Machine builders and OEMs need control platforms that are proven and ready for series production, yet can be adapted in hardware and software to each machine. Kendrion has seen this need in many customer projects and has developed its ECONO automation platform further in response. The goal is to make customisation possible without having to design a new controller for every application.
Typical requests include extra communication interfaces, specific safety functions and custom I/O concepts. Many customers also want to write their own software using modern development methods. “Over the past few years, we have seen very similar requirements across different industries,” says Nico Heinrich, Product Manager Control Systems at Kendrion. “Customers don’t want to start a new hardware development, and that is why we have consistently evolved the ECONO platform based on these requirements.”
A platform that adapts to the machine
Two hardware bases are available: the ECONO embedded IPC and the FIO Controller with FIO I/O expansion and an EtherCAT master. Both can be tailored to the application, with computing power and memory sized to what the machine actually needs. At their core is the long-term-available industrial version of Raspberry Pi module technology. An integrated option slot lets users add hardware functions, such as further communication interfaces, to the existing device architecture.
The software side is just as flexible. A preinstalled Linux operating system designed for industrial use allows machine builders to implement their own application and process know-how. Three software variants are offered for both hardware platforms:
- ECONO open: free programming in high-level languages such as C++ or Python, with connections to project-specific interfaces already prepared.
- ECONO FLECS: comes with FLECS Core preinstalled, so the system is ready for automation apps from the FLECS Marketplace.
- ECONO PLC: comes with the CODESYS Soft PLC preinstalled.
Depending on the variant, machine functions can be built and developed independently through open programming, container technology or CODESYS. Kendrion combines the open platform with cybersecurity mechanisms to keep operation controlled and secure.
Support from development to series production
Kendrion works with each customer to build an application-specific solution based on ECONO or the FIO Controller. The company adds the hardware and software functions required and matches the system to the machine’s peripherals. The resulting device architecture can also serve as the basis for a custom series device. Kendrion supports customers through design and integration and on into series production.
Kendrion will present the enhanced ECONO family as an open automation platform at SPS 2026, held in Nuremberg from 24 to 26 November. Visitors can find the company in Hall 4, Stand 418.