What makes an automation platform open, modular, and easy to use?
- Digitalization
- 3.9.2025
- Reading Time: {{readingTime}} min
Contents
What is Kemro X?
Kemro X is KEBA’s open automation platform – a system of apps, software, hardware, and technology packages that can be flexibly combined to build custom automation solutions. And yes, this includes third-party integration.
What does “open” mean in practice?
Kemro X is open in both hardware and software. It’s based on standardized interfaces and an open system architecture, which makes it easier to integrate third-party components. Our platform is designed to be as hardware-independent as possible, giving customers freedom in their supplier choices. That’s also why we rely on Linux as our base. But full hardware independence depends on the use case. For example, if you need fast retain data memory, standard IPCs might not be enough – and that’s where our experts can help with the right solution.
Beyond buzzwords: What makes Kemro X different?
At the SPS fair in 2024, we used a burger analogy to explain it: our platform is like a high-quality burger with modular ingredients. Customers can select what they need, bring their own components, or rely on our expertise – all to create their ideal automation solution. It’s flexible, powerful, and… well, tasty. Our modular portfolio allows users to mix and match components - apps, HMIs, controllers, or technology packages - tailored to their exact needs.
Which interfaces does Kemro X support?
Kemro X supports EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and Profinet – ensuring seamless connectivity with third-party devices. Kemro X runs on Debian Linux, benefitting from a global community of over a million developers. It’s modular, open-source, and continuously improving. Our controllers are optimized for EtherCAT – both as master and slave – and we also support Ethernet IP Adapter and Profinet Device to ensure high-level system integration.
What about communication standards like OPC UA?
OPC UA is a central pillar of industrial digitalization. We provide a solution that makes it easy to implement the required companion specifications. In addition, we support REST APIs and WebSockets using the OpenAPI standard – perfect for modern, web-based communication.
Which operating systems does Kemro X support?
Our controllers run Debian Linux, while our HMI devices support both Linux and Windows. Linux is ideal for scalability, reliability, and reuse – even on established and proven hardware platforms. Windows is often chosen when existing applications require it.
The Kemro X platform is designed to meet the current and future demands of industrial automation.
Which programming languages are supported?
For real-time programming, we support C and C++ natively – not converted into IEC code. External C libraries and any IDE can be used. We also support Codesys and Structured Text, widely used in mechanical engineering.
For non-real-time tasks, we offer Node-RED, a no-code/low-code environment popular in IoT. It allows drag-and-drop workflows with 5000+ nodes. Scripting in Python and Lua is also possible.
Third-party software integration: What to know?
Thanks to our open Linux-based architecture, third-party apps can be integrated even at the control core level. However, basic Linux knowledge is essential – especially if the app isn’t pre-integrated in Kemro X. The good news: We provide extensive guidelines and support to ensure interoperability. And we already offer a growing catalog of ready-to-use apps within Kemro X. We also support our customers with documentation and personal consulting – helping them create their ideal automation solution.
Conclusion: Kemro X - more than just a platform!
Kemro X it's a strategically engineered platform - designed to meet the current and future demands of industrial automation. At its core, Kemro X embodies three foundational principles:
Openness
The platform is built on open standards like EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and OPC UA, and is powered by the robust and widely adopted Debian Linux operating system. This openness enables seamless third-party integration, hardware flexibility, and long-term investment protection.Modularity
Our modular portfolio allows users to mix and match components - apps, HMIs, controllers, or technology packages - tailored to their exact needs. Whether integrating KEBA's own offerings or external tools, users retain full control of their solution architecture.Ease of Use
Despite its technical depth, Kemro X places strong emphasis on usability. Developers can work in C/C++, Codesys , and Python or Lua, or utilize low-code environments like Node-RED. This makes it suitable for both real-time applications and broader IoT connectivity - with more than 5000 modules readily available.
Beyond these features, we at KEBA see ourselves as a partner, not just a vendor. The platform's flexibility comes with expert guidance and proven implementation practices, ensuring that even complex, application-specific requirements can be met with confidence. Kemro X is not a closed ecosystem - it invites collaboration, co-creation, and scalability. For organizations seeking future-proof automation strategies, Kemro X offers both the technological foundation and the support structure to succeed.
