At Beckhoff, automation is our calling. We empower engineers to differentiate and succeed as industry leaders – to harness new technologies, embrace open standards and solve the world’s most complex problems.
13130 Dakota Avenue Savage, MN 55378 United States
Automation and controls equipment, I/O, Industrial Ethernet, motion control systems.
More Info on Beckhoff Automation
Founded and led by engineers, we organically create advanced controls, motion, communication and IoT technologies that become game changing tools for your one-of-a-kind challenges in an age of digital transformation. As a global partner with U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, we remain committed to sustainability, inclusivity and support for the people behind the automation.
Our powerful system architecture is geared toward total openness and flexibility in automation. That way, we help you achieve breakthrough solutions for greenfield applications and revitalize brownfield applications with modern tech that goes the distance. We work tirelessly to provide an industry-leading array of automation tools for everything from programming languages to controller hardware, industrial networks and cloud connectivity. Bottom line: we give you the freedom to succeed on your own terms.
So whether you’re powering the EV revolution, launching satellites, optimizing assembly automation with ML or increasing flexibility in material handling with intelligent transport systems – you can reach new heights for your business, industry and humankind.
TwinCAT Core Boost increases the computing performance of individual real-time or user-mode cores up to 50% by enabling users to configure the clock frequency of individual processor...
The TwinCAT 3 Weighing Library (TF3685) from Beckhoff adds a fast, precise scale for weight measurement directly into a standard machine control environment. This new PLC package...
Beckhoff has added new functions and technology packages to its TwinCAT 3 CNC (TF5200) software: TwinCAT 3 CNC Online Adaption (TF5262) offers TcCOM interfaces that integrate ...
Beckhoff’s new EL8601-8411 EtherCAT Terminal offers interface flexibility in a compact, 12-mm-wide design. With up to 12 signal interfaces (8 DI, 2 DO, 1 AI, 1 AO) and nine...
Beckhoff has adding two new functions and two technology packages to its TwinCAT 3 CNC software. TwinCAT 3 CNC Online Adaption offers TcCOM interfaces that integrate customer-...
The EL4374 EtherCAT Terminal is a multipurpose analog I/O module for -10/0 to +10V or -20/0/+4 to +20mA signals that can be used for standard automation tasks at a rate of 1 ksps...
The C6675 control cabinet industrial PC (IPC) from Beckhoff consists of an ATX motherboard and high-performance GPU cards. With properties typical of an industrial server, the...
With the EL4374 EtherCAT Terminal, Beckhoff introduces a powerful analog I/O module to increase system flexibility and simplify parts management. The EL4374 is a multipurpose,...
According to Beckhoff, the MX-System is an IP67-rated modular automation system that can be used to replace traditional control cabinets with pluggable function modules that can...
Expanding on its TwinCAT Vision software capabilities, Beckhoff Automation has added industrial cameras, lenses and lighting to bring image processing directly into the machine...
Using a CNC milling machine to showcase the functions of its analytics software, Beckhoff explained the software’s use for applications ranging from predictive maintenance to ...
Beckhoff introduces a new modular, customizable robot technology amid dramatic increases in robot use to address workforce, quality, and throughput issues
Though some say OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) is outdated, its use to continuously improve production operations across industry prove the value provided by this key metric...
At Modex 2022, Beckhoff highlighted several motion control products for applications such as automated storage and retrieval systems, autonomous mobile robots, and automated guided...
Increased collaboration among mechanical, electrical, and software engineers at machine builders has led to a number of advances in material handling automation technology, like...
Announced at Hannover Messe 2019, the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance is a group designed for technology suppliers and end users of all sizes to collaborate around an open framework...
The OPC Foundation, CC-Link Partner Association and ODVA have all made announcements about major moves planned for 2019, indicating serious movement toward greater device and ...
As a sidebar to our August cover story on optimizing power consumption in a plant, this article explores a key trend: creating a digital twin of production equipment fueled by...
A new white paper from the OPC Foundation provides details for end users, system integrators, device vendors and OEMs on how to secure industrial data exchanges with OPC UA.
