Welcome to this edition of CEO Talks. Today, we explore one of the most disruptive trends in industrial automation: the journey from traditional automation to autonomous systems. This shift is redefining how factories operate, how machines communicate, and how software drives innovation. At the center of this evolution are software-defined machines, sensor-to-cloud integration, and dependable architectures.
To discuss this topic, we are joined by Georg Kopetz, CEO and co-founder of TTTECH , and Christoph Trappl, Managing Director and co-founder of TTTECH Digital Solutions. TTTECH Digital Solutions is one of the youngest members of the TTTECH Group. It has evolved from startup to scale-up and is now bringing new possibilities to the future of machine automation with its flagship product UBIQUE.
Machine automation is changing rapidly. What does this journey mean for manufacturers and technology providers?
Georg Kopetz: We are entering an era where factories are not just automated but increasingly autonomous. Humans remain essential, but automation will take center stage. At the core of this transformation is dependability - safe and secure systems that customers can trust. The UBIQUE® platform from TTTECH Digital Solutions was designed to enable this shift, offering hardware-independent, software-defined solutions that deliver flexibility and resilience.
Christoph Trappl: It really comes down to two key aspects. First, dependability, and second, the concept of software-defined systems - machines that are increasingly shaped by software rather than hardware. Both are driven by rising human demands. As global prosperity grows, so does the need for individualized products and an ever-increasing variety of goods. To meet these expectations, machines must become far more flexible. Imagine producing batch size one at the cost of mass production - that’s the challenge. And software is the critical enabler, connecting everything from sensors to the cloud.
With UBIQUE, we are addressing exactly this. But achieving it requires breaking away from traditional thinking and moving beyond established architectures like the well-known automation pyramid. We need to embrace a new paradigm where software is independent of hardware - just as we have seen with smartphones and platforms like Office 365. Where would we be today without them? That’s the kind of flexibility UBIQUE brings to the market. It perfectly aligns with the TTTECH Group’s focus on dependability because, ultimately, reliability in machines is not only about performance - it’s about safety and security. And that makes it essential.
Georg Kopetz: Before we take a closer look at software-defined machinery and UBIQUE, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Over the past years, we have seen the rise of cloud computing, smartphones, and streaming services - technologies that have completely reshaped IT. In industrial automation, the same transformation is underway. Software is moving from isolated controllers to cloud-hosted platforms, and connecting the cloud to machines at the edge has become a key challenge. At TTTECH, we address this with solutions like Nerve and now UBIQUE, which goes even further by enabling automation in a fully software-defined way. We also see hardware evolving - from microcontrollers to multi-core chips and intelligent edge platforms. Add artificial intelligence (AI) into the mix - both machine learning and physical AI with sensors and actuators - and you have a completely new universe of possibilities. UBIQUE was designed from scratch to thrive in this environment, free from legacy constraints.
Breaking old paradigms: software-defined machinery
How would you define software-defined machinery, and what is your perspective on the industry’s current adoption of software-defined systems?
Christoph Trappl: One point is critical: we started without a “backpack” of legacy hardware. We have no hardware business to defend, which means we can look to the future with complete freedom. Traditionally, machine builders were locked into hardware-vendor ecosystems—a model that worked until the silicon crisis hit and exposed the risks of dependency.
Georg Kopetz: And we are also seeing the rise of open systems and ecosystems.
Christoph Trappl: Absolutely. Openness is a game-changer - both in open-source software and in networking standards like Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). These developments bring a new level of flexibility. When interfaces and standards are clearly defined, building interoperable software becomes much easier.
Georg Kopetz: That’s right. Openness creates independence.
Christoph Trappl: And it’s also the reason we have been able to move so fast with UBIQUE. We leverage the power of open source, focusing our domain expertise on what truly differentiates us, while benefiting from a global developer community. Many companies hesitate to use open source, but if you do it right - combine it with strong security measures and robust processes - it’s simple to integrate and safe to use. At the end of the day, it’s about productivity: focus on what makes you unique. That’s our approach.
Georg Kopetz: Our common mentor Hans Wimmer, who has led a major industrial electronics manufacturer for many years and has now joined TTTECH Digital Solutions as the chairman of our advisory board once said “TTTECH Digital Solutions might have a million developers - because we use the open-source community and harden it for industrial-grade dependability”. And that’s exactly what you, Christoph and the entire TTTECH Digital Solutions team do every day: select the best solutions and deliver them to your customers.
