REX Automatisierungstechnik

What REX Automatisierungstechnik does

REX Automatisierungstechnik GmbH is a privately held German industrial automation system integrator headquartered in Erfurt, Thuringia. Founded in 1990 by two IT engineers and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Eckelmann Group since 2012, the company delivers turnkey automation solutions for machine and plant engineering, including CNC, Motion, and SPS control systems, drives, HMI industrial PCs, image processing, control cabinet construction, and lifecycle/retrofit services. Its primary customer segments are mechanical and plant engineering, surface-mount technology (SMT), and regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, food, medical, gas, and steel, with named enterprise customers including LPKF Laser & Electronics, Diehl Metering, SIKA, JAT Jenaer Antriebstechnik, ASYS Automatisierungssysteme, and logomatic GmbH.

The company's technical core is the proprietary FactoryWare software platform, comprising four primary products — Virtual Replica (digital twin), Data Analytics, HMI, and Dynamic Automation Framework (DAF) — supplemented by modules such as the Distributed Automation Structure (DAS) launched at SPS 2024, Motion Analyzer, Collision Control, Product Flow Visualization, and Data Acquisition. Hardware offerings leverage Eckelmann Group platforms (E°EXC controllers, E°Darc servo drives, E°Panel PCs, E°CAMBOX machine vision) alongside vendor-neutral integration of third-party components from Siemens, Beckhoff, Bosch, WAGO, Eaton, and Schneider Electric. The company complements software and hardware with full-service engineering: consulting, electrical planning, software development, commissioning, and after-sales support, certified to ISO 9001:2015, UL 508A, and IEC 61800 SIL3.

Commercially, REX AT operates a sales-led, project-based revenue model with direct engagement of enterprise customers as general contractor for mechatronic systems. Revenue streams span hardware sales, custom and productized software, professional engineering services, control cabinet construction, and retrofit modernization. Go-to-market relies on direct sales, trade fair presence (SPS Nuremberg, All About Automation Chemnitz, W3+ Fair Jena), and university recruitment partnerships with FH Erfurt and FH Jena. Distribution is regional within the DACH region, with extended reach via the Eckelmann Group's network of seven locations across Germany, Europe, and Asia. The company employs approximately 40 staff, with 83% designated as full-stack engineers, and is led by Managing Director Lars Agricola alongside founder Matthias Rex.

Name

REX Automatisierungstechnik

Legal name

Rex Automatisierungstechnik GmbH

Website

https://rex-at.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

REX Automatisierungstechnik is a German industrial automation system integrator (Erfurt, 40 staff) building the FactoryWare software platform and delivering turnkey control, drive, and digital twin solutions for machine and plant engineering customers across the DACH region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Engineering

NAICS

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Industrial & Warehouse Robotics (HDAAAIAA)

Keywords

• Industrial automation systems
• Machine control engineering
• Digital twin software
• Control cabinet construction
• Automation retrofit services

Headquarters

HQ city

Erfurt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of control systems (CNC, Motion, SPS), drives, HMI industrial PCs, image processing systems, safety technology, I/O and fieldbus components. Complete portfolio from Eckelmann Group plus products from Beckhoff, Bosch, Eaton, Schneider Electric, Siemens, WAGO.
2. Software Development and Products: Custom software development for PLC, HMI, CNC applications; inhouse FactoryWare software products (Digital Twin, Data Analytics, HMI, Dynamic Automation Framework). Agile development methodologies including Kanban and Scrum.
3. Automation Projects and Engineering Services: Full-service automation engineering including consulting, planning, technology development, programming, commissioning, after-sales support. General contractor for mechatronic systems. Services include electrical planning, machine safety technology, drive sizing.
4. Control Cabinet Construction (Schaltschrankbau): Manufacturing and wiring of control cabinets, complete electrical equipment for machines and plants. Certified to EG-Machinery Directive, DIN EN ISO 13849-1, UL 508A.
5. Retrofit Services: Modernization of existing machines and plants including replacement of outdated control and drive systems, software re-engineering, energy efficiency improvements, automation expansion.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

REX Automatisierungstechnik is an independent system integrator for industrial automation and digitization in mechanical and plant engineering, delivering turnkey automation solutions combining proprietary FactoryWare software (digital twin, data analytics, HMI, dynamic automation framework) with hardware from Eckelmann Group and third-party vendors (Siemens, Beckhoff, Bosch). The company provides complete lifecycle support including consulting, custom hardware/software engineering, control cabinet construction, commissioning, and after-sales service. Long-term customer relationships (20+ years) span machine builders in SMT, semiconductor, laser processing, textiles, and regulated industries.

