New ProductsMarch 27, 2026
Smart Intralogistics with Integrated Safety Technology
The EP741x MDR controllers from Beckhoff set new standards for safety, efficiency, and modularity in an automated material flow.
The IP54-protected modules are available with or without integrated safety, depending on requirements. In combination with the control of 24 V and 48 V motors from a wide range of manufacturers, system builders and operators benefit from maximum flexibility, reduced wiring work, and significantly lower system costs.
The ongoing capacity expansion in e-commerce and intralogistics calls for modular, flexible, and reliable conveyor systems. Motor-driven roller
conveyors (MDR) offer enormous efficiency advantages through zone-based operation, but often reach their performance limits when using
traditional bus systems. With the new EP741x MDR controllers, however, this is no longer the case. The integration of EtherCAT allows update rates in the sub-millisecond range. This ensures absolute synchronization of the routing logic, even with extensive conveyor lines and complex systems.
Building on the established EtherCAT Box architecture, the EP741x takes over the sensorless control of brushless DC motors (BLDC) in the 24 to 48 V voltage range. A key advantage is that the modules can be combined with motor rollers from any supplier, which simplifies engineering and greatly reduces spare parts inventory. The controllers are available as a 2-channel version (EP7412) and as a particularly compact 4-channel version (EP7414). The fully cascadable design in protection rating IP54+ with integrated connection cables and standardized M8 or M12 connectors reduces costs, eliminates wiring errors, and minimizes installation time. At the same time, the reduced installation depth facilitates direct, space-saving mounting in the profiles of the conveyor rails.
An absolute first in the industry for MDR solutions is the optional Safe Torque Off (STO) safety function via Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE). While conventional controllers usually require a complete shutdown of the power supply to fulfill emergency stop requirements, the EP741x-9071 uses an intelligent design. It safely disconnects the motor power stage, but maintains the logic voltage for the control electronics. The system thus remains in a safe state. Users benefit from a decentralized safety architecture that allows them to define individually controlled safety zones. This eliminates the need for additional safety components or complex parallel wiring and elevates the modularity of material transport systems to a new level. For applications with lower safety requirements, Beckhoff also offers the new MDR controllers as cost-optimized 2-channel and 4-channel variants without safety functionality (EP741x-0071).