Xentara and Hilscher combine forces: Joint automation solutions for Industry 4.0

Nuremberg, 12. Nov. 2024 – embedded ocean GmbH, developer of the Xentara real-time automation platform, and Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation mbH, leading provider of industrial communication solutions, have announced a comprehensive cooperation to develop joint automation packages. The partnership aims to provide machine builders, system integrators and other industrial users with advanced, modular automation solutions that enable seamless, real-time control and communication.

Under this partnership, which was announced at this year's Smart Production Solutions trade fair in Nuremberg (SPS), the companies combine their complementary technologies to create new combination products that represent a strong extension of their respective product portfolios. Customers will benefit from customized offerings that bundle hardware and software into flexible, powerful automation packages. The solutions resulting from the collaboration between the two companies offer machine control, real-time fieldbus integration and industrial communication - all from a single source. At SPS, both companies will be presenting a demonstrator to showcase this for a production environment at Advantech's stand. You will find Advantech with Xentara and Hilscher at SPS in Hall 7, Stand 370.

 

Two workers intensely watching several monitors. On the right side is the Xentara logo in blue on white background.

Interlocking technology for maximum efficiency

Logo of Xentara in blue by embedded ocean.
Xentara – the modular, secure and powerful real-time automation platform

embedded ocean, a fast-growing technology provider based in Munich, has developed the Xentara real-time automation platform, a solution that enables the seamless integration and control of industrial processes. Special focus is placed on the control of machines and devices as well as the management of the associated data. Xentara is characterized by its unique real-time core, which seamlessly combines deterministic real-time communication with event-based IT technology.

This makes Xentara the ultimate bi-directional bridge between OT and IT to enable new control paradigms, such as machine learning-driven, to bring intelligence to the industrial edge in the age of AI. An advanced multi-mesh security architecture protects data sovereignty and security.

Hilscher – empowering communication
Industrial communication solutions from the market leader

Hilscher has been an expert in industrial communication solutions for more than 35 years. With netFIELD, the Hattersheim-based company has developed a comprehensive edge management platform that enables users to centrally manage hardware and software in the IIoT. This platform is complemented by high-performance hardware such as edge gateways with container environments and IIoT apps from Hilscher for PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and other industrial protocols.

Hilscher also offers the right communication solution for almost all applications: from network controllers and embedded modules to ready-made PC cards and gateways.

True real-time control on low-cost, readily available IPCs

The technical benefits of the new solution packages include true real-time control on low-cost, readily available IPCs and a unique timing model that controls timing sequences with unprecedented precision. In addition, the solution provides a unified, containerizable platform that removes compatibility barriers between machines and systems while remaining flexible and modular.

The cooperation between Xentara and Hilscher marks an important step towards Industry 4.0. With the combination of innovative hardware and software, the two partners are creating new standards in automation and opening up a future-proof path to greater efficiency and performance for industrial companies.

The partnership with Hilscher enables us to expand our product portfolio with new interfaces such as the cifX cards and innovative orchestration environments.On the other hand, Hilscher's market position and reputation as an established automation specialist and technology leader opens up new market access for us.

Michael Schwarz

Founder and CEO
embedded ocean GmbH

A graphic with several colored shapes and arrows showing the concept of a real-time automation platform

Shared market initiatives and target group approach

In addition to the technological collaboration, Xentara and Hilscher will carry out joint marketing and acquisition initiatives, such as trade fair appearances and marketing campaigns. The technologies of the two companies will also be further optimized in joint research and development projects, for example on the use of Docker/containers under real-time conditions. The aim is to enable the interoperability of previously incompatible machines and applications and to ensure reliable real-time control.

Target markets primarily include machine builders, system integrators and operators of machine parks who are looking for competitive, future-proof automation solutions. With their joint solutions, existing machine parks and brownfield systems can be easily integrated into modern, IT-based infrastructures.

Related links

Portrait of a man in a blue shirt looking into the camera. The background is grey.
Michael Schwarz
Managing Director
A photo of the male and female customer support phone operator with different internationality
Customer Center / Sales Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation mbH

You've got questions? We've got the answers!

Rheinstrasse 15
65795
Hattersheim
Hesse
Germany
A photo collage showcasing various Hilscher products

From turn-key products to highly integrated solutions and complementary software, Hilscher is your partner for industrial communication. Get an overview of how we can help you take the networking of your machines to a whole new level!