As the year draws to a close, we’re excited to share several important updates across the acontis software ecosystem. From new capabilities in our EtherCAT tools to upcoming events, there’s plenty happening this season.

In this issue:

• EC-Master adds support for ROS (Robot Operating System)

  enabling seamless integration into robotic platforms

• EC-Inspector introduces “Learning Mode”

  for EtherCAT network analysis without ENI files

• EC-Engineer Version 4.1 released

  packed with new features and usability enhancements

• Upcoming Webinar: Functional Safety (FSoE)

  join us to learn about a complete offer for implementing safety over EtherCAT

• Visit us at SPS 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany

  see the latest in EtherCAT solutions and meet our experts in person

EC-Master Now Supports ROS 2

A major step forward for developers building EtherCAT-based robotic systems: acontis offers two different EC-Master integrations into ROS 2 – for maximum flexibility and performance!

First, we now offer the EcMasterRos2Node, a native ROS 2 node for maximum flexibility, and furthermore EC-Master is also available as a Hardware Interface for ros2_control. Developers can easily control EtherCAT devices such as sensors and drives from ROS 2 — all process data appears as ROS topics, ready for use in motion, perception, or control algorithms.

EC-Inspector Enables Diagnosis Without ENI Files

EC-Inspector V4.1 now supports a game-changing Learning Mode, allowing users to analyze and monitor EtherCAT networks even when the ENI file isn’t available.

By passively observing network traffic, EC-Inspector automatically reconstructs all necessary configuration data — enabling full diagnostic and monitoring functionality, including process data access, performance metrics, and trigger analysis. This innovation is ideal for end users without ENI access, auto-configured systems, or for use with open-source EtherCAT implementations such as SOEM or EtherLab.

EC-Engineer V4.1 — Powerful New Features

The latest version of EC-Engineer V4.1 introduces several new features to simplify EtherCAT network setup, verification, and diagnostics.

Highlights include:

• Self-Test Scan – detect and pinpoint physical-layer or cabling issues.

• MainDevice Variables – create and trace both input and output variables for advanced debugging.

• Support for Beckhoff MX-System – scan, configure, and diagnose modular MX SubDevices.

• Frame & Command Visualization – view exactly which frames and commands are written into the ENI file.

• DC System Time Chart – visualize synchronization differences between EC-Master and SubDevices.

• Drag & Drop for ESI / ECC files – load projects and ESI files faster than ever.

Webinar: Certifiable Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE)

Functional safety is complex and time-consuming. That’s why acontis, ISIT, and SYSGO have teamed up to simplify your safety project. We are combining a safe OS and hypervisor with our proven EtherCAT MainDevice stack and a pre-certified FSoE stack. This unique solution gives you a clear, accelerated path to building high-integrity safety controllers for IEC 61508 applications—without the usual headaches.

Discover how this collaboration achieves trusted real-time communication for mission-critical and safety-certified applications, from industrial automation to transportation and beyond.

Join our Webinar on November 18, and meet us at our booth at SPS in Nuremberg.

We are exhibiting at the upcoming SPS show in Nuremberg, Germany from November 25 - 27. We will have our main booth in Hall 5, Booth 418.

Contact us today to arrange a meeting at our booth, where you can see all of our products live and in-person.