Now in its ninth year, the LEAP Awards program highlights engineering innovation from around the world. Once again, an independent panel of expert judges reviewed this year’s submissions and named gold, silver, and bronze winners across multiple categories. The 2026 winners in industrial automation span an AI co-pilot for industrial connectivity, a programmable automation controller […]
Controls
Winners announced in the 2026 LEAP Awards motion control category
The winners of the 2026 Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program (LEAP) Awards were just announced in a digital ceremony, with products across numerous categories — including Motion Control. The LEAP Awards are judged by the engineering community itself. Each year, the Design World editorial team assembles an independent judging panel made up of OEM design […]
Part 4 of 4: EtherCAT and power, CANopen, and cybersecurity
In this four-part article series, we cover the fundamentals and new innovations related to EtherCAT. In this final installment, we detail Power over EtherCAT and EtherCAT P, the CANopen over EtherCAT or CoE application profile, and EtherCAT’s compliance with the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act. We also cover motion-control and other EtherCAT applications, emerging alternatives such as OPC UA FX and CAN XL, and functional safety with FailSafe over EtherCAT or FSoE.
Part 3 of 4: EtherCAT’s stable versioning
In this four-part article series, we cover the fundamentals and new innovations related to EtherCAT. In this installment, we detail the stable versioning that keeps 2004-era EtherCAT devices compatible with EtherCAT G networks, the speed, latency, bandwidth, and throughput figures that distinguish EtherCAT from other industrial Ethernet protocols, and how it handles cyclic and acyclic communications. We also compare EtherCAT distributed clocks with the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol and Time-Sensitive Networking or TSN and survey the EtherCAT components available to machine builders.
Part 2 of 4: Ethernet CRCs and FCSs in industrial protocols
In this four-part article series, we cover the fundamentals and new innovations related to EtherCAT. In this installment, we detail how EtherCAT detects errors with cyclic redundancy checks, frame check sequences, and working counters; how EtherCAT subdevice controllers take the place of standard Ethernet switches and MAC and IP addressing; and how the application layers of Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT compare. We close with the IEC and ISO standards and the EtherCAT Technology Group or ETG that govern the protocol.
Part 1 of 4: EtherCAT then and now
In this four-part article series, we cover the fundamentals and new innovations related to EtherCAT. In this installment, we detail how EtherCAT emerged at Hannover Messe 2003 as a hybrid of Lightbus deterministic communication and Ethernet, the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet layers and frame structure at its core, and how it compares with PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and CC-Link IE. We also explain the on-the-fly frame processing and dedicated EtherType that give EtherCAT its performance edge.
Rockwell adds CompactLogix 5390 controller for modular control systems
Rockwell Automation Inc. announced the CompactLogix 5390 controller, a new addition to the Integrated Architecture controller family. The controller is designed for machine builders and manufacturers that need control, safety, security, data and networking functions in automation systems. Industrial operations are using more connected devices and generating more data, increasing demands on control systems. Applications […]
Motion control IC elevates stage automation for Creative Conners
Modern theater and concert events rely on motion control to make scenery and LED walls glide and transform — and let performers fly above stages in a precise choreography. One company that designs and manufactures motion systems that make complex stage animations safe and visually compelling is Creative Conners. The company provides modular machinery, standardized […]
Edge-computing hardware comparison
Consider a dominant form of machine control today — multicore industrial PCs or IPCs built around x86 and ARM system-on-chip processors. For discrete automation, these run deterministic control and a general-purpose OS on the same silicon. Machines advanced enough to justify such hardware include industrial networking via SERCOS III, EtherCAT, PROFINET, or EtherNet/IP to carry […]
Advanced monitoring coming soon to a machine near you with maxon MIND
Soon, a new “motion insights and diagnostics” service from Swiss precision-drive specialist maxon called maxon MIND will help machine builders and plant engineers add condition monitoring and diagnostics capabilities to their equipment. Electric motors are often the best sensor in a machine. After all, the motor signals a controller already reads reflect the condition of […]
