Beckhoff Automation

Worldwide Pioneer in PC-based Control and Open Industrial Automation

Founded in Verl, Germany in 1980, Beckhoff Automation is a global pioneer in PC-based Control and open industrial automation. By combining information technology (IT) with automation technology (OT), Beckhoff delivers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions including Industrial PCs, I/O systems, Motion Control, Automation Software, Vision, and EtherCAT industrial communication technology.

Guided by its “New Automation Technology” philosophy, Beckhoff continuously innovates to develop high-performance, flexible, and future-ready automation platforms. Through the integration of PC-based Control, EtherCAT communication, TwinCAT software, and advanced automation technologies, Beckhoff enables manufacturers to enhance productivity, improve data connectivity, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives for Smart Factory and Industry 4.0 environments.

• Today, Beckhoff technologies are widely deployed across industries including Manufacturing, Energy, Semiconductors, Logistics, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Water treatment, and Smart factory automation.
• As of the end of 2024, the company reported annual sales of €1.17 billion, employs approximately 5,300 people, operates through 41 subsidiaries, and maintains a presence in more than 75 countries worldwide.

Beckhoff Automation with global operations

Key Industrial Areas

• • Manufacturing & Machine Building: PC-based Control, EtherCAT, and TwinCAT provide flexible, high-performance control platforms for automated machinery and production lines.
  • Electronics & Semiconductor: Supports multi-axis motion control, high-speed synchronization, and real-time data processing for precision manufacturing applications.
  • Water & Wastewater Treatment: Integrated control and monitoring solutions help optimize pumping stations, treatment plants, and distribution networks.
  • Energy & Utilities: Enables data acquisition, monitoring, and control for power generation, renewable energy, and utility infrastructure.
  • Logistics & Material Handling: Improves performance in conveyor systems, automated warehouses, and distribution centers through high-speed communication and precise motion control.
  • Food & Beverage: Optimizes processing, packaging, and product handling operations through integrated automation and comprehensive data connectivity.
  • Robot & Smart Factory: Supports industrial robotics, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 initiatives through open, scalable, and highly integrated automation platforms.

Additional industries include Automotive, Woodworking, Intelligent Building Systems, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology, Entertainment (Stage, Sound & Lighting), Scientific Research, Marine, and many others.

• PC-based Control

Beckhoff pioneered the transition from traditional PLC architectures to Industrial PC-based control systems, enabling PLC, Motion Control, HMI, Vision, and Robotics functionalities to be combined on a single platform.

• • Enhanced processing performance
  • Open and flexible architecture
  • Easy system scaliability
  • Reduced hardware costs
  • Support digital transformation

• EtherCAT Technology

Developed by Beckhoff, EtherCAT has become one of the world’s most widely adopted high-performance industrial communication protocols. It enables real-time data exchange with extremely low latency and exceptional synchronization capabilities.

• • High-speed real-time communication
  • Precise synchronization
  • Improved machine performance
  • Support large-scale systems
  • Flexible integration with multiple devices

• TwinCAT Automation Software

TwinCAT is Beckhoff’s core automation platform, transforming Industrial PCs into real-time controllers that integrate PLC, Motion Control, CNC, Robotics, and other automation functions within a single engineering environment.

• • One platform for the entire system
  • Centralized programming and configuration
  • Support PLC, Motion, CNC, and Robotics
  • Strong integration with IT ecosystems
  • Easy expansion and upgrade capabilities

Featured Product Portfolio

Beckhoff’s product range includes Industrial PCs, I/O and Fieldbus systems, Drive Technology, and Automation Software. These products can be deployed individually or seamlessly integrated into a complete control architecture for virtually any industrial application.

In addition, Beckhoff offers a unified, scalable, and modular control platform capable of addressing a wide range of performance, complexity, and cost requirements.

• TwinCAT Automation Software: An integrated automation platform combining PLC, Motion Control, CNC, Robotics, and data analytics capabilities within a single development environment.
• EtherCAT Industrial Communication: A high-performance industrial Ethernet communication protocol widely used in applications requiring exceptional speed, precision, and synchronization.
• Industrial PCs (IPC): High-performance industrial computers designed to serve as the foundation for modern control and automation systems.
• EtherCAT I/O System: A flexible distributed I/O platform with a wide range of signal modules for data acquisition and precise control across industrial applications.
• Servo Drives & Motion Control: Advanced motion control solutions for automated machinery, robotics, and high-precision production systems.
• TwinSAFE Safety Technology: An integrated functional safety platform that helps manufacturers implement safe, compliant, and highly efficient automation systems.

Discover more Beckhoff products and technology here.

NK Engineering is authorized by Beckhoff Automation to delivers advanced industrial automation solutions ranging from control systems, motion control, and distributed I/O to industrial communication and software platforms. From CNC manufacturing environments to intelligent building automation applications, we help customers develop flexible, efficient, and future-ready automation systems that support evolving operational and technological.

NK Engineering certified as Beckhoff system integration partner

NK Engineering and Beckhoff Automation hosted seminar “Integrate systems seamlessly with Endress+Hauser and Beckhoff” 2022

NK Engineering and Beckhoff attended tech exhibition Hannover Messe 2024 in Germany