Products
MBxxxx | Baseplates
Scalable baseplates as the basis for automation without control cabinets.
MOxxxx | I/O modules
Comprehensive selection of I/O modules for all signals of the automation world.
MDxxxx | Drive modules
Compact multi-axis systems for drives of all types and power levels.
MSxxxx | System modules
Feeding and forwarding of data and voltages, power supplies and switches.
MAxxxx | Accessories
Slot cover and diagnostic dongle are available as separate accessories.
ZKxxxx | Cables
Cables that are perfectly adapted to the MX-System for efficient, safe installation.
Decentralized and control-cabinet free automation
The decentralized MX-System is the first to achieve completely control cabinet-free automation of machines and systems. To this end, Beckhoff has bundled over four decades of automation expertise into a modular system that performs all of the tasks and exhibits the properties of a classic control cabinet.
Benefits
- simplified engineering phase and reduction of machine footprint and cable paths
- UL/CSA and IEC certified – the system can be used worldwide without adjustments
- plug-and-play principle so that assembly and installation can be performed by non-specialist personnel
- fast and clear system diagnostics during operation
Applications
R.A Jones
The vertical chub packaging machine from R.A Jones, a Coesia Group company, is used to package pumpable foods such as soups or minced meat. The MX-System has been implemented here, making the machine's footprint even more compact than it would be with a conventional control cabinet. The MX-System bundles functions together, which significantly reduces the number of components required. This results in a more straightforward automation solution that is easier to maintain.
RO-BER Industrieroboter GmbH
With its new high-performance piece-picking cell, RO-BER, a SSI Schäfer Group company, has premiered a fully-automated order picking system for single items with numerous innovative features at LogiMAT 2025. See how our MX-System provides a control cabinet-free automation solution with a smaller footprint and less cabling for yourself here.
Heiber + Schröder
Heiber + Schröder Maschinenbau GmbH developed an automatic destacker which, for example, stacks packaging from a window patching machine into accurately counted stacks and transfers them to the downstream transport system - automated without a control cabinet using our MX-System.
Schirmer Maschinen GmbH
Window and door construction is a high-tech business. This much is evident right from the first process step, with the fully automatic processing of raw bars on a profile processing machine from Schirmer Maschinen GmbH. Schirmer was founded in 1979 and was Beckhoff’s first customer. The company has relied on PC-based control technology from Beckhoff for over 40 years now, from the first positioning controller to the new MX-System.
Learn more about the MX-System
Automation beyond the control cabinet
#1: What is the MX-System?
The MX-System is the first to achieve completely control cabinet-free automation of machines and systems. In this new video series, we will introduce the system, its components, and application examples. In the first episode, Paula Göbel, MX-System product manager, explores what the MX-System is and how it functions. Take a look!
#2: Who can use the MX-System?
In this new MX-System video series, we introduce the pluggable system solution for control cabinet-free automation with all its products and features. Before we delve deeper into the individual components, let's look at who the MX-System was actually developed for.
#3: The baseplates
In the third episode of this video series, Paula Göbel, MX-System product manager, introduces the baseplates. They are the back wall of the system and form the foundation of control cabinet-free automation with the MX-System. In this episode of the MX-System series, you can discover the differences between the baseplates and their common functions.
#4: The system modules
The MX-System's infrastructure is constructed with system modules. In this episode of the MX-System series, we explore the tasks that the system modules can take on in order to completely replace the control cabinet.
#5: The IPC modules
Industrial PCs are the core hardware for PC-based control technology. Beckhoff offers powerful and scalable industrial PCs for the MX-System in a highly compact format in its robust IPC modules. In this episode, we look at which IPC modules are available and their special properties.
#6: The I/O modules
In line with the comprehensive Beckhoff I/O portfolio, the MX-System's I/O modules also constitute a wide product range for all automation environment signals. Paula Göbel has invited Michael Jost, senior product manager for I/Os, to discuss the I/O modules and the broad scope that they cover in this episode.
#7: The drive modules
In this new episode of the MX-System series, Paula Göbel looks at drive modules with her guest Dirk Hansen, senior product manager for motion. Can multi-axis systems be integrated into the MX-System directly? Find out the answer to this question and more in the video.
#8: The relay modules
High power needs to be connected safely in a control cabinet. In the control cabinet-free MX-System, relay modules are used for this. Watch this video to find out more about the different relay modules that Beckhoff offers for the MX-System.
#9: Cables and plugs
Find out more about how the power signal and data communication are combined in a single cable in this new episode of the MX-System series. Having one single cable saves time and money while also protecting the environment. It also simplifies the entire process surrounding the MX-System.
#10: The housing
This new episode of the MX-System series explains why the MX-System doesn't need an additional housing unit. Watch the video to find out which other requirements the MX-System housing meets.
#11: The MX-System in TwinCAT
In the 11th episode of theMX-System series, Özgür Ünal explains how the MX-System is integrated into TwinCAT. In this episode, find out whether switching from a classic control cabinet to the MX-System changes anything in terms of software.
#12: The diagnosis
You can use your mobile device to run diagnostics on the MX-System and obtain information on the individual modules. Find out more about the applications of the diagnostics app in this video.
#13: The changeover
In this episode, Paula Göbel joins Marvin Düsterhus to explain how easy it is to switch from a classic control cabinet to the MX-System. See how simple it is for yourself.
#14: Sales
Paula Göbel meets with Robin Bertling from the Beckhoff sales team in this edition of “The MX-System series”. They talk about the way the sales team works in general and about special customer requirements reaching the team about the MX-System.