Introducing intrinsically safe I/Os, explosion-proof control panels and panel PCs, new certifications and more, the PC-based open automation company is making a big play for process...
OEM Application Note: ESS Technologies’ new TaskMate robots with RABS enclosures benefit from controls and automation enhancements, as well as hygienically designed components...
The increasing integration of IT and operations technologies is reviving the PLC versus PC-based control decision for many companies. The key to making the right decision is based...
Despite automation suppliers representing only about 1 percent of exhibitors at one of the oil and gas industry’s largest events, this year’s ONS could mark a turning point for...
Displays by Lenze and Beckhoff at Hannover Messe highlighted the trend toward enabling field-level devices to send data directly to the cloud for analysis.
The newly renamed TwinCAT CoAgent uses generative AI to streamline PLC coding, I/O configuration and HMI creation, while the MX-System redefines control system deployment efficiency...
The new 1400-GEC mailer packaging machine achieves throughput of 200-feet-per-minute using controller, I/O, networking and software programming technologies from Beckhoff.
IO-Link’s proven ability to simplify diverse equipment integrations and provide reliable diagnostics is leading manufacturers and OEMs to gravitate toward this I/O technology....
Syntegon, a packaging machinery OEM, explains why users should take a serious look at the software technologies provided by the machine manufacturer rather than always looking...
Built around Beckhoff’s XPlanar materials transport system, Stoba Sondermaschinen has developed a modular optical inspection system that accelerates quality control.
Using Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Cogging Compensation software, AL8000 linear motors can increase machine synchronization and decrease lag rate without hardware changes.
From advances in core automation technologies to the cutting edge, the Automate 2023 event in Detroit did a great job showcasing the variety of technologies available to manufacturers...
By providing contactless power supply and synchronous real-time data communication directly to the XTS movers, the system can evolve from a transport system into a flexible, multi...
The CX5600 embedded PC series expands Beckhoff’s machine control line with AMD Ryzen processors, additional interfaces and operating system options. These fanless PCs have...
Ideal for adaptive manufacturing, machine learning, vision and other complex applications, the IPC combines an ATX motherboard and GPU in one powerhouse device
An early preview of Beckhoff’s forthcoming TwinCAT Chat Client, which leverages the power of LLMs like ChatGPT, shows how the artificial intelligence technology can be used to...
Designed for use in light industrial and medical facilities, the UniMover O 600 from Oceaneering Mobile Robotics relies on Beckhoff automation technologies for compactness, ease...
Eclipse Automation deploys Beckhoff Automation’s eXtended Transport System to deliver micron-level accuracy for multiple automotive part assemblies on one machine.
The PS2000 power supplies from Beckhoff feature a built-in EtherCAT interface, allowing the control system to directly process measurement data, internal device diagnostics information...
To reduce the amount of energy required to varnish its grand pianos, Bösendorfer opts for a modern varnishing plant from Austrian manufacturer Berkmann using Beckhoff’s PC-based...
Beckhoff has expanded the functionality of its XPlanar system with new mover identification, movers for two lanes of traffic on one tile, rectangular movers, and mover coupling...
As a vendor-independent standard that allows on Ethernet, TSN is poised to converge IT and operations networks. But some challenges remain in terms of cost, complexity, and need...
At PACK EXPO International, Beckhoff exhibits its XTS linear transport system with no-cable technology for contactless, continuous power supply, and synchronous real-time data...
Autonomous mobile robots, storage and retrieval systems, and scheduling tools get an artificial intelligence boost to improve material movement efficiencies and keep workers safe...
This forthcoming modular, customizable, do-it-yourself robot technology adds new dimensions to how end users, system integrators, and OEMs will think about robotic automation....
Four real-world application stories show why OEE remains a bedrock manufacturing metric for real-time data collection to enhance companies’ ability to take corrective actions ...
This second installment in a four-part series on key industrial network technologies explains why OPC UA continues to be recognized as the global interoperability method of choice...
