n TECHNOLOGY January 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 24 THE DESIGN SOFTWARE SPECIALIST Eplan has redeveloped its entire portfolio, focusing on customers and their needs. It says it has reduced complexity significantly in its Eplan Platform 2026. Eplan has also linked its schematic design tools with Rockwell Automation’s Emulate3 digital twin software, allowing engineers to model, test and optimise systems such as industrial robots, control panels and automated conveyors, virtually, before building any hardware. This streamlines workflows, saves engineering time, especially during the creation of the simulation model, and enhances accuracy. The two companies demonstrated their integration capabilities at the recent SPS exhibition in Germany. Eplan has reworked and expanded all of the products in its Platform. There are also new products, with some previously optional extensions becoming standard in certain versions of the software. “We have systematically aligned our product portfolio toward the tasks and workflows of our customers,”explains Eplan’s vice-president for customer journey, Jan Fleming. “The Eplan Platform 2026 provides maximum support for users in their respective application fields. This means more simplicity in engineering and at the same time valuable additional services that help our customers become even more efficient.” The portfolio has been tailored to the specific requirements of specific market segments: n Eplan Preplanning for operators and planners n Eplan Pro Panel is used to plan control cabinet construction n Eplan Electric P8 contains functions relevant to machine-builders. New features include: cloud-based collaboration apps; parts management in eStock; and eManage for data management. Access from device management now allows direct device data selection in Eplan’s Data Portal. Users no longer have to jump from the Platform to the Portal. A click in Eplan Electric P8 takes them directly to device selection in the Portal, and they can download the required project data immediately. This also applies to the cloud-based device management. Previously optional extensions are now included in some configuration levels. This allows users to make their processes more efficient and consistent. This applies to all phases of a project and for different industries, from concept development to detail engineering, and from manufacturing to commissioning and operations. For instance, Eplan Preplanning now also covers electrical engineering in the early planning phase in the form of single-line schematics in addition to integrating preplanning data and the professional creation of P&I diagrams. So, as well as being used by systems integrators, the software can now also be used by operators and by planners in basic engineering. Users benefit from preconfigured contents such as symbols, example data and forms that are tailored to machine-building, control cabinet and switchgear system engineering, energy technology and building automation. Depending on the configuration level, users can now also collaborate internally and externally via the Eplan Cloud. Cloud-based apps for device management, data management and viewing Eplan projects are included. As soon as users activate their Eplan Platform 2026 licences, the extended functions are available to them. The only thing they have to do is install the new software – at no extra cost. Eplan’s Download Center is now available to all Eplan users. They can access software, tools, eLearning contents and licencing information, directly. The new tie-up with Rockwell allows Eplan schematics to be exported to Rockwell’s Emulate3D software to simulate and validate control systems in a virtual environment before making physical investments, thus cutting risks, improving accuracy and accelerating development. Engineers can use the Eplan Platform to create wiring diagrams and control panels with standardised components, and then test and validate their systems in a virtual environment. Linking control cabinet layouts to digital twin models further enhances visibility and collaboration. “Together with Rockwell Automation, we’re enabling a smarter, more connected engineering process,”says Simon Budde, Eplan’s head of partner management. “This new integration reduces engineering times from days to hours, delivering enormous value to manufacturers and machine builders by unlocking new levels of efficiency in control system design. www.eplan.com Eplan redevelops portfolio, and ties up with Rockwell Dual-axis servodrive with built-in functional safety is ‘the size of a matchbox’ Eplan’s newly updated Platform can create digital twins of automation systems ELMO MOTION CONTROL, the Israeli servodrive specialist owned by Bosch Rexroth, has developed a miniature dual-axis servodrive with functional safety that is the size of a matchbox. The Titanium Castanet drive is one of several new products that the company launched at the recent SPS show. The Castanet, aimed at low-voltage DC applications, is based on a GaN (gallium nitride) power switching technology, and can deliver up to 15A at 100V, or 2.4kW of continuous power. Another new member of the Titanium family is the Harmonica – a high-powerdensity, dual-axis, metal-enclosed servodrive with functional safety, designed to maximise power in an ultra-compact footprint. It incorporates a motion controller and local intelligence and can deliver up to 10A at 200V, and 5.6kW continuously per axis. Elmo also previewed additional Titanium servodrives, including next-generation single-axis modules, and a safety architecture designed for even more compact, efficient and intelligent motion control. These upcoming releases will extend the Titanium line further into new power density classes and application areas, promising machinebuilders a future-proof path for continuous innovation.
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