B&R Innovation Insights
Find out how to improve the efficiency, precision and flexibility of your machines and systems. Get valuable insights into trends, technologies, and innovations from the world of industrial automation on 40 exciting pages:
The B&R Innovation - Newsletter
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Spotlight on our latest technologies and innovations
Automation Studio Agentic Bridge
The next step in automation engineering
July 20, 2026
The coding is done. The logic works. And yet the real effort is just beginning. Building, testing, validating, deploying. This is where engineering becomes complex, and this is also where today’s AI tools usually step aside. They help generate code, but they don’t carry it forward. Automation Studio Agentic Bridge, powered by B&R, changes that.
Codian Direct Drive Hygienic Design for safe food production
No. 1 choice for hygienic food lines
July 9, 2026
Food safety starts with the right machine design. The Codian DD HD Delta Robot follows a consistent hygienic approach by using direct drive technology instead of gearboxes. This eliminates one of the major contamination risks in food automation – oil leakage – while supporting reliable, stable operation.
Planar Motor Technology meets software.
The best of both worlds.
June 23, 2026
In planar motor systems, performance is no longer defined by motion alone. The real challenge is how quickly a system can be engineered, adapted and scaled. With B&R’s ACOPOS 6D, this challenge is addressed at its core – through software.
Closed-loop vision for reliable print production
RGB print mark detection at high production speeds with the B&R Color Camera
May 13, 2026
In industrial printing, precision is everything. A slight misalignment, an undetected print mark, or a change in material can quickly lead to waste, downtime and rising costs. At the same time, production environments are becoming more complex: shorter runs, frequent design changes and increasingly demanding packaging materials are used.
Up to 20% more throughput
How intelligent Vibration Control unlocks high-speed precision
April 16, 2026
In high-performance robotic applications, vibration is one of the most common – and costly – limiting factors. As robots become faster and lighter, unwanted oscillations increasingly restrict achievable speed, accuracy, and throughput.
Q1 | 2026
Brings your planar system into flow
ACOPOS 6D LaunchPad
March 16, 2026
What if you could design, validate, and optimize your entire machine concept long before the first piece of hardware reaches your factory? With the new ACOPOS 6D LaunchPad, this vision becomes reality. Virtual engineering now allows machine concepts for ACOPOS 6D to be explored at a very early stage – delivering reliable insight into system behavior from the very beginning.
Codian Robotics: Portfolio Evolution
March 16, 2026
Updating our Codian robotics portfolio is driven by real‑world machine‑building demands. The latest portfolio revisions for Codian Delta robotics reflect two priorities: smarter use of space and greater robustness for high‑payload applications.
From isolated tools to collaborative safety engineering
Safety Meets DevOps
March 16, 2026
At B&R, safety is not an add‑on but a core system component that must operate reliably throughout the entire lifecycle of a machine or plant, from engineering and commissioning to operation and optimization. Across the automation industry, however, safety‑related and non‑safety‑related applications are still developed largely in isolation.
Our world is evolving at speed – and so are the demands on production systems.
In our innovation showcase, we demonstrate how we are shaping this change through open approaches and a clear technical vision.
Stay tuned for new ideas, solutions, and perspectives.
Together, we are driving the next generation of automation.
The next evolution in motion control
November 11, 2025
With ACOPOS M4 B&R sets the foundation for the next generation of motion control, enabling automation without limitation. As the first OPC UA FX-ready motion system, ACOPOS M4 introduces a new level of openness and performance, paving the way for truly plug-and-produce automation solutions.
The next level of openness
OPC UA FX C2C & C2D
November 18, 2025
OPC UA FX Technology Package combines software, controllers, drives and network components into a single, cyber-secure solution.
For customers, the key advantage is clear: true interoperability.
Powerful motor control modules in a compact design
ACOPOS X2 and X4
November 6, 2025
The ACOPOS family welcomes two new modules: ACOPOS X2 and ACOPOS X4. They provide seamless control of low voltage stepper and brushless DC motors (ACOPOS X2) or servo motors (ACOPOS X4), with support for one, two or four axes. Embedded encoder support, integrated STO, and SafeMotion support, make the ACOPOS X2 and ACOPOS X4 ideal options for providing flexibility and safety in applications with lower power ranges.
The ultra high-end performance industrial PC
Automation PC 50A
November 18, 2025
The Automation PC 50A (APC50A) is a PC out of the Top-Level computing device class, for demanding applications in vision and AI operating machines. High-end computing power, exceptional graphics performance and scalable architecture allow both precise simulations and real-time performance of complex sensor data. Thanks to advanced AI capabilities, it paves the way for new developments in adaptive manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and visual quality inspection using deep learning.