Growing demands for customization, increasing numbers of SKUs, and ongoing labor issues are leading HMLV manufacturers to adopt more easily configurable automation hardware and...
The use of virtual machines in a manufacturing environment helps ensure the uptime operation of real-time control systems while other operating system functions reboot or are ...
With its new TF6105 function, TwinCAT 3 supports OPC Unified Architecture pub/sub communication methodologies. TwinCAT/BSD Hypervisor allows for the simultaneous execution of ...
Determining which type of controller to use in an automated system can lead to some difficult choices. Focusing on the application and specific capabilities of each controller...
The next big cybersecurity challenge for manufacturers is how to secure the remote access points that have been implemented on the plant floor during the pandemic before hackers...
If you’re like most manufacturers, you’re not operating a greenfield site with the latest internet-ready equipment. However, you’re likely facing numerous digitalization initiatives...
At PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021, Beckhoff highlighted is XPlanar materials handling system that uses levitating movers to transport materials for packaging, assembly or transfer.
At PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021, Beckhoff showcased the new track management capabilities of its eXtended Transport System (XTS) and the new stainless steel hygienic version.
From additional hygienic and washdown capabilities in its XPlanar and XTS technologies to new TwinCAT integration packages and I/O safety features, Beckhoff Automation brings ...
A look at how digitalization and the need for scalability are driving more interest and investment in cloud-based industrial applications and how automation technology suppliers...
The ability to easily create custom products requires new technologies to move beyond mass production. Beckhoff’s XPlanar enables lot size one production as well as positioning...
Highlights of new automation technologies to be showcased at PACK EXPO Las Vegas from Beckhoff Automation, Festo, Nord Gear, Omron, and Universal Robots. Watch this Take Five ...
Research shows that digital transformation is the primary driver of automation technology spending across the discrete, batch, and continuous process industries. But which technologies...
Though it represents one of the greater job skill challenges for new entrants, technology is increasingly viewed as a key attractor for the next-generation industrial workforce...
Applications of machine learning and other forms of artificial intelligence have been recognized in robotics and analytics. Now the technology is adding some spice to basic control...
Find out in this Take Five video why the use of remote access tends to be higher in the processing industries than in discrete manufacturing and where processing companies tend...
From dealing with core operating factors such as the hazardous and remote location of many assets to new consolidation and outsourcing trends, the process industries are leading...
Take Five Video: An assortment of flexible conveyance options available on the market today can allow manufacturers to more precisely position products, achieve energy efficiency...
An interview with Hans Beckhoff, Beckhoff Automation managing director and founder, and Kevin Barker, president of Beckhoff USA, offers insights into where industry is heading...
In this second installment in our series covering automation investment expectations for 2021, suppliers highlight ongoing pandemic, supply chain, and labor issues driving near...
A standardized version of I/O provides users and machine builders with the opportunity to scale systems quickly, but traditional I/O still holds an important role.
Learn how software-as-a-service and machines-as-a-service business models are changing how manufacturers purchase, use, and upgrade their industrial automation technologies in...
Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are behind a host of emerging applications, especially for manufacturing demand planning and warehouse applications.
For both software and equipment, consumer packaged goods manufacturers are increasingly adopting the “as-a-service” model for its scalability and continuous improvement capabilities...
The levitating material handling technology from Beckhoff is being used by Plasmatreat in its equipment to position materials beneath spray nozzles for plasma pre-treatment and...
Discover how Beckhoff's new AMI812x series of integrated servo drives can enable the implementation of highly compact machines without control cabinets.
A report on new automation technologies showcased at PACK EXPO Connects, including Beckhoff's Xplanar floating tiles for material handling, Emerson's new PACEdge IIoT, and ServiceNow...
Though combining multiple control functions on one controller is not particularly new, the high compute and bandwidth requirements of vision have typically required it to exist...
Conveyor technology is no longer just about moving goods and components back and forth. Automation advances are transforming it into a core aspect of production strategy.
With modular machines making their way onto the factory floor, the Swiss machine builder and system integrator, Credimex, took advantage of linear transport technology to enhance...
