KINGSTAR
KINGSTAR provides a software-only PC-based platform for real-time industrial machine control, built on RTX64 RTOS and integrating EtherCAT, motion, IEC 61131-3 PLC, GigE Vision, and IoT/OPC UA for OEMs, machine builders, and system integrators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersWaltham, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What KINGSTAR does
KINGSTAR is a division of IntervalZero and provides a software-only PC-based platform for real-time industrial machine control. The platform is built on IntervalZero's RTX64 real-time extension, which transforms Microsoft Windows into a hard real-time operating system supporting up to 64 cores, allowing a single industrial PC to run Windows HMI applications and deterministic real-time control concurrently without virtualization overhead. KINGSTAR serves industrial machine builders, OEMs, and integrators in sectors including industrial automation, machine building, robotics, semiconductors, packaging, medical systems, CNC machines, test and measurement, and military and aerospace, replacing proprietary motion control boards, DSPs, FPGAs, and hardware PLCs with software components.
The product portfolio consists of six integrated components: KINGSTAR Fieldbus (a plug-and-play EtherCAT master with auto-discovery and auto-configuration), KINGSTAR Motion (software-only motion control using PLC Open libraries and the CAN DS402 profile), KINGSTAR PLC (an IEC 61131-3 software PLC powered by LogicLab with live debug, real-time trace, and an OPC UA server), KINGSTAR Vision (a real-time GigE Vision stack using OpenCV for image capture, processing and analysis), KINGSTAR IoT (OPC UA / Modbus / Azure connectivity for Industry 4.0), and the RTX64 RTOS foundation. Development is supported in C, C++, .NET, LabVIEW, Qt, and IEC 61131-3 languages via Visual Studio and LogicLab, and the platform is committed to open standards (Windows, RTX64, EtherCAT, IEC 61131-3, OPC-UA).
KINGSTAR makes money through subscription / recurring software platform licensing, with modular feature packages sold per core, per motion package (point-to-point, synchronization, blending, kinematics), and per axis (8/16/32/unlimited), plus add-ons such as High Speed Timer, Multiple Masters, Hot Connect, Cable Redundancy, and PLC. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and full software access requires agreement with IntervalZero; a free trial with activation key is available via the website. Distribution combines enterprise direct sales with a global SI/channel partner network (e.g., Mechatronics, Telestar, dataPartner, Witekio, ATR, Sequential Data Solutions), supported by offices in Waltham MA, Nice (EMEA HQ), Pune, and Taipei City. Named enterprise customers include Hurco, Raytheon, Pitney Bowes, Quanta Storage, MPI Corporation, Mecano CNC, PMC, and Chime Ball Tech.
KINGSTAR firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KINGSTAR
- Legal name
- KINGSTAR
- Website
- https://kingstar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- KINGSTAR provides a software-only PC-based platform for real-time industrial machine control, built on RTX64 RTOS and integrating EtherCAT, motion, IEC 61131-3 PLC, GigE Vision, and IoT/OPC UA for OEMs, machine builders, and system integrators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KINGSTAR industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), PLC & PAC Hardware (IMAGABAA)
Keywords
Where KINGSTAR is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Waltham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
KINGSTAR business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Software Platform Licensing: KINGSTAR offers bundled software solutions for machine automation. The platform is sold as pre-integrated, pre-tested packages including EtherCAT master, motion control, PLC, and vision components. Software requires agreement with IntervalZero for download access. Product editions include various feature packages for different core and axis configurations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Trial Available |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
KINGSTAR product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KINGSTAR provides a software-only PC-based machine automation platform that replaces proprietary hardware controllers with industrial software, including an EtherCAT fieldbus master, motion control, software PLC, machine vision, IoT connectivity, and the IntervalZero RTX64 real-time operating system. The platform enables machine builders and OEMs to run all automation functions on a single industrial PC, scaling from 2-core to 64-core configurations.