Software-defined systems bring flexibility and openness - but they also raise new challenges. Cybersecurity is one of them. With regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2 emerging, what does this mean for cloud-driven automation? Is it an opportunity or a threat for TTTECH Digital Solutions?
Georg Kopetz: Having a complete offering for software-defined solutions is not enough. We also face cybersecurity challenges. These new regulations are reshaping the industry.
Christoph Trappl: Yes, and they are a big opportunity, Georg. By January 2027, the new EU machine regulation 2023/1230 will take effect. Machine builders are already searching for solutions to meet requirements for security updates and cybersecure operations. Thanks to starting on a “green meadow,” we embedded security by design in UBIQUE. The result? UBIQUE is cybersecure by default and IEC 62443 certified. We apply the same standards internally that we deliver to our customers - UBIQUE is developed using UBIQUE. This means every security measure and process we promise is proven in practice. Our customers benefit from that.
Georg Kopetz: It’s also an advantage of being a latecomer. When UBIQUE was founded, we already knew what was coming. Many competitors built their products years ago, before cybersecurity and AI became critical. Retrofitting security into legacy systems is hard. For us, it was easier to build secure AI based systems from the start. And we didn’t do it alone. We leveraged the strength of the TTTECH Group - our software factory in Croatia, our experts in Vienna, and teams across Europe - to bring together the best talent for this mission.
Looking at the impact of your secure, cloud-driven automation solutions - what makes UBIQUE special? Can you share examples of customer benefits?
Christoph Trappl: Absolutely. First, hardware independence. Geopolitical uncertainties often force machine builders to use region-specific hardware. With UBIQUE, they can switch hardware without rewriting software - saving enormous time and cost. Second, the cloud-driven approach. Like in the Office 365 world, UBIQUE enables real-time collaboration across multiple sites and teams. The days of waiting for compilers or exchanging code via email are over. Transparency from sensor to cloud is built in, making multi-site engineering faster and more productive.
Georg Kopetz: Many of our customers operate multiple R&D centers across regions. They need tools that combine knowledge and streamline workflows. UBIQUE provides exactly that—a platform for developing and deploying application software efficiently.
Christoph Trappl: And with this, we bridge IT and OT. Traditionally, these domains used separate tools, creating costly interfaces. UBIQUE brings them together, enabling collaboration and reducing complexity.
For those less familiar with the industry: How do IT and OT differ, and why is real-time motion control for machinery such a critical focus for UBIQUE?
Christoph Trappl: In a nutshell, OT - the automation side - is all about real-time. Microseconds matter, and determinism matters. When we talk about UBIQUE, we are talking about 500 microseconds with deterministic repeatability. That level of precision is absolutely crucial for machines producing high-quality products.
Georg Kopetz: This is why you are part of TTTECH - because real-time performance isn’t just part of what we do, it’s at the very core of our identity.
Christoph Trappl: Exactly. We think in real-time. On the other side, IT is more data-driven - focused on AI and the growing amount of data flowing into systems. Both worlds run on software, but under different rules and in different setups. For the machine builder writing application software, this complexity shouldn’t matter. That’s the key - and that’s how we bring these worlds together. Motion control is critical because machinery relies on servo drives, motors, and electronics to operate actuators. Precision and control performance directly impact productivity. Looking specifically at the European market, we know we won’t win on price. We need to innovate, increase productivity, and deliver new functions. That’s where UBIQUE plays a key role—enabling advanced motion control as part of a complete end-to-end solution
At SPS 2025, TTTECH Digital Solutions was exhibiting together with SEW Eurodrive. Why is SEW Eurodrive working with UBIQUE, and how does this partnership fit into the broader ecosystem approach?
Christoph Trappl: SEW Eurodrive is a long-standing leader in motors, gearboxes, and electronics. They bring deep expertise in hardware and in understanding where customers can gain the most value from motion control systems. We have collaborated with SEW Eurodrive for years because they recognize the strength of a digital platform that connects automation to the cloud and complements their hardware portfolio. Together, we deliver an integrated architecture - a dependable, secure, and safe solution for machines, while maintaining full openness. This is a paradigm shift. Customers rely on an open solution and are never locked in when using UBIQUE alongside SEW Eurodrive’s portfolio.
