Next multi-touch panel PCs as a smart HMI solution for the connected industry
The human-machine interface (HMI) has long since evolved from a simple operating panel into an intelligent hub for data acquisition, local processing, secure communication, and user-centric interaction, making it a key component in digitalized, networked production environments. This is precisely where Beckhoff brings its new next-generation multi-touch panel PCs into play, combining advanced control and visualization features in a single device. Equipped with the latest CPU generations, these industrial PCs are designed for future-proof performance and long-term availability.
Driven by digitalization, modern industrial plants are increasingly evolving into intelligent, connected systems – designed not only for performance and efficiency, but also for high flexibility and transparency. This shift further increases the importance of panel PCs. Where machine control and HMI were once implemented separately, devices that combine both now offer clear advantages – from a smaller control cabinet footprint and reduced cabling to lower maintenance requirements. For this reason alone, the integration of both functions has become the standard in many applications.
Users also benefit from enhanced performance and reliability. When control and visualization tasks run on the same hardware without additional interfaces, latency times decrease and system responsiveness increases. This real-time aspect is particularly relevant, since HMIs are no longer just displays, but smart gateways that capture, preprocess and forward machine data to higher-level systems such as MES or cloud platforms. These properties form the foundation for predictive maintenance, big data analytics, and digital twin applications.
Next-generation HMIs
Beckhoff has consistently aligned its portfolio with these requirements and offers a wide range of advanced panel PCs for the manufacturing industry. The new Next multi-touch panel generation, comprising both control panels and panel PCs, significantly expands this range. The focus is on cost-optimized solutions, a modern and appealing design, and an extensive variety of formats and functions. At Hannover Messe 2025, Beckhoff introduced the two Control Panel series CP49xx (built-in version) and CP59xx (mounting arm version), combining renowned Beckhoff quality with an excellent price–performance ratio.
Beckhoff is taking the next step at SPS 2025, bridging the gap between stand-alone visualization solutions and fully integrated high-end industrial PCs. The new next-generation multi-touch panel PCs, which will make their debut at the exhibition in Nuremberg, expand the product line to include HMI solutions that can handle not only visualization, but also control tasks for the respective machine or system as a full-fledged industrial PC. The new Panel PC series are available as built-in variants CP46xx and CP47xx with an IP20 protection rating, as well as the IP65-rated CP56xx and CP57xx models for mounting arm installation. The robust HMI devices are made of die-cast aluminum. They are available as built-in versions with display sizes from 7 to 23.8 inches, while the mounting arm versions range from 15.6 to 23.8 inches. As with the entire Next multi-touch panel generation, Beckhoff achieves high cost efficiency through state-of-the-art production methods and comprehensive cost management – all without compromising on product quality or functionality.
Leveraging 25 years of HMI production
Drawing on more than 25 years of in-house panel production experience, the devices in the Next multi-touch panel generation incorporate all the latest features and technologies to meet current and future user requirements. What remains unchanged are the ergonomic operating concept and the high quality standards Beckhoff customers have come to expect. The new panel PCs feature a sleek electronics and device design, EtherCAT-based real-time communication, full integration into TwinCAT, and premium displays with multi-finger touch functionality, anti-glare and anti-ghosting effects. Additional highlights include continuous EtherCAT communication (FSoE) for push-button extensions and, for the mounting arm versions, direct customer installation on a 100×100 VESA mounting adaptor or optionally on a 48 mm round tube.
To ensure that the Next multi-touch panel PCs – like the entire new family – remain future-proof, the electronics design has been revised and the mechanical and electronic interfaces standardized. The elegant devices are manufactured entirely in-house in Germany, offering durability, long-term availability, and worldwide service support.
State-of-the-art CPUs for automation
Alongside all relevant advanced interface standards, the latest industrial CPU generations have been integrated on both the x86 and Arm® platforms. The CP47xx and CP57xx Panel PC series are equipped with CPUs from the new Intel Atom® x7000RE processor family. They are specially designed for industrial systems such as robotics, automation, and IIoT, combining performance, energy efficiency, and high reliability in harsh environments. Variants with up to four cores cores are available, with base clock rates ranging around 1 and 2 GHz. The multi-core architecture enables virtualization and parallel execution of various edge applications, including HMI and AI inference. The chips offer a balanced ratio of power consumption to performance and can be scaled across different performance classes to meet diverse industrial requirements.
With new Arm® CPUs, Beckhoff is paving the way for modern Linux®-based HMI and edge solutions. Installed in the CP46xx and CP56xx Panel PC models, these processors are also designed to meet the specific requirements of automation. The high-performance Arm® processors have six cores, consisting of two Arm® Cortex®-A78, 2.0 GHz and four Arm® Cortex®-A55, 2.0 GHz cores, thus striking an excellent balance between performance and efficiency. Ethernet and other interfaces are integrated for use in networked industrial applications. Overall, these processors are ideally suited for the next generation of smart, connected industrial devices, Linux®-based applications, and more.
Paving the way to the smart factory
The use of these processors at Beckhoff is not limited to the Next multi-touch panel PCs. The latest CPU series are also intended for use in the ultra-compact industrial PCs of the C601x family. For the first time, the ultra-compact industrial PCs in the C602x series will also be available with Intel Atom® CPUs. A further expansion of the processor and device range is also planned for the new panel PCs. The computing power of the panel PCs will be significantly expanded in the foreseeable future through the use of Intel® Core™ processors.
All in all, the Next multi-touch panel generation meets all the requirements placed on HMIs in their crucial role driving Industrie 4.0 and the smart factory. For users aiming to make their production processes future-proof, efficient, and digital, it offers cost-effective solutions without compromising Beckhoff’s hallmark quality and functionality.
