As industry leaders in industrial technology, BPX and Schneider Electric share a common goal: to be the trusted partner for OEMs, machine builders, integrators, and industrial equipment manufacturers. In this industry news article, we take a interested look at Schneider Electric’s Future-Ready Integrated Motion System – the soon to be released to market, Modicon M660.
Together, we help implement next-generation machines that are efficient, open, sustainable, and data-driven, shaping Industry 4.0 and addressing the challenges of smart manufacturing. In response to today’s rapidly evolving operating conditions – characterised by integration complexity, performance demands, workforce challenges, shorter time to market, and sustainability requirements – there is an urgent need to accelerate the adoption of high-performance motion control systems based on the latest technologies.
Next Generation Motion Control Technology
For over 25 years, the PacDrive motion controller has set a benchmark in the market, controlling more than 100,000 machines worldwide. Drawing from this expertise, Schneider Electric proudly unveils the next generation of motion control technology with the innovative Modicon M660, which takes performance even further.
This cutting-edge Industrial PC (IPC) motion controller combines precision motion control, safety features, and edge computing functionalities within a single device. This integrated approach enables seamless control, data processing, and communication in applications where real-time control, low latency, and immediate decision-making are crucial.
Easily programmed within a single, scalable industrial automation environment, the Modicon M660 simplifies the connectivity of advanced data-driven functionalities – such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twin – while remaining compatible with Schneider Electric’s existing motion portfolio. This environment also extends EcoStruxure Automation Expert to customers, allowing them to leverage their existing know-how and tools for high-performance motion applications, while benefiting from the software-defined advantages of EcoStruxure Automation Expert for additional applications. Furthermore, it streamlines workflows by enabling seamless data exchange across applications, without the need for new libraries or extensive reconfiguration. Offering modularity in build time, run time, and hardware, the Modicon M660 elevates motion control systems to the next level.
The Modicon M660 Integrated Motion Control Solution is Packed with Benefits!
- Designed for Data-Driven Operations and Seamless Integration: The Modicon M660 excels in edge computing with powerful onboard processing and analytics capabilities, efficiently running motion algorithms, conducting data analysis, and making real-time decisions at the network’s edge. It leverages digital twin and AI technologies to facilitate informed decision-making, optimise equipment performance, and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, it supports Sercos fieldbus for demanding motion applications and is ready for TSN on Ethernet communication, ensuring adaptability to evolving industry standards and secure data exchange between devices and systems.
- Staying Ahead of the Curve with Unparalleled Flexibility and Performance: Featuring the latest 13th generation Intel multicore processor and 64-bit run-time system, the Modicon M660 delivers unmatched processing power, advanced algorithms, and adaptable hardware and software. With comprehensive support for multiple operating systems, a wide range of protocols and interfaces, scalable memory, and multi-user capability, the Modicon M660 offers hardware and software modularity from build time to run time.
- Safety & Cybersecurity Ready: Schneider Electric has worked diligently to incorporate top-tier safety features and cybersecurity protections to safeguard your machinery and processes. The Modicon M660 is cybersecure by design, featuring embedded TPM for compliance with IEC 62443-4-1/2, and is prepared for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). It is also on track to achieve compliance with integrated functional safety standards ISO 13849 and IEC 62061, and will integrate safety with Sercos for seamless communication of safety-critical data.
- Contributing to Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Resilience: This Modicon integrated motion control system employs advanced algorithms to minimise energy use, eliminates cooling fans, and incorporates predictive maintenance for optimised equipment reliability, efficiency, and resource utilisation.
With Schneider Electric’s unified industrial automation environment and the Modicon M660 at the heart of their vision for integrated motion control, we are poised to deliver extensive benefits across the entire industrial lifecycle. This includes design, maintenance, and services via a unified, IoT-ready platform that encompasses the entire motion control system, integrating robotics, automation control, and digital services.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, offered a sneak peek into its upcoming innovations for 2025 at the highly anticipated SPS (Smart Production Solutions) Fair (25–27 November 2025 in Nuremberg). This event served as an exclusive opportunity for industry professionals to witness Schneider Electric’s vision for the future of automation and engage with the company’s experts to gain valuable insights into the next generation of automation technology.
Flying Gears: A Masterclass Demonstration in Advanced Industrial Automation
The new Modicon M660 took centre stage at SPS with Schneider Electric’s Flying Gears demonstration. The demo featured the new Modicon M660, the advanced IPC motion controller with data management, alongside the Modicon Edge I/O NTS. By combining synchronised motion control and edge computing functionalities, the visualisation and related run time are executed on the embedded Windows OS of the Modicon M660 controller. The demonstration utilised the Lexium Cobot Compact Controller to manage the assembly of the Modicon Edge I/O NTS, along with EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin for virtual design and commissioning.
As BPX is the UK’s only Schneider Electric Alliance Master Industrial Automation Distributor (IAD), we are ideally positioned to support you with the integration of a world-class, future-ready motion control system. We eagerly await the long-anticipated arrival of the M660 into stock. Please submit our contact form below to enquire and register your interest, and one of our knowledgeable Application Support engineers will respond at the earliest opportunity.