Beckhoff is a uniform modular automation system that can be used to completely replace traditional control cabinets with function modules in many applications.
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Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Sufficient storage options for renewable energies are essential to use them as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.
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Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Promise Robotics, a Canadian startup is reinventing prefabrication. Advanced automation technology from Beckhoff and AI control a robotic solution for efficient prefabrication. As a result, onsite assembly becomes up to 70% faster.
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Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.
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PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
For over 40 years, ABB has built and maintained a leadership position in the distributed control system (DCS) market by preserving its customers’ capital investments while providing new capabilities.
Read more...Multi-touch panel generation in a smart design Beckhoff Automation
Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
Following over 25 years of successful in-house panel production and 12 years of expertise in multi-touch design, Beckhoff is bringing out a new smart panel design, the Next multi-touch panel generation.
Read more...German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe Beckhoff Automation
News
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...PC-based control for fertiliser Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
On a farm in the USA, valuable ammonia is extracted from slurry and processed into ammonium sulphate. NSI Byosis has transformed this complex process into a flexible modular system. This modular approach requires an automation solution with flexible scalability in both hardware and software, which this Dutch company has found in PC-based control from Beckhoff.
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