Beckhoff Automation’s four-part On the Fly video series explores the development of EtherCAT, its technology ecosystem and the role of the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG).
Featuring Martin Rostan, executive director of the EtherCAT Technology Group, the series covers the technology’s origins, governance, global adoption and future applications.
EtherCAT, which was invented by Beckhoff Automation and opened to the industry in 2005, has more than 100 million nodes deployed globally and more than 8,000 member companies across 78 countries, according to the company. The decision to open the technology led to the formation of the ETG, which supports collaboration among users, manufacturers and technology providers.
The series host, Supriya Suhale, category manager at Beckhoff Automation, said the idea for On the Fly came from Rostan’s visit to Australia.
“Having attended his seminars and seen his interviews at various trade shows and industry events, we had always enjoyed his candour and wit. Creating a series that offered a high-level exploration of EtherCAT, while giving audiences the opportunity to hear directly from Martin, felt like a natural fit,” Suhale said.
The series title was inspired by EtherCAT’s ability to process data “on the fly”.
Across four episodes, Rostan discusses the technology’s development, governance, industrial automation trends and leadership.
The first episode, The Blueprint, explores the creation of EtherCAT and the approach behind its development. Rostan also addresses the distinction between open and open-source technology.
“EtherCAT is open, not open source. Anyone can implement it and use it. We actively help competitors implement and support it,” Rostan said.
The second episode, The Global Chessboard, examines EtherCAT’s growth and governance, including how the technology has expanded while maintaining its independent and collaborative structure.
The third episode, The Human Equation, looks at trends shaping industrial automation, including AI, edge computing and sustainability, and how EtherCAT can support manufacturers with productivity, precision and energy efficiency.
The final episode, The Deterministic Leader, focuses on leadership, community-building and the values guiding the EtherCAT Technology Group.
“We take things seriously, but not too seriously. The fun part of technology is what we try to emphasise,” Rostan said.
Suhale said, “What stood out to me was that EtherCAT wasn't created by a group trying to engineer the perfect business strategy. It was developed by passionate technologists who were willing to challenge convention and pursue a different path. Some of the most memorable moments came when the conversation moved beyond technology.”
She added that she hopes viewers understand the broader role of EtherCAT beyond being a technology standard.
“I hope viewers come away understanding that EtherCAT is much more than a technology standard. It is a collaborative, future-focused ecosystem that influences industries, people, and the environment in meaningful ways. At its heart, it is technology created by people, for people,” Suhale said.
Beckhoff Automation develops PC-based control technology, with products covering industrial PCs, I/O and fieldbus components, drive technology, automation software, control cabinet-free automation and machine vision hardware. Its systems are used across applications, including CNC-controlled machine tools and intelligent building control.
