Movement where it’s needed
STOBER Adds EtherNet/IP Support for the SB6, SC6, and SI6 Drive Controllers:
With a new firmware version, the STOBER SB6, SC6, and SI6 drive controllers now also support EtherNet/IP. Together with PROFINET and EtherCAT, they thus cover the three leading Industrial Ethernet protocols. They combine standardized communication with Drive Based Motion functions: The higher-level controller communicates via EtherNet/IP, while the drive controller performs the actual motion function. This lets mechanical engineers offload motion control tasks from the controller.
Pforzheim, October 30, 2026 – “We are consistently expanding the integration of our system solution with control systems worldwide, thereby tapping into new markets,” says Daniel Lohse, Director of Business Development for EMEA at STOBER. “EtherNet/IP is more than just another interface: It combines open machine communication with decentralized motion intelligence.” The open standard expands the range of applications: Drive controllers can now also be integrated into control environments that communicate via EtherNet/IP. Among other applications, the protocol is widely used in controllers from Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley brand) and Schneider Electric. The EtherNet/IP interface of the drive controllers is ODVA-certified.
According to HMS Networks’ 2026 Market Analysis, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT together account for about three-quarters of the market for wired protocols. “EtherNet/IP is the dominant protocol in North America and the second-largest in factory automation worldwide, and its market share is growing,” Lohse notes. “This makes our drive controllers attractive to European companies that export to that region, as well as for local mechanical engineering applications—for example, in the food, packaging, material handling, logistics, and medical technology sectors.”
The controller says what to do – the drive controller says how
The machine and process logic remain in the controller. It transmits set values and motion commands to the drive controller via EtherNet/IP in accordance with PLCopen Motion Control. Its Drive Based Motion application controls position, velocity, torque, and force. “The controller specifies what the axis should do. The drive controller determines how the motion is executed,” says Matthias Meyering, Technical Product Manager at STOBER. “Drive Based Motion is therefore particularly worthwhile for machines whose controllers are not intended or required to perform extensive motion control tasks. This is an attractive architecture for single axes and decentralized axes.” In this way, the drive controller itself becomes a motion controller.
Drive Based Motion is particularly well-suited for modular machines consisting of independent functional units. In a single module, the drive controller can handle more of the motion function. Essentially, the controller exchanges commands and process data with the drive controller. The module’s axis functions remain clearly separated. Furthermore, because the motion function is not programmed into the controller, it depends less on how the specific controller implements motion control. This makes it easier to reuse drive solutions and integrate axes into different machine designs.
A separate path for safety The division of responsibilities remains transparent for functional safety as well. As a safety function, the drive controllers offer Safe Torque Off (STO), which safely interrupts the energy supply to the motor that generates torque. They implement STO via digital inputs, independently of EtherNet/IP. To this end, the SB6, SC6, and SI6 can be equipped with the optional STOBER SR6 safety module.
Captions:
Photo credits: STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
You can find high-resolution image material to download here.
STOBER develops and produces precise, highly efficient drive components and systems, including gearboxes, motors, gear racks, and drive controllers for custom solutions. They are used in various industries, including automation and robotics, as well as the plastics, packaging, and machine tool industries. STOBER has 14 locations and 80 service partners in over 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters in Pforzheim, Germany, there are also production facilities in Hungary and the US. The family-owned company currently employs around 1,000 people worldwide.
Contact data for country-specific publication:
| Germany: | Austria: |
| STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG Kieselbronner Str. 12 75177 Pforzheim Phone: +49 7231 582-0 sales@stoeber.de www.stober.com | STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH Hauptstraße 41a 4663 Laakirchen Phone: +43 7613 7600-0 sales@stoeber.at www.stoeber.at |
| Switzerland: | |
| STÖBER Schweiz AG Rugghölzli 2 5453 Remetschwil Fon: +41 56 496 9650 sales@stoeber.ch www.stober.ch |
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STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
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STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
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www.stoeber.de
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