Automation Needed to Thrive in the Modern Automotive Landscape

Q: What are the main problems that Beckhoff solves for the automotive industry?

A: Beckhoff developed industrial PC-based control technology, a vision originally established by Hans Beckhoff. Our solutions address the challenges of industrialization and digitalization across sectors, but in Mexico our primary focus is the automotive industry. This sector’s advanced technological demands position us as a strategic in seeking high-performance automation and control architectures.

Our client ecosystem includes end users, Tier 1 suppliers, and OEMs, with a strong emphasis on system integrators who expand our technological footprint. Although Beckhoff Mexico began operating directly in 2019, building a solid partner network remains essential for scaling adoption across the automotive supply chain.

Our R&D activities are fully centralized in Germany, while in Mexico we operate as technological evangelizers. Continuous investment in R&D is essential; without it, companies risk rapid obsolescence in a landscape defined by constant technological evolution.

Q: What services does Beckhoff provide in Mexico, and what role does the country play in your global strategy?  

A: In Mexico, Beckhoff focuses on commercializing our automation technologies and providing comprehensive technical support. Our services include training, onsite assistance, repairs, and direct project support for system integrators, ensuring they can deploy our solutions effectively across their applications.

Mexico has been a target market for more than a decade, long before our formal establishment in 2018. The country's industrial potential and its strategic relevance within North America made our presence here a deliberate and long-term investment priority.

Q: How would you describe the adoption of automation within the Mexican automotive industry?

A: The Mexican automotive sector is several steps ahead of other domestic industries in automation maturity. Unlike 20–25 years ago, when the technological gap with industrialized countries was substantial, that gap has now narrowed considerably. This has enabled rapid adoption of advanced control technologies and reduced barriers to introducing Beckhoff solutions.

Q: How do you assess the talent landscape in Mexico, particularly regarding technical profiles in the automotive sector?

A: The talent shortage is one of our most significant challenges. Recruiting engineers with strong technological foundations has become increasingly difficult, and this year we had to pause multiple application-engineer hires due to limited qualified candidates. This shortage affects not only Beckhoff but the broader industrial ecosystem, making the development of specialized talent a critical national priority.

Q: How can stronger collaboration between universities, industry, and government help to address talent gaps?

A: Collaboration is essential. Strengthening the alignment between academic programs, industry needs, and public-sector initiatives is key to producing graduates with the competencies required for advanced automation and digital industry environments. This coordination will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness in sectors like automotive.

Q: What strategies or solutions do you offer regarding energy efficiency and clean energy transitions?

A: We offer specialized products for energy measurement and consumption analysis within automation systems. These tools enable decision-makers to accurately assess energy performance, identify inefficiencies, and guide strategies for sustainable and cost-efficient operations.

Q: How is automation evolving in the automotive sector, and how are you integrating AI into this process?

A: Automation in the automotive sector continues to accelerate. This year we introduced CoAgent, a software-driven solution that integrates AI directly into automation workflows. Initially, its role was to optimize and debug existing code, but the next phase enables the creation of AI-generated control programs for machines, processes, or full production lines through structured prompting within our TwinCAT platform. This significantly reduces development time and expands engineering capacity.

CoAgent is designed to enhance the capabilities of OEMs and system integrators by enabling AI-assisted code generation for production lines and machinery. This significantly reduces engineering time and frees organizations to focus on designing more compact, flexible, and value-generating equipment. Our initial targets are companies involved in machine building and production-line development, where the impact on efficiency and innovation will be most immediate.

Q: What are the main needs of the automotive industry, and what technologies are still missing?

A: Intralogistics has emerged as a critical priority, particularly for Just-in-Time operations requiring fast and reliable material movement. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are increasingly essential, and many OEMs in this segment rely on Beckhoff control architectures. Additionally, full digitalization and automation remain indispensable for competitiveness in an environment with more global players and tighter production cycles.

Q: How have recent tariff changes affected your business, and what strategies are you using to navigate these challenges?

A: Tariff policies have significantly impacted us this year, leading to project delays and cancellations due to uncertainty in the automotive sector. Given our strong dependence on this industry, we are actively diversifying into sectors such as food and beverage, packaging, and pharmaceuticals to stabilize our growth.

Although we are reconfiguring aspects of our strategy, we are not withdrawing from the automotive sector. Instead, we aim to become more targeted and value-driven in our engagements, identifying high-impact opportunities while simultaneously expanding into other industries. Remaining close to the automotive sector continues to be a core component of our long-term strategy.

Q: What are Beckhoff's short- and long-term perspectives for Mexico and globally?

A: As a family-owned company, Beckhoff maintains a vision of long-term stability and sustainable growth. In Mexico, we are planning to open a technology center in Queretaro, a project already defined and awaiting optimal conditions to proceed. This center will expand our business development capabilities, enhance support for partners, and strengthen our connection to both the Mexican and US markets.