EtherCAT, the Industrial Ethernet technology invented by Beckhoff, makes machines and systems faster, simpler, and more cost-effective. EtherCAT is regarded as the "Ethernet fieldbus" because it combines the advantages of Ethernet with the simplicity of classic fieldbus systems and avoids the complexity of IT technologies. The opening standards are managed by The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), founded in 2003, which makes it accessible to everyone.