Product overview
KINGSTAR is an all-software, complete PC-based Machine Automation Platform for IoT and Industry 4.0. The platform uses a modular architecture built on IntervalZero RTX64 RTOS and consists of six core components: KINGSTAR Fieldbus Powered by EtherCAT (the foundational fieldbus layer with plug-and-play auto-configuration), KINGSTAR Motion (software-only motion control), KINGSTAR PLC (IEC61131-3 compliant software PLC powered by LogicLab), KINGSTAR Vision (real-time GigE Vision machine vision), KINGSTAR IoT (cloud and Industry 4.0 connectivity), and IntervalZero RTX64 RTOS (real-time operating system extension for Windows). The platform enables replacing hardware controllers with software-only solutions on a single industrial PC, using open standards including Windows, RTX64, EtherCAT, IEC61131-3, and OPC-UA.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- KINGSTAR Fieldbus Powered by EtherCAT
- KINGSTAR Motion
- KINGSTAR PLC (Software PLC)
- KINGSTAR Vision
- KINGSTAR IoT
- IntervalZero RTX64 RTOS
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduce compute platform product cost by 25-50%
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use KINGSTAR
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
KINGSTAR technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
KINGSTAR partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies. IntervalZero's RTX64 works with Windows operating system to enable real-time capabilities. KINGSTAR uses Visual Studio as the integrated development environment. IntervalZero cited as Microsoft Embedded Gold Partner in 2009 and 2010.
- IntelcoreIntel is the world's largest chip maker providing processors for industrial PCs. KINGSTAR supports Intel i210/i211 NIC cards recommended for reducing packet jitter. Intel Embedded Alliance member.
- EtherCAT Technology GroupcoreETG keeps EtherCAT technology open for all potential users, bringing together device manufacturers, technology providers, and users. KINGSTAR is a member and provides EtherCAT master implementation.
- PLCOpencorePLCOpen is a vendor and product independent worldwide association active in Industrial Control. KINGSTAR supports IEC61131-3 programming standards defined by PLCopen.
- OPC FoundationcoreOPC is the interoperability standard for secure and reliable exchange of data in industrial automation. KINGSTAR provides OPC UA server for cloud connectivity and Industry 4.0 integration.
- Newfangled SolutionsminorNewfangled Solutions provides CNC software (MACH series) and custom machine control solutions. Demonstrates CNC with UR5 Robot using KINGSTAR.
- Mechatronics Ltd.minorFounded in 2005, Mechatronics offers robotic systems, motion and motion control systems from single components to complex project development including integration of mechanics, control, software and robotics.
- TelestarminorFounded in 1989, Telestar has established strong partnerships with manufacturing companies as their reference point in Italy for automation products and solutions.
- dataPartnerminordataPartner produces and implements Information and Control systems, develops custom hardware and software, and offers industrial solutions for production planning, monitoring, machine control and process automation.
- WitekiominorWitekio is an embedded software expert with system level approach engineering intelligent systems software from hardware to cloud. Provides expertise on low and high level software for embedded systems.
- ATRminorATR provides engineering R&D, technical services and engineered products to federal government and commercial clients through Engineering and Systems, Automated Systems and Machines, and Robotics and Control Systems divisions.
- Sequential Data Solutionsminor35+ year veteran of real time industrial control with extensive experience in PLC, CNC and Computer Based Controls. Application consulting and design specialist for RTX and RTX64.
- M&F EngineeringminorIndependent technology and consulting firm specializing in tailored, robust software development for industrial use including user interfaces, specialized real time applications and test systems.
- THEORISminorTHEORIS focuses on embedded software and object technologies for complex systems, offering project management, consulting, expertise, training and implementation services.
- TriLogiXminorGermany-based engineering service provider solving complex problems in technical software, Windows programming and IT network technology.
