Aug. 10, 2026 — In June and July, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) held its annual regional member meetings in Korea and Japan. Members were informed about the work and results of the technical working groups, the development of the ETG and global market trends in industrial communications.
The 15th member meeting in Korea was well attended and featured a presentation by Dr. Taemin Kim, principal engineer at Samsung Electronics. Dr. Kim outlined Samsung Electronics’ contribution to the development of additional standardized device profiles through EtherCAT Technology Group's Semiconductor Technical Working Group (Semiconductor TWG), underscoring the company’s commitment to interoperability across the supply chain.
The Semiconductor TWG has developed a comprehensive set of industry-specific device profiles, installation guidelines, and test procedures for semiconductor manufacturing, and meets twice yearly in plenary sessions and multiple subgroups. Historically centred on equipment suppliers and tool manufacturers, the group now benefits from greater end-user participation, which provides practical insight into actuator and sensor data use and precise system requirements. The input from Samsung Electronics – one of the world’s leading producers of semiconductors and memory chips, and therefore a highly significant end-user of semiconductor manufacturing equipment – is greatly appreciated. Besides Dr. Kims talk, local members Hyeonhoe Kim, General Manager at DAINCUBE, and Professor Woonchul Ham of Jeonbuk National University gave presentations at the meeting in Seoul, highlighting EtherCAT’s broad applicability in industrial settings.
At the 20th member meeting in Japan, attendees heard a keynote by Dr. Junichi Koguchi of Beckhoff Automation Japan, contracted researcher at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and technical committee member of the Japan Machine Tool Builders Association, who presented "High Speed Monitoring and Application of Data Analysis for Machine Tools Realized by EtherCAT." Dr. Koguchi showed how EtherCAT supports high sampling rate monitoring during cutting processes and how that data can be used with analysis and machine learning to improve machine tool control, including in feedback loops. The event also featured nine exhibitors showcasing the latest EtherCAT devices and development tools, drawing strong interest from members.
At both events, ETG Executive Director Martin Rostan provided an overview of the activities of the world’s largest fieldbus association over the past year and the latest developments in the various working groups. One focus was cyber security, given its rapidly growing global importance. EtherCAT’s certification by UL Solutions is of particular significance here, as it shows that EtherCAT already meets nearly all application requirements without modifications or additions to the technology and without having to restrict physical access to the equipment.
The fast-growing ETG membership figures — particularly in Asia — underscore EtherCAT’s rising adoption as a leading Industrial Ethernet system: 44% of ETG members worldwide are located in Asia.
About EtherCAT Technology Group
The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) is an organization in which key user companies from various industries and leading automation suppliers join forces to support, promote and advance the EtherCAT technology. With over 8.900 members from 80 countries the EtherCAT Technology Group has become the largest fieldbus organization in the world. Founded in November 2003, it is also the fastest growing fieldbus organization.
About EtherCAT
EtherCAT is the Industrial Ethernet technology which stands for high-performance, low-cost, easy to use with a flexible topology. It was introduced in 2003 and has been an international IEC standard and a SEMI standard since 2007. EtherCAT is an open technology: anyone can implement or use it.