With the new SCT current converters, Beckhoff Automation completes the power measurement chain that now ranges from measuring physical values to transmitting captured data to ...
Manufacturers and OEMs must understand that there are many sides to machine safety, including standards, regulations, functional requirements, technology, and even unforeseen ...
As Industry 4.0 looms large, manufacturers are facing a significant reskilling effort to capitalize on new opportunities while maintaining legacy automation environments.
Though standardization efforts for Time-Sensitive Networking continue at pace, it is still years before industry should expect to see a bumper crop of compatible products.
In the highly demanding space of ultra-high-purity gas delivery for semiconductor manufacturing, a switch to Beckhoff’s EtherCAT I/O and PC-based control technology enabled a ...
Speech recognition capabilities, like Siri, have been popular in consumer applications for years. Beckhoff is now bringing this technology to industrial automation through the...
At Hannover Messe 2019, Fabian Bause, Beckhoff’s TwinCat Product Manager, shows how Beckhoff has integrated machine learning into its TwinCat software. The company says it is ...
By increasing modularity and scalability, a new generation of Beckhoff TwinSAFE safety controllers permits optimum adaptation to the specific safety requirements of individual...
Neither Ethernet nor fieldbus have all the answers for industrial applications. Suppliers and industry groups are working on ways forward that take into consideration the needs...
As manufacturers are inundated with information from the Industrial Internet of Things, automation suppliers explore new ways to manage the data by turning HMI into the hub of...
Machine learning, integration, connectivity and more are all affecting the capabilities that sensing can provide to increasingly demanding applications.
Led in large part by consumer expectations carrying over to industrial settings, HMI, SCADA and other visualization tools are becoming more accessible from more places, with the...
A look at some of the advances being made in networking infrastructure, communication standards, wiring and more to provide for easier interoperability.
Interest in mobile apps for operators is on the rise, according to an Automation World survey. But connectivity challenges and lack of awareness remain hurdles to deployment. ...
Continuing with our series of articles exploring the future of automation, we peek this month at controllers and IPCs. The newest versions are smarter, faster, smaller and easier...
From cobots to augmented reality, new technologies are enhancing rather than replacing factory floor workers, empowering them to shift time and energy to more value-added work...
In this first installment of an Automation World series exploring automation technology developments, we take a closer look at motors, which are finding new ways to reach better...
As automation projects become increasingly complex, integrators are taking different approaches to help manufacturers navigate the terrain. They can help bridge technology and...
A series of events across the U.S. and Canada this fall highlight the features and real world applications of the OPC UA industrial automation communication protocol.
An Automation World survey finds that remote access technologies are relatively pervasive for tried-and-true production monitoring and diagnostics applications, but predictive...
Though the concept itself varies among vendors, the digital twin is poised to help manufacturers optimize production, reduce costs and aim for continuous improvement.
The foremost application of the Industrial Internet of Things is remote monitoring. With the help of MQTT, the grain industry demonstrates how to leverage a multi-protocol, legacy...
Support for new communications protocols, open web standards and mainstream processing power are turning control system silos into network devices primed for new Industrial Internet...
There has been a lot of talk in industry about energy efficiency in manufacturing facilities, but the realities of high cost and limited returns have stymied action. Some best...
Commercial IT technologies are infiltrating the factory floor. Here’s an explanation of some key tools that can increase productivity and reduce downtime with less investment....
Just when you think industry has settled on a look for HMI graphics, things change. But HMIs are not video games, and colorful, action-packed screens are not necessarily the best...
Though some manufacturers might be hesitant to label what they’re doing as Industrial Internet of Things, the fact is that the smart factory is here, with connected devices and...
End users have worked closely with machine builders to integrate holistic safety standards into operations. Intertwining safety with that is a logical next step.
Life sciences companies have too much information—manually collected, logged and stored to adhere to the highest quality standards. Digital analytics can funnel just the right...
Many manufacturers have embarked upon a quest for better asset utilization by asking their equipment and automation vendors for help monitoring, maintaining and managing their...