Product overview

REX Automatisierungstechnik offers a unified platform-plus-modules product architecture centered on the FactoryWare software family and Eckelmann hardware products. The software portfolio comprises four core products: FactoryWare Virtual Replica (digital twin for virtual commissioning), FactoryWare Data Analytics (data collection and monitoring), FactoryWare HMI (visualization), and FactoryWare Dynamic Automation Framework (PLC framework for No-Code automation). These are complemented by sub-modules including Virtual Replica Guard/Engineer/Motion Analyzer/Collision Control/Product Flow, FactoryWare Data Acquisition and Dashboard. The hardware portfolio includes E°EXC 89/88x control systems, industrial PCs (E°DualPanel, E°Panel PC, E°Panel, E°Box PC), E°Darc servo drives and motors, UBM I/O modules, E°SLC 89 safety controller, and E°CAMBOX/RCD/RCI machine vision systems. Solutions span automation engineering, special machines, retrofit, and logistics image processing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FactoryWare Virtual Replica Digital twin software product that creates dynamic 3D-based machine models enabling virtual commissioning, product/workpiece setup, cycle time calculation, collision detection, error analysis, and SPS/CNC program simulation without physical hardware availability. Used throughout the machine lifecycle for engineering, production, and service.
• FactoryWare Data Analytics Data analytics platform that creates a digital data image of plants and facilities, enabling real-time monitoring, OEE display, predictive maintenance, historical analysis, and production documentation. Functions as a BDE (Betriebsdatenerfassung) system ensuring product traceability, quality monitoring, and high availability.
• FactoryWare HMI Human Machine Interface software for machine visualization and operation, available in classic Windows-based and web-based (WEB HMI) platforms using in-house developed high-level language frameworks. Supports analysis, design, and realization of HMI applications for industrial machines.
• FactoryWare Dynamic Automation Framework (DAF) PLC framework based on 42+ libraries in CODESYS V3.5 enabling No-Code configuration of machine processes for process managers and SDK-based modular embedded software development for software experts. Components are dynamically loaded at runtime, enabling flexible automation without reprogramming.
• FactoryWare Distributed Automation Structure (DAS) Distributed automation software architecture launched at SPS 2024 providing flexible, scalable automation structures as an alternative to monolithic software architecture. Part of the broader FactoryWare family enabling distributed control and orchestration across machine systems.
• Automation Engineering Services Custom software development for PLC, HMI, CNC applications using agile methodologies (Kanban, Scrum). Includes electrical planning, machine safety technology, drive sizing, and complete machine automation for machine and plant engineering customers.
• Automation Projects (Turnkey Systems) Full-service automation project delivery including consulting, planning, technology development, programming, commissioning, and after-sales support. Acts as general contractor for mechatronic systems delivering complete turnkey automation solutions to industrial machine and plant builders.
• Control Cabinet Construction (Schaltschrankbau) Manufacturing and wiring of control cabinets and complete electrical equipment for machines and plants. Certified to EG-Machinery Directive, DIN EN ISO 13849-1, and UL 508A standards for international market compliance.
• Retrofit Services Modernization of existing machines and plants including replacement of outdated control and drive systems, software re-engineering, energy efficiency improvements, and automation expansion. Enables long-term operational reliability of legacy equipment.
• E°EXC Control Systems Modular (E°EXC 89) and compact (E°EXC 88x) CNC/Motion/SPS control systems supporting up to 64 axes with EtherCAT and CANopen fieldbus, integrated OPC-UA server. ECC Platform offers customer-specific embedded controllers on ARM architecture with Linux Embedded.
• E°Darc Servo Drive Systems Modular servo drive systems including E°Darc Ci (2.8-33 kW with FPGA architecture, KERS energy recovery, SIL3 safety), E°Darc K (1.5-4 kW compact with STO), E°Darc S (up to 500W small voltage), and E°Darc DCB intermediate circuit energy storage. Supports high-dynamic control and energy efficiency.
• Industrial PCs (E°DualPanel, E°Panel PC, E°Panel, E°Box PC) Industrial PC portfolio including E°DualPanel (dual 21.5-inch Full HD industrial panel PC with Intel Core up to 9th Gen), E°Panel PC (IP65-rated all-in-one 7-24 inch), E°Panel (customer-specific operating panel), and E°Box PC (Celeron to i7 scalable control cabinet PC with hybrid cable for 100m video/USB).
• E°CAMBOX Machine Vision Systems Ready-to-use machine vision system in IP54 housing with camera, optics, and lighting for barcode/datamatrix reading, position correction, and quality control. Includes RCD (Reusable Crate Detection) with AI-based models for counting reusable transport containers at up to 80 pallets/hour, and RCI (Reusable Crate Inspection) for automated inline inspection at up to 3000 items/hour.

