acontis technologies GmbH: Powering the Next Generation of Industrial Real-Time Control

acontis technologies is a world-leading OEM software provider specializing in core technologies for high-performance industrial communication with EtherCAT and real-time Hypervisor for industrial applications. Headquartered in Weingarten, Germany, the company is globally recognized for its "Made in Germany" quality and expertise.

Since its foundation in 2001 by Christoph Widmann and Stefan Zintgraf, has evolved from a small start-up into an expertise hub for EtherCAT and real-time controller software products with more than 30 experts. To improve local support and consulting, acontis works together with selected and specially trained distributors in many regions and operates an own office near Boston to serve customers in the USA.

 

The software products from acontis are pivotal in the modern industrial landscape, focusing on two critical areas that facilitate modern automation technology:

  • EtherCAT: As an active member of the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) since 2004, acontis provides the globally recognized EC-Master EtherCAT MainDevice software stack as one of its core products. This solution ensures high-speed, reliable communication in millions of devices in demanding applications including Robotics and Motion Control. acontis is continuously adding innovative features and tools, resulting in the most complete software portfolio to plan, realize, verify and maintain EtherCAT systems.
  • Real-Time Virtualization: The company's portfolio of Real-Time Hypervisors (including the Type 1 RTOSVisor and Type 2 LxWin/VxWin) is engineered for workload consolidation. This technology allows to run multiple heterogeneous operating systems—combining hard real-time controllers (based on Real-time Linux, VxWorks etc.) with non-real-time OS environments (e.g., Windows/Standard Linux) for user interfaces, data logging, and cloud connectivity—on a single, unified hardware platform. This is essential for modern Edge Controllers and high-end industrial Controllers.

 

acontis products are the embedded core for blue-chip customers worldwide across sectors like Automation, Medical Technology, Robotics, and Data Acquisition.

  • Humanoid Robotics & AI: acontis is actively supporting new, powerful embedded systems like the NVIDIA Jetson platforms, enabling the use of EtherCAT for high-performance motion control in the rapidly advancing field of robotics.
  • Strategic Partnerships: The company collaborates with key industry players, holding status as an Intel Gold Member and several cooperations on product level including Advantech and ISIT for next-gen machine controls.
  • Development Experience: acontis facilitates modern development through a dedicated Developer Center, providing SDKs, tutorials, and tools for configuration and diagnostics across different operating environments.