Eurotech is a global company focusing on embedded computers and Pervasive Computing, which combines three key factors: the miniaturisation of computers capable of processing information; their spread in the real world - in buildings and machinery, on board vehicles, on persons and in the environment; and their ability to network and communicate. Year founded: 1992 Revenue: $69 million (2014) BIT: ETH

Beckhoff implements open automation systems based on PC Control technology. Products that can be used as separate components or integrated into a complete and seamless control system are available for all industries.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) focus on transforming bits of data collected at the edge of a pervasive distributed system into actionable information and knowledge for business decision makers and end users. These transformations are driving the biggest change in industry since the steam engine! One of the most important aspects of IoT vision is that smart objects communicate effectively with each other and with applications residing in data centers or the cloud. Eurotech develops and offers the technical building blocks required to build distributed systems of devices and sensors to be effectively interconnected with IT infrastructures. Eurotech solutions are a combination of hardware, Firmware, operating systems, programming frameworks and external infrastructure that enable customers focus on their core activities.

The purpose of Industry 4.0 is to make manufacturing more flexible, efficient and sustainable through communication and intelligence, thus increasing the competitiveness of German industry. One major component of this approach is control technology, which is still far from reaching its full potential. Improved communication methodologies and the rising convergence of information and automation technologies will deliver significant progress – something Beckhoff has always focused on with its PC-based control technology and fieldbus communication. Beckhoff provides the foundational technologies and tools needed today to implement Industrie 4.0 concepts and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, all via PC-based control. TwinCAT engineering and control software packages are available for the creation of applications such as Big Data, pattern recognition as well as condition or power monitoring, in addition to traditional control tasks – which can sustainably increase production and engineering efficiency as a result.

ITT Exelis, TBM Rail Group, TEB

Wifag-Polytype Technologies AG