- BJ Carnation (Beijing Pinks Technology)minorCommitted to embedded platforms, solid state storage products, network products and advanced avionics platforms with intelligent embedded systems and high-performance network computing integration.
- Torbis TechnologyminorExpertise includes automation control design, servo/stepper motors, computer systems/adapter cards, and image recognition.
- TSEPminorEngaged in hardware and software development in CAD/CAM environment since 1988, developed IEEE 1588 Stack, LXI Extender, Remote Systems, Step Attenuator and front panel controller.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
KINGSTAR competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Rockwell Automation: Major automation incumbent offering Allen-Bradley controllers, motion, and FactoryTalk software. Targets similar discrete and hybrid manufacturing customers as KINGSTAR.
- Bosch Rexroth: Automation and motion vendor with ctrlX Automation platform. Comparable to KINGSTAR in factory automation, motion control, and IoT-enabled controller strategies.
- Omron Automation: Industrial automation vendor with controllers, motion, and vision products. Overlaps with KINGSTAR in machine vision, motion, and integrated automation for OEMs.
- Mitsubishi Electric Automation: Global automation vendor with PLCs, motion controllers, and CNC products. Competes with KINGSTAR in machine builder accounts across CNC, packaging, and factory automation.
- Schneider Electric Automation: Broad automation and process control provider (Modicon PLCs, EcoStruxure). Competes for industrial machine builder and factory automation wallet share.
- Siemens Digital Industries: Dominant automation incumbent with SIMATIC PLCs, motion, and increasingly PC-based control. Competes broadly across the same machine builder customer base that KINGSTAR targets.
Direct peers
- CODESYS Group: Provider of the CODESYS software PLC platform used by many industrial controller vendors. Directly comparable as an IEC 61131-3 software PLC runtime and development environment for OEM automation.
- Beckhoff Automation: Pioneer of PC-based control with TwinCAT and inventor of EtherCAT. Directly comparable to KINGSTAR as a PC-based, EtherCAT-native automation software platform serving OEMs and machine builders with motion, PLC, and vision.
- B&R Industrial Automation (ABB): PC-based control and automation platform now part of ABB. Competes head-to-head with KINGSTAR in soft PLC, motion control, and machine automation for OEMs in similar industrial verticals.
Emerging players
- ISaGRAF (ICS Triplex / Rockwell): Soft PLC / IEC 61131-3 runtime provider focused on embedded and industrial control applications. Comparable as a niche soft-PLC technology peer to KINGSTAR's software PLC stack.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
KINGSTAR social profiles
Digital presenceKINGSTAR financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KINGSTAR leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
KINGSTAR funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KINGSTAR M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KINGSTAR
What does KINGSTAR do?
KINGSTAR provides a software-only PC-based machine automation platform that replaces proprietary hardware controllers with industrial software, including an EtherCAT fieldbus master, motion control, software PLC, machine vision, IoT connectivity, and the IntervalZero RTX64 real-time operating system. The platform enables machine builders and OEMs to run all automation functions on a single industrial PC, scaling from 2-core to 64-core configurations.
Is KINGSTAR a public or private company?
KINGSTAR is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was KINGSTAR founded?
KINGSTAR was founded in -1. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is KINGSTAR based?
KINGSTAR is headquartered in Waltham, United States, in the North America region.
How does KINGSTAR make money?
One revenue line is on record: software Platform Licensing.
Who are KINGSTAR's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Rockwell Automation, Bosch Rexroth, Omron Automation, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Schneider Electric Automation and Siemens Digital Industries. Direct peers are CODESYS Group, Beckhoff Automation and B&R Industrial Automation (ABB). ISaGRAF (ICS Triplex / Rockwell) is listed as an emerging player.
Does KINGSTAR have an API?
No public API is recorded for KINGSTAR.
What industry is KINGSTAR in?
KINGSTAR's product category is Industrial Automation Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHAHAH, Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers), with a secondary code of IMAGABAG, Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 3823.