Codian family members
Codian AR and SR families
November 18, 2025
More advanced, more compact, easier to use.
With the Codian AR and SR families, B&R expands the robotics portfolio to deliver unmatched flexibility, precision, and performance, empowering machine builders with compact, integrated solutions for even the most complex automation tasks.
Innovation through levitation
ACOPOS 6D
November 18, 2025
Expansion of the narrow segment and increased payload capacity. B&R’s game-changing magnetic levitation-based transport system, which enables contactless movement of shuttles in six degrees of freedom. An expansion of the Series 3 range, and the introduction of Series 4, offers unprecedented freedom to design adaptive, flexible layouts that open up new possibilities for productivity.
Metal on metal, perfectly guided
ACOPOStrak
November 18, 2025
Batch size one production, at lightning-fast speed.
An upgrade to ACOPOStrak now allows larger shuttle payloads, along with faster acceleration, deceleration and curve speeds – without compromising on precision and stability. For production lines this means higher throughput, greater productivity and improved ROI.
Bridging the developer experience gap with modern tools and integrated debugging
Automation Studio Code – with AS Code Watch
November 19, 2025
AS Code is a modern, lightweight IDE for industrial automation, offering developers a state-of-the-art coding experience while remaining fully compatible with Automation Studio 6 projects. It introduces modern coding features, Git integration, and AI-assisted engineering. With the new AS Code Watch extension, developers can now monitor and modify PLC variables directly inside the IDE, creating a seamless coding and debugging environment.
Secure by Design with OPC UA FX
Cybersecurity
November 18, 2025
OPC UA FX has built-in robust cybersecurity capabilities, minimizing threats while ensuring resilient and trusted operation as the security landscape evolves and new threats emerge.
Software Update Edge Service
November 19, 2025
B&R’s Software Edge Update Service is a local edge service that enables safe, flexible, and automated PLC software updates directly at the machine level. It bridges central fleet management systems with the actual deployment interfaces of B&R PLCs, ensuring resilience, rollback safety, and compliance with upcoming cybersecurity regulations
High-performance control meets HMI
Power Panel C650
November 18, 2025
Power Panel C650 builds upon the capabilities of the successful Power Panel C70 and C50 ranges, offering four times the processing power and twice the storage capacity for improved speed, design and scalability, in a future-proof solution
Analytics anywhere
X20 Edge with built-in 4G modem
November 19, 2025
A new variant of the B&R X20 Edge features an integrated 4G modem. This opens up vast new possibilities and use cases for connecting machine control to enterprise systems in remote locations without local network infrastructure, along with additional flexibility and data logging capabilities leveraging the Industrial IoT.
All innovative solutions from B&R
Software Update Edge Service
B&R’s Software Edge Update Service is a local edge service that enables safe, flexible, and automated PLC software updates directly at the machine level. It bridges central fleet management systems with the actual deployment interfaces of B&R PLCs, ensuring resilience, rollback safety, and compliance with upcoming cybersecurity regulations.
Centralized access for streamlined operation
mapp Cockpit is now the single point of entry for all support and diagnostics—that means faster troubleshooting and more efficient workflows. Starting with Version 6.3, mapp Cockpit provides intuitive access and seamless navigation for all online help and system diagnostics pages, including controls and motion as well as safety and vision.
No-code commissioning
mapp Cockpit 6.3 enhances usability with a graphical interface and no-code commissioning. The new mapp Motion axis pages greatly simplify commissioning steps. By providing self-explanatory guided workflows and intuitive tools, it minimizes setup complexity and improves machine uptime with faster issue resolution.
Real-time insights for planar product transport
The ACOPOS 6D Diagnostics Widget is the perfect companion for B&R's planar product transport solution. Designed to reduce downtime and enhance system reliability, it simplifies system monitoring and troubleshooting by providing intuitive diagnostics and clear troubleshooting information right on the HMI screen or tablet. Ideal for both developers and operators, it enables real-time monitoring, fast error correction, and seamless data sharing with support teams.
3D no-code track design
ACOPOStrak Designer makes complex track layouts easy with 3D configuration, real-time feasibility analysis, and zero programming. Visualize customer needs in seconds and fine-tune parameters during meetings, reducing development time. The digital twin simulates real-world dynamics for optimal performance, while direct export to Automation Studio speeds up setup and commissioning.
