Scalable performance, attractive design
Beckhoff has received the prestigious Red Dot Award 2026 for the Next multi-touch panel generation, in recognition of its consistent focus on intuitive human-machine interaction combined with a high level of technological integration and an attractive design. The scalable control panels and panel PCs provide machine and system engineering companies with a future-proof automation solution that combines minimalist design language with industrial suitability in a cost-effective manner.
The Red Dot Award is among the world’s most renowned product design competitions and evaluates submissions not only for their aesthetics, but also for their functionality and degree of innovation. The fact that the Next multi-touch panel generation has been recognized underlines its application-oriented design concept. The front and rear follow a clear design language, which minimizes operating errors and enables harmonious integration into modern system concepts. Design has always been of great importance to Beckhoff. Ultimately, a control panel or a panel PC is much more than just an operating device today: it is the visual and emotional figurehead of the machine and its appearance has an impact on the entire production environment. In addition to visual aesthetics, the Next multi-touch panel generation therefore places particular emphasis on tactile sensation: High-quality materials and a pleasant haptic feel significantly enhance the user experience and ease of use.
From HMI to smart hub
To meet industrial requirements, the HMI devices are made of die-cast aluminum and are therefore very robust. However, the design is not only built to last, but is also evidence of well thought-out engineering. To make its in‑house production in Germany highly cost-effective, Beckhoff has integrated production‑dependent adaptations directly into the housing design. The symbiosis of sophisticated design and well thought-out production technology enables lean processes, allowing users of the Next multi-touch panel generation to benefit from high cost efficiency without having to compromise on the usual quality and functionality.
The award-winning generation of panels is driving the transformation of the classic HMI into an intelligent hub for data acquisition and visualization, as control and visualization tasks are performed on a common platform. This significantly reduces space requirements, cabling work, and latency times. The panel generation is based on a revised electronics concept with standardized interfaces, end‑to‑end EtherCAT communication, and seamless integration into TwinCAT.
Gateway for edge computing and AI
Modern Intel Atom® and Arm® processor generations deliver the performance required for networked industrial systems. The scalable performance spectrum qualifies the Next multi-touch panel generation as a central gateway for edge computing and AI.