TECHNOLOGY n 15 www.drivesncontrols.com May 2026 BECKHOFF HAS DEVELOPED a series of controllers for MDR (motor-driven roller) conveyors that, it says, set new standards for safety, efficiency, and modularity in automated material flow installations. The IP54-protected EP741x MDR modules are available with or without bult-in safety. They can control 24V and 48V motors from any manufacturer, and are claimed to reduce wiring work and system costs. MDR conveyors offer big advantages because of their zonebased operation, but they can reach their performance limits when using traditional bus systems, says Beckhoff. This is not the case with the new controllers, it adds. Built-in EtherCat allows update rates in the sub-millisecond range, ensuring synchronisation of the routing logic, even with extensive conveyor lines and complex systems. An optional Safe Torque Off (STO) safety function via Safety over EtherCat (FSoE) is claimed to be a first for the industry. Conventional controllers usually need a complete shutdown of the power supply for emergency stops. The new modules can disconnect the motor power stage safely, but maintain the logic voltage for the control electronics, ensuring that the system remains in a safe state. The decentralised safety architecture allows users to define individually controlled safety zones. This eliminates the need for additional safety components or complex parallel wiring and increases the modularity of material transport systems. The modules provide sensorless control of brushless DC motors in the 24–48V range. They can be combined with motor rollers from any supplier, simplifying engineering and reducing spare parts inventories. They are available in two-channel versions (EP7412), or compact four-channel versions (EP7414). The cascadable design has integrated connection cables with M8 or M12 connectors, eliminating wiring errors and cutting installation times. A low installation depth allows space-saving mounting in the profiles of conveyor rails. For applications with lower safety requirements, Beckhoff is also offering the new controllers as cost-optimised two- and four-channel variants without safety functions. www.beckhoff.com/en-gb Roller motor controllers overcome limitations of MDR conveyors SIEMENS HAS LAUNCHED an AI‑powered system for analysing the performance of industrial drives on-site. The Drivetrain Analyzer Onsite processes drive data entirely within a user’s infrastructure, bridging the gap between isolated machines and cloud‑based platforms. It complements Siemens’ existing Drivetrain Analyzer Cloud offering, and is aimed at users with stringent data‑sovereignty requirements. The first module of the new system, called DTA Onsite: Monitoring, provides continuous condition monitoring of mechanical and electrical drivetrain components using locally executed AI to recognise patterns and detect anomalies. It captures high‑resolution signals – including precision time protocol (PTP) synchronised vibration and analogue signals. The data includes vibration signals and analogue values, which are pre-processed locally and then analysed within the system. A user interface provides plant‑level overviews, KPI trend views and diagnostic dashboards – all accessed via a Web browser. The integrated AI identifies any deviations from typical drivetrain behaviour and indicates mechanical changes or early‑stage wear. DTA Onsite is aimed at users who prefer to do their data processing locally. It targets environments where data sovereignty, latency requirements or isolated network architectures, are key concerns. It uses the same modular concept as Drivetrain Analyzer Cloud but has different operating models, integration environments and regulatory deployment. The software supports open and documented interfaces such as MQTT, gRPC, and OPC UA, allowing integration into Scada systems, edge platforms, industrial IPCs and maintenance software. Data from sensors and automation equipment is consolidated locally and visualised via a unified monitoring interface. DTA Onsite: Monitoring is designed for applications with variable load, speed and operating profiles. This includes machines such as extruders, packaging and textile machines, where any mechanical or process‑related changes need to be detected early. It is also suitable for pumps, compressors and conveyor systems. On-site drives analyser keeps your data away from the cloud Beckhoff’s new MDR controllers can be used with motor rollers from any supplier The new drivetrain analysis software allows users to evaluate drive data within their own infrastructures
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