Flexible collaboration with selective versioning
The latest version of Automation Studio introduces Selective Versioning. This feature decouples project versions from the software version, allowing teams maximum flexibility without compatibility issues or conversions. Machine builders can easily maintain multiple projects across large teams. Engineers can selectively apply updates to specific sub-components like Automation Runtime or mapp Technology, accelerating development and reducing testing time for faster, more flexible project management.
Cloud-based collaborative engineering
Explore a cloud-based collaborative environment designed to streamline automation projects directly from your browser. It breaks down development silos, enabling seamless cloud collaboration across distributed teams and provides a unified project overview. Key features include easy integration with your repositories as GitHub, a clear view of the codebase, and the ability to launch development environments with a single click – dependencies and versions are pre-set for immediate coding. Share projects securely with colleagues, partners, or clients, enhancing collaboration while maintaining strict access control.
Open and secure, time-critical communications
OPC UA FX C2C (Controller-to-Controller) technology enables precise, secure, and time-critical data exchange between machines, ensuring optimal performance in demanding environments. Engineered for high-performance tasks with low, guaranteed latency, it is ideally suited for applications such as robotics and motion control. With its open, standardized design, OPC UA FX C2C fosters interoperability across diverse systems, supporting various Quality-of-Service (QoS) levels on shared networks. Combined with robust end-to-end security, it empowers manufacturers to build scalable, interoperable networks – driving efficiency and advancing the smart factories of the future.
Uninterrupted engineering
Automatic login means fewer interruptions for engineers when commissioning and testing machine applications in simulated environments. Once development is complete, security protocols ensure proper authentication for production. By balancing security and usability, this update in mapp Cockpit 6.3 simplifies access while maintaining strict control over machine data.
Simplifying Edge computing and connectivity
The X20 Edge portfolio is enhanced with a device variant that integrates a 4G modem, ensuring stable communication in locations without local network infrastructure. It simplifies system architecture by eliminating external modems while enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and cloud connectivity. It enables comprehensive performance insights to be retrieved globally, ensuring operational transparency and efficiency.
APC3200 mobile ISOBUS certification
APC3200 mobile is the first industrial PC certified for ISOBUS, simplifying integration in modern agricultural equipment. With ready-to-use compatibility, it removes the need for custom ISOBUS stacks and reduces development time. OEMs can focus on machine functionality while ensuring seamless communication with ISOBUS systems. This solution enhances efficiency, compatibility, and long-term value.
Connected IT-OT intelligence
B&R's X20 Edge connects machine control with enterprise systems for enhanced production insight. Equipped with an ARM-based CPU and Linux OS, it provides flexible programming possibilities like Python and a containerized environment for deploying AI, machine learning and IIoT applications. Dual Ethernet ports open up communication possibilities like OPC UA and cloud connectivity, creating a seamless data flow between machines and IT infrastructure. Ideal as a smart IIoT gateway, the X20 Edge offers machine builders simplified integration of digital services, while end users gain access to advanced analytics – all in a compact, industrial-grade device.
Discover more about IIoT Edge Devices and X20EDS410
Next-gen maritime controller
X90CP150 is DNV-certified and supports SIL 3 safety in a compact, cabinet-free design. Ideal for maritime and offshore environments, it enables integrated control and safety without external systems. Machine builders benefit from reduced engineering and component count, while end users gain simplified maintenance and high operational reliability in critical applications.
Unlock smarter web HMI
The new Terminal OS unlocks more powerful web and VNC client capabilities for B&R’s Panel PCs. Designed for high-performance visualization, it ensures smoother operation of demanding applications while simplifying system architecture. Use it as a standalone OS or in a hypervisor-based setup to scale performance without major hardware changes.
Maritime-certified PC
DNV and CCS certification for the Automation PC 4100 confirms compliance with maritime and offshore safety standards, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments. B&R’s high-end industrial PC series minimizes failure rates and service requirements, making it a trusted choice for demanding applications – from the plant floor to the high seas.
JavaScript for dynamic HMIs
mapp View 6.3 introduces native JavaScript support, enabling developers to build responsive, high-performance HMIs using familiar web development tools. By leveraging existing JavaScript skills and libraries, machine builders can accelerate development, create custom widgets, and make smoother animations. The results are smoother animations, faster screen transitions, and highly tailored user experiences that meet modern expectations in industrial automation.
Unlock smarter web HMI
The new Terminal OS unlocks more powerful web and VNC client capabilities for B&R’s Panel PCs. Designed for high-performance visualization, it ensures smoother operation of demanding applications while simplifying system architecture. Use it as a standalone OS or in a hypervisor-based setup to scale performance without major hardware changes.
