B&R Expands Its Industrial Automation Portfolio with Motion, IPCs, and Robotics

B&R Industrial Automation continues to strengthen its position in industrial automation by launching new motion, control, and computing products. These releases focus on compact design, future-ready communication, and flexible factory automation architectures. Backed by ABB, B&R combines PLC, IPC, robotics, and servo technology into a tightly integrated ecosystem.

B&R and ABB: A Unified Approach to Factory Automation

B&R operates as part of ABB’s automation portfolio, which enhances its credibility in PLC, DCS, and control systems markets. This partnership allows B&R to deliver scalable solutions across discrete manufacturing, process automation, and hybrid applications. As a result, users benefit from consistent engineering tools, long-term support, and global standards compliance.

ACOPOS M4 Servo Drive: Compact Motion with High Efficiency

The ACOPOS M4 servo drive targets advanced motion control in space-constrained cabinets. It supports synchronous, asynchronous, linear, and torque motors across four axes. Compared with previous generations, B&R reduced the footprint by roughly 60% while maintaining nearly 99% power factor correction efficiency.

Moreover, the drive integrates EMC filtering and regenerative energy handling. Therefore, system designers can eliminate external braking resistors and chokes. In practice, this simplifies panel layout and reduces thermal stress. Optional liquid cooling further supports high-power applications up to 200 kW.

ACOPOS X2 and X4: Scalable Servo and Stepper Control

B&R expanded the ACOPOS family with X2 and X4 drives for compact motion systems. The ACOPOS X2 controls stepper or brushless DC motors with a combined power rating of 1 kW. It supports encoder-based and sensorless operation, which helps balance performance and cost.

In addition, the X2 includes Safe Torque Off functionality. This feature directly supports modern machine safety concepts defined in IEC standards. The ACOPOS X4 integrates into the X20 PLC platform, creating a highly compact servo solution with 50 µs scan times. As a result, it suits high-speed, small-axis applications.

ACOPOStrak Upgrade: Higher Payloads in Linear Transport

ACOPOStrak remains one of B&R’s most distinctive factory automation solutions. It enables flexible, software-defined material flow using linear servo technology. However, shuttle payload limitations previously restricted some applications.

The new metal-to-metal upgrade increases payload capacity to 10 kg per shuttle at speeds up to 5 m/s. Additional bearings and mechanical support improve rigidity. Consequently, manufacturers can design cantilevered pallets without sacrificing throughput or precision.

OPC UA FX: Preparing Field Devices for Secure Communication

OPC UA has become a cornerstone protocol in industrial automation and control systems. B&R already supports OPC UA across its IPCs and X20 PLC platforms. Now, the ACOPOS M4 servo drive adds OPC UA FX for field-level communication.

OPC UA FX introduces time-sensitive networking concepts with built-in security. It supports authentication, certificate management, and deterministic data exchange. From an engineering perspective, this simplifies future machine-to-machine communication while aligning with Industry 4.0 standards.

AI-Optimized IPCs: APC50A for Data-Intensive Applications

B&R’s APC50A industrial PC addresses the growing role of AI and edge computing in factory automation. It supports high-end Intel processors and expandable hardware, including GPUs and AI accelerators. This configuration suits vision inspection, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics.

From experience, centralized AI processing reduces system latency compared to cloud-only architectures. Therefore, IPCs like the APC50A play a critical role in modern PLC and IPC-based automation systems.

Codian SR Six-Axis Robot: Integrated Robotics Control

The Codian SR robot expands B&R’s robotics portfolio with a six-axis articulated design. Reach options range from 600 mm to 1,400 mm, covering common assembly and handling tasks. High-stiffness transmissions ensure accuracy under dynamic loads.

Because the robot integrates directly with B&R control systems, engineers can program motion, safety, and logic within a unified environment. This approach reduces commissioning time and simplifies long-term maintenance.

Industry Perspective: Why These Releases Matter

From a systems engineering standpoint, B&R’s recent launches reflect clear industry trends. Manufacturers demand smaller cabinets, integrated safety, and open communication standards. Moreover, combining PLC, motion, robotics, and IPC technologies reduces system complexity.

OPC UA FX adoption also signals a shift toward standardized field communication. In the long term, this may reduce dependency on proprietary protocols within industrial automation networks.

Application Scenarios and Solution Examples

These new products support a wide range of factory automation scenarios. High-speed packaging lines benefit from ACOPOS M4 and X4 drives. Flexible material handling systems leverage ACOPOStrak with increased payload capacity. AI-driven quality inspection relies on APC50A IPCs combined with PLC control. Robotics cells integrate Codian SR robots for precise assembly and handling.

Together, these solutions demonstrate how modern PLC and control systems evolve toward integrated, data-driven automation architectures.