Industrial PCs for All Applications | Beckhoff PC-Based Control Solutions
The personal computer has experienced a remarkable evolution and has become a key component of modern life - including industrial environments. Over the past decades, Beckhoff has emerged as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Industrial PCs. Alongside its automation software, Beckhoff offers versatile PCs in multiple form factors that serve as the foundation for a wide array of automation tasks, including machine and process control, logistics, data acquisition, system networking, and image processing.
For traditional control applications, PC-based control technology provides outstanding scalability and flexibility, increasingly replacing conventional hardware PLCs.
As a pioneer in PC-based automation, Beckhoff delivered its first PC control system as early as 1986. Today, Beckhoff Industrial PCs incorporate decades of technological expertise and, when combined with the TwinCAT® automation software, deliver powerful control performance for PLC, NC, and CNC applications.
A key aspect of Beckhoff’s product philosophy is the use of cutting-edge processors and high-performance components in the development of Industrial PCs. These systems consistently integrate the latest advances in IT and automation and are trusted by industries worldwide.
Beckhoff offers a complete portfolio of Industrial PCs, including:
Control Panels, Panel PCs, Industrial PCs, Embedded PCs, Motherboards, and a range of compatible Accessories - all designed for optimal performance in demanding industrial environments.
Beckhoff I/O Systems – Modular Terminals, EtherCAT Box & Fieldbus I/O
Beckhoff’s I/O systems provide a versatile, high-performance construction kit for all signal types and fieldbus technologies. From the IP20 Bus Terminals and EtherCAT® Terminals to the IP67 EtherCAT® Box modules and Fieldbus/IO-Link Boxes, the portfolio supports digital and analog signals, encoders, safety signals and drive interfaces. With real-time EtherCAT® and EtherCAT® P technology, high-speed data exchange, flexible topologies and compact installation are fully supported Beckhoff I/O components are engineered to integrate seamlessly with TwinCAT® software, Industrial PCs and drive systems, delivering flexible wiring, reduced cabinet complexity and optimal performance in demanding automation environments.
Beckhoff Motion – Advanced Drive & Motion Control Systems for High Performance Automation
Beckhoff Motion delivers a comprehensive portfolio of drive technology - from servo and variable‑frequency drives to linear motors, intelligent transport systems (XTS®), planar motion with XPlanar®, and modular robotics (ATRO®). With EtherCAT® and seamless integration in TwinCAT® software, Beckhoff enables dynamic, precise, and space‑optimized motion for all industrial applications: from compact machines to high‑speed automation and fully synchronized multi‑axis systems. Ideal for OEMs, machine builders, and cutting‑edge Industry 4.0 solutions.
Beckhoff Automation & TwinCAT – Open, PC-Based Control for Industry 4.0, PLC, Motion, IoT & Safety
Beckhoff delivers a fully open, PC-based control platform centered around TwinCAT: real-time PLC, NC, CNC, robotics, IoT, safety and motion control — all in one scalable environment. With TwinCAT 3 modular architecture, support for multi-core CPUs, IEC 61131-3, C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink programming languages , real-time runtimes, EtherCAT and open standards like OPC UA, it enables flexible, high-performance automation, machine learning, cloud connectivity and seamless integration for modern Industry 4.0 systems. Ideal for machine builders, OEMs, smart factories and building automation.
MX System – Modular Plug and Play Solution for Control-Cabinet-Free Automation
Beckhoff’s MX‑System is a fully modular, pluggable automation solution designed for control-cabinet-free applications. With a reduced machine footprint, simplified planning and installation, IP67 protection, EtherCAT connectivity, and plug-and-play operation, it enables fast integration into machines and systems worldwide. UL/CSA and IEC certified, it supports industrial applications requiring drives, I/O, IPC, relays, and power supplies.
Beckhoff Vision – Integrated Machine Vision & Real-Time Image Processing for Industry 4.0
Beckhoff Vision delivers a complete, system-integrated machine vision solution — robust industrial cameras, optics, LED illumination, complete vision units and TwinCAT® Vision software — all synchronized with automation, motion, robotics and PLC control. With EtherCAT® -enabled hardware (IP65/67, up to 24 MP, 2.5 Gbit/s, GigE Vision), real-time image processing, and seamless integration, it offers high-precision inspection, measurement, traceability and quality control in smart factories, packaging, production and logistics.
Beckhoff Automation – Pioneer of PC-Based Control & Industrial Automation
Beckhoff Automation is a globally operating technology company and one of the pioneers of PC-based control technology. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Verl, Germany, Beckhoff has continuously shaped modern automation by combining IT technologies with classical industrial control systems.
As an owner-managed company, Beckhoff focuses on open standards, modular system design, and long-term innovation. The company’s portfolio spans Industrial PCs, I/O systems, drive technology, automation software, vision, robotics, and IoT solutions, all seamlessly integrated through its core software platform, TwinCAT®.
A major milestone in Beckhoff’s history was the introduction of EtherCAT®, a high-performance real-time Ethernet system that has become a global standard for industrial communication. Together with TwinCAT®, EtherCAT® enables highly scalable, precise, and efficient automation architectures — from simple machines to complex, networked production systems.
Today, Beckhoff operates worldwide with subsidiaries and partners across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Its solutions are used across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, machine building, automotive, energy, building automation, packaging, robotics, and process industries.
Driven by engineering excellence and a strong commitment to open, future-proof automation concepts, Beckhoff continues to enable smarter, faster, and more flexible industrial systems — forming a key pillar of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation.
Beckhoff®, ATRO®, EtherCAT®, EtherCAT G®, EtherCAT G10®, EtherCAT P®, MX-System®, Safety over EtherCAT®, TC/BSD®, TwinCAT®, TwinCAT/BSD®, TwinSAFE®, XFC®, XTS® and XPlanar® are registered trademarks of and licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH. Other designations used in this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owners.
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