DNV-certified HMI
T50 mobile operator terminals are now DNV-certified for reliable operation in maritime and off-highway environments under extreme conditions. Built on the same platform as cabinet-mounted models, they enable seamless engineering and project management across applications. Their rugged design supports faster deployment, reduced maintenance, and a consistent user experience across all equipment types.
ACOPOS 8x faster reactions for high-performance machines
With a control performance of 50 µs, the ACOPOS system sets a new benchmark for precision and speed in motion control. It ensures smoother motion, increased throughput, and exceptional product quality, making it ideal for printing, packaging, and other high-dynamic applications. Integrated Smart Process Technologies (SPT) enable local I/O response times as fast as 50 µs, simplifying machine design, reducing overall system complexity, and minimizing dependency on network and PLC performance. This empowers manufacturers to innovate faster and run more efficiently.
Compact design, high power density
The 8MS-4 motor series provides high power density in a compact design, optimizing machine footprint and enhancing machine performance. With new flange sizes compatible with standard mechanical components, OEMs benefit from reducing the overall solution costs. Integrated EnDat 3 and advanced connectors streamline cabling and support the latest SafeMotion features, ensuring minimal downtime and simplified servicing.
Lag-free dynamics
Feed-forward control at 50 µs reduces lag and oscillations. Improved motion accuracy and machine dynamics enhance machine reliability, throughput, and product quality while minimizing wear and energy costs. Synchronized high-precision motion for dynamic robots, machine tools, and packaging lines helps meet modern manufacturing needs with superior performance
10x faster collision avoidance
Reactions in fractions of a millisecond—10 times faster than traditional solutions—help prevent repair costs and lost time. With anticollision embedded in the control loop of the ACOPOS P3 servo drive, there are no additional sensor costs and no delays for higher-level feedback. Continuous real-time monitoring instantly triggers corrective action the moment an abnormal force or deviation is detected.
Adaptive vibration bowl control
Set it, tune it, run it: plug-and-play vibration bowl control on ACOPOS P3 servo drives adapts parameters to changing conditions in real time, optimizing energy efficiency in each process cycle. Advanced diagnostics and predictive insights help reduce mechanical wear, increase energy efficiency and improve sorting accuracy.
Decentralized IP55 control
ACOPOSinverter P96 simplifies machine design with its rugged IP55 case, enabling cabinet-free installation. Supporting power classes up to 250 kW, it enhances heat dissipation, reduces wiring complexity, and improves reliability. With ready-made function blocks and daisy-chain STO, it streamlines commissioning and boosts safety.
Intelligent drives, instant decisions
Meet the next generation of intelligent drives: AI-powered ACOPOS drives integrate intelligence directly at the device level, enabling real-time detection and response to mechanical changes—without cloud dependency or external sensors. By processing data locally, they optimize network usage, reduce controller load, and improve energy efficiency. The result? Simplified setup for machine builders and enhanced reliability, lower maintenance, and consistent performance for end users.
Power Packed in Elegance: Slim, Smart, Effortless
ACOPOSInverter P77 makes automating equipment like fans, pumps, and conveyors simple and efficient. At 60x130 mm, it features one of the slimmest designs on the market. Fully integrated with B&R’s software toolchain, it enables faster software design with mappMotion, simplifies commissioning with mappCockpit, and supports flexible lifecycle management with hardware-independent software.
Smarter, simpler motion control
ACOPOS P3 now supports the EnDat 3 digital encoder interface, cutting cabling from six wires to two – improving flexibility and enabling smaller cable carriers. Daisy-chaining simplifies wiring, reducing installation complexity and cost. Advanced diagnostics provide real-time insights into encoder temperature, vibration, and signal anomalies for predictive maintenance. Existing systems can upgrade to EnDat 3 via a firmware update – no hardware changes required.
Fast engineering, fast execution
The newly enhanced SPT Editor offers an intuitive and efficient solution for writing, configuration, and debugging of B&R's ultra-fast 50-µs motion control function blocks. Designed to streamline development workflows, it significantly reduces engineering effort while ensuring maximum precision and performance. With this advancement, Smart Process Technology (SPT) is now more intelligent and user-friendly than ever.
Flexible motion with DS402 support
B&R’s mapp Motion now supports the DS402 standard drive profile, enabling seamless integration of third-party servo drives across multiple fieldbuses. OEMs gain greater flexibility in machine design and sourcing, with simplified configuration and reusable applications that speed up development. The result is faster time-to-market, lower engineering effort, and future-proof motion systems that can easily adapt to evolving requirements and component availability.
