Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG - based in Verl in Germany's East Westphalia region - is focusing its trade fair presentation in Hannover this year on "generating added value". It is using HANNOVER MESSE 2017 to showcase a whole host of options for utilizing PC-based control to create real added value in Industry 4.0 and IoT applications. These include basic technologies and components for PC-based control systems, ranging from PLCs and robotics to measuring technology, and a comprehensive product portfolio for integrated industry that Beckhoff is presenting in the Industry 4.0 themed display area.

Four exhibits merit particular attention. The new "Ultra-Compact-IPC C6015" universal industrial PC, for example, is extremely compact and flexible and is ideal for automation, visualization and communication tasks. The new embedded PCs in Beckhoff’s CX20x2 series offer manycore computing power for DIN rails while also taking up only minimal space. The new EtherCAT measuring technology modules provide high-end measuring technology for PC-based control and can be integrated directly into the modular EtherCAT Terminal system. And Beckhoff’s CPX Control Panel series and ELX terminals, which can be integrated directly into the EtherCAT-I/O system, offer solutions for explosion protection and thus accessibility through to Zone 0.