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A proven platform for machine-specific control

Kendrion develops ECONO into an open automation platform. Machine builders and OEMs are looking for proven, production-ready control platforms with hardware and software that can be tailored to each machine’s requirements. In response to demand seen in numerous customer projects, Kendrion has further developed its ECONO automation platform. The idea behind it: enable customization without having to develop a new controller for every application.

In practice, machine builders require additional communication interfaces, specific safety functions and I/O configurations tailored to their applications. They also want to develop their own software using modern development methods.

“Over the past few years, we have seen very similar requirements across different industries,” explains Nico Heinrich, Product Manager Control Systems at Kendrion. “Customers do not want to embark on a new hardware development project. We have continued to develop the ECONO platform in response to these requirements.”

The platform adapts to the machine

Two hardware platforms are available: the embedded IPC ECONO and the FIO Controller, which includes FIO I/O expansion and an EtherCAT master. Both systems can be configured with the processing power and memory capacity the application requires. The computing platform is based on industrial-grade Raspberry Pi module technology, ensuring long-term availability. An integrated option slot allows additional hardware functions, such as communication interfaces, to be added to the existing device architecture.

The software can also be tailored to the application. A preinstalled, industrial-grade Linux operating system enables machine builders to apply their own application and process expertise. Three software variants are available for each hardware platform: ECONO open allows users to program in high-level languages such as C++ or Python and is prepared for integration with project-specific interfaces. ECONO FLECS includes FLECS Core preinstalled, making it ready for automation apps from the FLECS Marketplace. ECONO PLC comes with the CODESYS Soft PLC preinstalled.

Depending on the software variant, machine functions can be customized and developed independently using open programming, container technologies, or CODESYS. Kendrion’s open platform also includes cybersecurity mechanisms for controlled, secure operation.

Support from development to series production

In collaboration with the customer, Kendrion develops a solution tailored to the application, based on ECONO or the FIO Controller. The company adds the necessary hardware and software functions and adapts the system to the machine’s peripheral equipment. The resulting device architecture can also form the basis for a customized device intended for series production. Kendrion assists customers with application-specific design and integration, and supports the transition to series production.

Kendrion will showcase its enhanced ECONO family as an open automation platform at SPS 2026 in Nuremberg from 24 to 26 November. Visit Kendrion in Hall 4, Booth 418.


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Press Office for Kendrion

Koehler + Partner

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21244 Buchholz i.d. Nordheide

Germany

Phone +49 4181 92892-0

Email info@koehler-partner.de

 

Product Enquiries

For technical or product-related questions, please contact:

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Email marketing-iac@kendrion.com
 

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The processing power and memory capacity of the Embedded IPC ECONO can be adapted to the requirements of each machine.
The FIO Controller with FIO I/O extensions provides an adaptable hardware platform for application-specific machine solutions.

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