Beckhoff New Zealand managing director Neil Pearce says the company’s approach to automation is focused on simplifying system design while improving flexibility.
“Imagine an automation system that is simpler, faster, and more flexible, without compromise,” says Pearce.
The company’s PC-based control platform integrates control, motion, safety and vision into a single system, aimed at simplifying machine design and improving operational visibility.
The system is driven by TwinCAT, with Pearce saying the approach is designed to support more flexible and scalable automation.
“This is not just about efficiency; it’s about unlocking future-proof possibilities,” he says.
Beckhoff’s XPlanar system enables contactless product movement, allowing items to float, move and rotate without mechanical guidance, creating entirely new possibilities for how products can be handled, positioned and processed.
This opens the door to production systems where items can move independently, without the constraints of traditional mechanical transport.
Meanwhile, its XTS (eXtended Transport System) replaces conventional conveyor systems with programmable movers.
“Our XTS replaces the traditional conveyor belt systems with intelligent movers that adapt in real time. As a result, it enables faster changeovers, reduces footprint, and enables the ability to handle multiple product types on the same line.”
This means production lines can switch between product types dynamically, without the delays typically associated with mechanical changeovers.
Integrating vision into the control platform allows inspection and measurement to be handled within the system, rather than through separate hardware.
The platform also includes energy monitoring capability, enabling real-time measurement of power use across equipment.
“This is where our PC-based control technology brings data transparency to all areas – with system-integrated energy measurement and high connectivity. Opportunities like this open scope for companies to tackle upcoming challenges while simultaneously increasing profitability,” adds sales team leader Steve Rush.
Hardware such as the EP7402 EtherCAT Box is designed to allow decentralise IO architecture, reducing wiring and installation complexity, while the company’s MX-System removes the need for a traditional control cabinet, enabling more compact, modular and scalable machine designs.
Sponsored content: For more information phone +64 9 281 2736, email info@beckhoff.co.nz or visit www.beckhoff.com