#15: Energy measurement
It really does pay to save energy. Not only is it good for our environment, but it also helps counteract the massive price increases for primary energy sources. But how is energy measurement integrated into the MX-System and how does it work? Find out more in this episode of the MX-System series.
#16: Recap and summary
This episode marks the end of our series “The MX-System series” for the time being. Paula Göbel summarizes the most important points.
Robust and compact
A system that withstands any environment
The MX-System offers a tailor-made solution for every application. The materials and workmanship of all components are designed for maximum durability. This allows the MX-System to be used directly on the machine or system, even in demanding environments. The MX-System is characterized by the following properties:
- robust, chrome-plated, and varnished metal housing
- resistant to oil and cleaning agents
- IP67 protection thanks to the double sealing principle
- EMC interference immunity due to metal housing
- temperature-resistant between 0...50 °C
Standardized interfaces
Big savings with standard connectors and EtherCAT in every module
The standardized connectors completely replace the wiring that was required for the individual components. With the MX-System, there are no more wiring errors and no more hours of wiring work. Handling is unbelievably easy and all the connectors have been designed to provide IP20 contact protection, even when no modules and no covers have been mounted on the slots. The backplanes are literally and physically at the core of every baseplate in the MX-System.
They provide electrical power as well as communication and diagnostic functions via standardized connectors. This means that each function module is automatically connected to EtherCAT when it is connected to the baseplate. EtherCAT is implemented in every module, and this enables hot swapping and real-time capability for the MX-System, as well as parameterization and diagnostics for each individual function module.
Plug-and-play
Fast assembly and even faster wiring
The compact MX-System sets new standards in handling and drastically reduces assembly times. The function modules are plugged onto the standardized connectors on the baseplate and then screwed in place using the captive screws located in the modules. Wading through a time-consuming circuit diagram is a thing of the past; the connector system wires modules together.
Wiring errors are prevented by the modular principle – this automatically leads to an increase in quality. The low number of components also reduces the number of assembly steps and the required assembly area. Storage and production areas, along with logistics processes, can be streamlined significantly. Overall, the MX-System provides a host of advantages compared to the usual machine life cycle.
Open and flexible
As a stand-alone solution or for optimizing existing applications
The MX-System distributes EtherCAT and voltages for all systems. Various system modules are used to create flexible topologies that are precisely adapted to the application requirements. Combined, the modules provide voltages for different requirements and communication via EtherCAT. Standardized connectors and hybrid cables are used for connection.
The MX-System can be used as a stand-alone solution or seamlessly integrated into existing applications. The architecture is irrelevant: centralized with a control cabinet or in combination with decentralized devices, anything goes. If production requirements change, operators and machine builders have flexible options with the MX-System, from expanding with individual modules or entire stations to replacing the existing technology.
The MX-System in comparison
A clear winner
| Control cabinet | MX-System | |
|---|---|---|
| 800 mm × 1600 mm × 400 mm | Dimensions | 800 mm × 240 mm × 230 mm |
| 110 kg | Weight | 36 kg |
| 146 | Components | 15 |
| 100 pages | Circuit diagram content | 25 pages |
| 5 electricians | Personnel expenses | 1 non-specialist |
| 28 h | Assembly and test time | 1 h |
| 17 | Toolboxes required | 1 |
| 470 W | Required cooling capacity | – |
| 50 % | EtherCAT integration | 100 % |
Beckhoff Live + Interactive
The MX-System: Functionalities and applications
The MX-System is our pluggable solution for control cabinet-free automation. The MX-System has become a game changer in various applications since it was launched 3 years ago. We discuss these applications in this video and demonstrate functions that make commissioning even easier. These functions will be included in the marketed MX-System very soon.
Rethinking automation
“The MX-System is changing the face of design and installation in the world of machine building,” explains Ludger Martinschledde, managing director of Schirmer Maschinen GmbH. Schirmer is breaking new ground by using the MX-System on one of its machines for the first time. This video explains the main objectives, tasks, and opportunities arising from the use of the MX-System at Schirmer.
MX-System: a short explanation
Beckhoff has developed an efficient control cabinet alternative in the form of the MX-System. Marius Winkler explains the details in this video.
Baseplate and function modules in size 3
The MX-System has a highly modular design and can now be even better adapted to the respective application with the three-row baseplate and corresponding function modules. Watch the video to find out how a large control cabinet can be divided into several MX-Systems.
Product news from Hannover Messe 2023
Our MX-System bundles together all automation technology innovations into an IP67-capable modular system. In this video, we present new modules, application examples, and news from the software for the MX-System sector.
Product news from SPS 2022
The MX-System offers a custom-fit solution for every application, meeting all requirements and thus qualifying for use directly on the machine or system, even in demanding environments. We reported the news live from the SPS in Nuremberg.
Awards
Industrie 4.0 Innovation Award
The MX-System won over the expert jury for the VDE Verlag's Industrie 4.0 Innovation Award, along with the readership of etz elektrotechnik & automation and openautomation. Every year, they award prizes to the three best products that make an enriching contribution to Industry 4.0. The MX-System won first place this year.
Red Dot Award and iF Design Award
The pioneering product design of the MX-System contributes massively to its potential for innovation, and this was confirmed by the jury for the renowned Red Dot Award, as they have honored this product with the highest "Best of the Best" award category. This was further confirmed with the iF Design Award.