Cattron Demos XBMCU Multi-Interface Machine Control Unit at Automate 2025

Cattron introduced its compact XBMCU multi-interface machine control unit to the industrial automation market at Automate 2025 in Detroit, showcasing a solution that optimizes integration processes and simplifies system maintenance through advanced wireless technology.

The XBMCU (Multi-Interface Machine Control Unit) represents a significant advancement for system integrators, facility managers, OEMs and maintenance teams seeking streamlined implementation and reduced operational costs.

“The XBMCU broadens our capability to support applications in the industrial automation market with intelligent control solutions,” explained Mark Densley, sales leader at Cattron, during the show demonstration.

The unit’s primary innovation lies in its ability to support wireless control and monitoring using safe, encrypted RF communication combined with diverse serial communication support. The XBMCU eliminates the need for traditional cabling historically required to bring valuable data and critical controls to end users, reducing both upfront setup costs and long-term maintenance requirements.

Comprehensive Serial Protocol Support

The XBMCU features dual CANbus interfaces supporting a comprehensive range of protocols including J1939, CAN FD, CANopen and CANopen Safety. The unit is also lab-certified for PROFINET communications with Class C Conformance for reliable, real-time data handling.

For North American manufacturers, the XBMCU will support Ethernet IP protocol, with plans to incorporate CIP Safety and PROFIsafe (currently under certification), providing a comprehensive solution that eliminates the need for multiple products from different manufacturers.

Integrators at Automate 2025 viewed the XBMCU as an all-in-one solution due to its advanced configurability and serial diversity options. Application requirements are dictated by the machinery in use, existing communication systems and industrial standards—the XBMCU’s flexibility allows it to support industrial automation regardless of the technology in place.

Simplified Integration Process

The XBMCU champions complex operations with an extremely simple hardware interface. Serial communication setup is as easy as connecting a PLC to the D-Coded M12 connector. For safe protocols such as CANopen Safety, CIP Safety and PROFIsafe, users only need to add a power supply and their machine is ready to go.

“The plug-and-play design philosophy extends throughout the XBMCU’s architecture, dramatically reducing commissioning time compared to traditional control solutions,” Densley noted.

At the demonstration, Cattron explained how a complete system could be operational in minutes rather than hours or days. This rapid deployment capability is particularly valuable in manufacturing environments where production downtime must be minimized during equipment installation or modification.

Advanced Wireless Communication

The wireless functionality takes the form of Cattron’s black channel, encrypted RF protocol. The XBMCU serves as a gateway for machine data and control to safely travel over the air for a truly wireless solution with ample range support.

Cattron also demonstrated how the XBMCU takes data from the machine via traditional I/O or a customer PLC, converts it using a custom RF message structure with encryption and broadcasts it to a variety of Cattron transmitters or another XBMCU via what is known as a machine-to-machine solution.

This capability transforms traditional HMI-based control paradigms into what Cattron terms “augmented control”—allowing operators to move freely throughout a facility rather than remain tethered to fixed stations. The unit works compatibly with Cattron’s Safe-D-Stop wireless emergency stop, CattronControl transmitters and the latest generation of Remtron wireless devices, providing flexibility in implementation across multiple applications.

Machine-to-Machine Communication

A highlight of the demonstration was the XBMCU’s machine-to-machine configuration, which acts as a bridge providing machine data and control in real-time. This configuration eliminates human response delays and takes the optimization of machine control and maintenance to an entirely different level.

“The XBMCU transforms traditional control paradigms into wireless freedom, substantially improving efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness,” explained Densley during the live demonstration at the booth.

This wireless capability significantly impacts maintenance operations, reducing the personnel needed from two operators to one in many scenarios. Traditionally, one operator would identify issues at the machine while another would operate the HMI. With the XBMCU’s wireless integration, a single technician can now perform both functions simultaneously from any position around the equipment.

Built for Industrial Environments

The XBMCU’s rugged IP66-rated aluminum enclosure enables deployment in demanding industrial settings. It features a wide range 9-36 VDC supply, eight digital inputs configurable for Category 3 PL-d arrangements and six 3A digital outputs that can similarly be configured for enhanced safety.

The core of the XBMCU product is designed and certified PL-d per the ISO 13849 standards. Beyond the hardware, the XBMCU has achieved several certifications with lab-tested and approved PROFINET and Ethernet/IP and is in the process of TUV certification for PROFIsafe and CIP Safety.

Data logging capabilities built into the unit allow operators to track performance metrics and diagnose issues quickly, further enhancing its utility in environments where downtime must be minimized.

Applications and Availability

Attendees at the show were told about the XBMCU’s applications for industrial automation systems, robotics, mobile equipment, overhead electric traveling cranes and logistics control and monitoring. The unit is particularly valuable for applications requiring fast maintenance response and improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Automation engineers at the event noted the XBMCU’s potential for improving factory metrics by reducing response times for maintenance interventions and enabling more flexible control architectures. The wireless freedom provided by the unit significantly reduces downtime in typical maintenance scenarios.

The XBMCU is manufactured at Cattron’s Warren, Ohio facility, offering the advantage of American-made quality and local technical support.

For more show coverage, be sure to check out Machine Design’s Automate 2025 content hub.