One drive for all power sources
B&R’s ACOPOS P3 servo drive sets a new standard for flexibility for AGVs and mobile machines by seamlessly supporting both AC and DC power in a single compact unit. Its broad DC range of 24–120 Vallows effortless transitions between battery-powered mobility and AC-powered docking—without requiring hardware changes. Integrated SafeMotion functions ensure safety across all operating modes, while CE/UL certification simplifies compliance. Designed for the future, it also supports renewable energy sources, enabling compact, energy-efficient, and versatile designs.
Enhanced object detection and tracking
New AI features for vision systems make it possible for machines to group similar objects or pick out individual ones. These semantic and instance segmentation capabilities can be seamlessly integrated into existing vision tasks, enabling defect detection, object counting, and category-based tracking — all without requiring deep AI expertise.
AI-enhanced pick-and-place
Deep learning object detection makes it possible to detect shapes—even when edges are unclear, backgrounds are noisy, or edges overlap. This simplifies robot-machine interaction for more flexible and reliable pick-and-place, inspection and handling applications. Intuitive setup and configuration require minimal expertise in vision and AI.
3D vision tasks: Cost-optimized
A clever extension for B&R smart sensors and cameras uses laser triangulation with FPGA preprocessing to deliver a cost-optimized solution for solving 3D tasks in mid-range applications. B&R's 2.5D vision solution captures moving objects to enable height monitoring, sorting, volume estimation and more. Machine builders can simplify system complexity with an integrated system – e.g. no need for a transducer. Vision can be synchronized to highly dynamic movements with nanosecond precision. End users benefit from easy operation, higher OEE, and reduced energy consumption and hardware footprint – all with the precision of advanced 2D algorithms.
"What is it?"
By answering this question, AI-based classification enables B&R Smart Cameras to recognize and sort images. Similar to how humans distinguish cats from dogs, regardless of breed, deep learning analyzes shape, texture, and more to accurately differentiate between products and variants. B&R's deep learning toolchain streamlines setup with predefined training parameters. By eliminating complex manual configuration, it reduces errors, simplifies adaptation to new data, and ensures flexible, efficient production.
Cost-efficient expansion
The new 120x480 mm segment enables more cost-effective ACOPOS 6D layouts, reducing the number of segments needed per system. Designed for single-lane transport or as a third lane alongside 240x240 mm segments, it provides an efficient solution for handling larger shuttles and optimizing space usage in compact production lines.
Advanced project support
B&R’s Mechatronic Services combine dedicated project teams with direct access to R&D labs, helping machine builders optimize systems from concept to implementation. Engineers, product experts, and R&D specialists work with customers to validate designs, test real products, and fine-tune performance. The result: reduced risk, faster time to market, and reliable, high-performing machines tailored to exact application needs. Services span ACOPOS 6D; ACOPOStrak, SuperTrak and robotics, with both remote and on-site support options for maximum flexibility.
Drag-and-drop expert tuning
Effortless deployment of custom robotic mechanics - no manual sync work or extra software needed. The B&R Mechatronics Services team handles ISO 9283-based tuning and delivers the result as a ready-to-use Automation Studio add-on. Just drop the pre-tuned mechanics into your project - and you're good to go.
Accurate simulations for smarter design
The MCR Performance Analyzer enables precise simulation and validation of Pick & Place applications using digital twin technology. By predicting robot performance before physical implementation, it drastically reduces development time and costs. Accurate pick rate analysis ensures optimized production planning, eliminating design guesswork and reducing project risks. This tool helps machine builders refine system performance for faster deployment and guaranteed efficiency.
The efficient pick
Codian Greenline (D4-ST21) delta mechanics are the best choice for high-speed, lightweight pick-and-place applications like those frequently found in the packaging sector. The compact design enables tighter nesting of robots to save space and meet ever increasing needs for more compact machine layout. Not only is this performance upgrade to the popular S020-series more ecologically friendly in terms of materials used and footprint reduction – it simultaneously delivers increased stiffness for uncompromised precision and quality.
Robotics goes multicore
With Automation Studio 6 and mapp Technology 6, machine builders can now run up to three times more robots on a single Automation PC. This multicore capability allows more efficient use of computational power, freeing up capacity for complex applications or non-real-time tasks – all without the need for advanced multi-threading programming. The result is higher performance, reduced programming complexity, and a smaller cabinet footprint, making robotics control more powerful and cost-effective.