Quantifiable outcome

• Anlagenverfügbarkeit 51 Wochen pro Jahr (51 weeks/year plant availability)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Eckelmann AG (Eckelmann Group)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Parent company and primary strategic partner since 2012. REX AT operates as independent subsidiary within the Eckelmann Group. Provides access to complete automation portfolio including E°EXC control platforms, E°Darc drives, industrial PCs, safety technology, and image processing systems. Eckelmann AG founded 1977, headquartered in Wiesbaden with 500 employees across 7+ locations in Germany, Europe and Asia.
• Eckelmann FCScoreTechnology or IntegrationPart of Eckelmann Group, specialized in drive technology. Cooperated on joint trade fair presence at SPS Nuremberg 2024.
• FH Erfurt (Fachhochschule Erfurt)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual study program partner for Applied Informatics (Bachelor). Students can write theses and do internships. Active recruitment at IT-KoM career fair. Presented talks on digital twin topics.
• FH Jena (Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose contacts for recruiting future specialists. Bachelor and Master theses have enabled many employees to join the company.
• FIZ ErfurtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForschungs- und Innovationszentrum (Research and Innovation Center) Erfurt. Partner for networking and innovation exchange. REX AT featured at Erfurter TechnologieDialog events.
• VEMAS e.V. (Innovationsverbund Maschinenbau Sachsen)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMachinery industry network for Saxony and Thuringia. Joined in 2025 to strengthen cooperation with other companies and educational institutions, promote innovation and enhance competitiveness. Joint trade fair presence at All About Automation Chemnitz.
• JAT Jenaer Antriebstechnik GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing partnership since 1992 based on joint major project. JAT develops and manufactures servo drive technology and complex drive systems. REX AT provides control technology and software development for JAT products. Joint presence at W3+ Fair Jena.
• SMR Sondermaschinen GmbHcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSpecial machine builder from Wutha-Farnroda, partner for 30 years. Collaborative delivery of assembly and testing automata. Diehl Metering projects, SIKA projects, and Hans Fleig projects all delivered through SMR partnership.
• ASYS Automatisierungssysteme GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal specialist for automation solutions for electronics, life science, energy and smart factory. DIVISIO product group developed in 20-year cooperation. REX AT provides CNC, Motion, Safety control technology, image processing system, software development, and commissioning with digital twin.
• KMW EngineeringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist for special machine construction and window machine construction. REX AT supplies CNC and Motion control technology from Eckelmann Group including I/O system and drive technology for window construction machines.
• LPKF Laser & Electronics SEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading provider of laser solutions for laser material processing in electronics manufacturing, photovoltaics, micro-processing. Joint development of LoadingMaster 2000 and 2100 using REX AT's SPS Framework. Virtual testing with digital twin.
• logomatic GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationPart of Könnemann Group, specializes in development and manufacturing of grinding machines for semiconductor industry. REX AT delivered complete machine automation for SiC OD GRINDER Q2 precision grinding machine.
• LLT Applikation GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationSpecialized in laser micro-material processing processes and complete automation solutions. REX AT and Eckelmann are software development partners for complex CNC applications including firmware modifications.
• ThEEN (Thüringer Erneuerbare Energien Netzwerk e.V.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThuringian Renewable Energy Network. Network partner for sustainability and energy topics.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Beckhoff Automation: Major German PC-based control and automation vendor with TwinCAT software platform, EtherCAT, drives, and I/O - one of the primary hardware suppliers REX AT integrates, but operating at much greater scale across all industrial sectors globally.
• Bosch Rexroth: Global drive and control technology leader with electric drives, motion control, and factory automation - comparable product portfolio to REX AT's drives/motion/control offering, but at vastly greater scale and global reach.
• Siemens Digital Industries: Global automation incumbent offering SIMATIC controllers, SINAMICS drives, and WinCC HMI - one of the hardware ecosystems REX AT integrates, and a competitor for large-scale plant automation projects.

Direct peers

• Sigmatek: Austrian manufacturer of modular automation systems including controllers, I/O, drives, HMI, and safety - directly comparable to REX AT's combined hardware (E°EXC/E°Darc) and software (FactoryWare) integrated automation platform.
• PLS Programmierbare Logik & Systeme: German system integrator and software house specializing in industrial automation, PLC programming, and process visualization - directly comparable to REX AT's FactoryWare HMI and automation engineering offerings for machine and plant builders.
• KEBA Industrial Automation: Austrian automation specialist providing controllers, drives, HMI, and complete automation solutions for machinery and robotics - comparable to REX AT's full-stack automation offering including controllers (E°EXC), drives (E°Darc), and software.
• Lenze: German drive and automation specialist offering controllers, drives, motors, and software for machine engineering - directly comparable to REX AT's drive portfolio (E°Darc, E°Motoren) and automation software (FactoryWare).
• Bachmann Electronic: German-Austrian specialist in modular PLC, motion control, and CNC controllers with integrated software tools - closely comparable to REX AT's motion/CNC/SPS control systems and FactoryWare framework for machine builders.
• S&P Solutions: German industrial software specialist providing automation software, MES, and digitalization solutions for manufacturing - comparable to REX AT's FactoryWare Data Analytics and digital twin practice serving discrete manufacturing customers.

Others

• Körber Digital / Körber Business Area Automation: Broad automation and software conglomerate providing manufacturing execution systems, machine integration, and digitalization services - comparable to REX AT's automation engineering services but at much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZ3XqV4GKQnYlFQ7x7h9h6g
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rex-automatisierungstechnik-gmbh

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about REX Automatisierungstechnik