A simplified view – geographically: 🗺️
North America
→ EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and also PROFINET in some cases
Europe
→ PROFINET, EtherCAT, Sercos, Powerlink, CANopen
Asia
→ CC-Link
Interesting observation:
Many bus systems have emerged around strong automation ecosystems (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, Bosch Rexroth, B&R, or Mitsubishi).
Of course, the reality today is much more mixed—historically, however, this pattern has shaped many machine architectures. Today, many manufacturers rely on different ecosystems. For example, Beckhoff uses PROFINET, while SEW uses EtherCAT, PROFINET, etc.
Is there anything missing from your point of view?
Which systems do you work with most?
We use EtherCAT and PROFINET most often – occasionally also Varan, and sometimes CanOpen. But we only see a small part of the big picture.
Which bus systems dominate in your region or industry?
Important note:
This is a simplified, incomplete overview of important industrial Ethernet/fieldbus ecosystems and their historical origins. Logos are the property of their respective manufacturers.
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