Press Release

The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) Japan office held the EtherCAT Plug Fest Japan in Yokohama on October 15 and 16, 2026. The two-day event brought together 18 device manufacturers from Japan and abroad to evaluate the compatibility of EtherCAT devices in multi-vendor configurations.

A total of 36 participants tested 23 products, including 10 EtherCAT MainDevices and 13 SubDevices. The thorough verification sessions focused on improving product compatibility and sharing practical implementation expertise. Attendance was the highest recorded since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plug Fests have established themselves as pragmatic and effective means to achieve interoperable EtherCAT products. The general boot-up, process data and mailbox communication will be tested as well as device behaviour with enhanced functionality, like support of Modular Device Profile and CiA402 servo drive profile. At the event in Yokohama, participants conducted detailed interoperability checks and exchanged practical engineering knowledge to support product compatibility and implementation in industrial applications.

In addition to strong participation from Japanese manufacturers, the event welcomed a substantial number of attendees from abroad. Combined with the high level of interest in EtherCAT interoperability shown by new attendees, the event was filled with more vibrancy and enthusiasm than ever before.

EtherCAT Plug Fest events are held regularly in Europe, Japan, Korea, and North America. They support the development and verification of interoperable EtherCAT products across international markets.

Information on upcoming ETG events is available at www.ethercat.org/events.

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