Georg Kopetz: I really appreciate this partnership because it demonstrates our open ecosystem approach. It shows that in Europe, we can compete globally by working across boundaries and combining strengths - software, hardware, safety, security, AI, and cloud - from cloud to edge. This reflects a broader industry trend toward openness and collaboration.
Read the latest article about the collaboration
Looking ahead, what can customers expect from UBIQUE in the next 12 to 24 months?
Christoph Trappl: First and foremost, innovation is part of TTTECH Group’s DNA. That’s why UBIQUE fits so well into the overall portfolio. One area we are focusing on is AI. For example, we have developed a tool called the “Transpiler”, which helps machine builders migrate software from traditional suppliers into UBIQUE’s open ecosystem. With just a few clicks, customers can start testing migrated algorithms within hours, not weeks. And that’s only the beginning. We see significant potential for AI in security and compliance, especially with new machine regulations coming into effect. Another key direction is safety - an essential aspect that aligns perfectly with TTTECH Group’s overall vision and with the demands of our customers.
Georg Kopetz: Advancing safe and secure technology is not just about talking - it’s about doing it. You also mentioned networking. We will continue to expand in TSN and networking technologies - together with our customers and ecosystem partners. Another opportunity lies in integrating third-party software into UBIQUE. Thanks to open interfaces, Docker containers, and a real-time hypervisor, integration is straightforward. We don’t just provide technology - we harden software, ensure system integrity, and deliver complete system integration. Our teams in Croatia and across Europe work hand in hand with customers to integrate their applications. This co-innovation approach is fundamental to us. We believe success comes from building solutions together.
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We have talked about innovation and upcoming features like the “Transpiler”. But what challenges do you see ahead for UBIQUE to become an industry standard for cloud-based automation and motion control and the go-to solution for customers?
Christoph Trappl: One major challenge - and opportunity - is driving openness. This is a paradigm shift for the industry, and we are actively shaping and pushing it forward. What accelerates adoption is the integration of IT into automation. Many professionals see this as a chance to enrich their skill sets and innovate, which helps us gain traction. We also observe strong interest from machine builders who are looking ahead. The new architecture in machinery automation is gaining momentum, and that’s pushing us forward. From a macroeconomic perspective, competition is intensifying. Asian players are entering the European market aggressively. The only way for Europe to stay competitive is through innovation - bringing new functions and features into machines and delivering more value to customers.
Georg Kopetz: This challenge of geopolitics and the changing industrial landscape makes things very interesting. Several shifts are happening at once. First, the transition from automation to (more) autonomous systems: more computing power at the edge combined with cloud capabilities enables AI integration. We can run inference at the edge and learning in the cloud, leveraging customer data for smarter systems.
Second, competition. Asian players are now operating at nearly the same quality level as European manufacturers. Europe used to lead by a wide margin - now the gap is closing. So, what does this mean for us? Do we give up, or do we do what we have always done: innovate? We need to create new products, new solutions, and partnerships. Europe’s strength lies in diversity - inmany strong local players with excellent technologies. By combining these strengths, we can build open, ecosystem-based systems with flexibility between cloud and edge, safety and security embedded, and real-time performance as a must. Motion control and other advanced technologies will remain key pillars of this future.
Moving into software also means changing business models - toward recurring revenue and lifecycle management. Are customers ready for this shift?
Christoph Trappl: It depends, but overall, the industry is moving in the right direction. Machine builders are getting used to software subscriptions and recurring licenses. This trend is advancing, and we see a positive outlook. The key is value. Customers don’t just pay for software - they gain an open architecture and system flexibility. They improve bargaining power with hardware suppliers, reduce costs in multi-site engineering, and eliminate vendor-specific constraints. Plus, they can source the best price-performance ratio globally - Asia for Asia, Europe for Europe, US for US. So, it’s not just about the business model; it’s about the benefits we deliver. And beyond technology, we bring decades of domain expertise from our team and the synergies with TTTECH Group’s cross-industry experience and ecosystem. TTTECH Digital Solutions is not a newcomer without market knowledge - we have deep roots in machine automation. That’s a key differentiator.
TTTECH Group is organized into specialized business entities. You lead, together with Alois Holzleitner and Frank Wohlfarter, one that is focused on the industrial machinery market. But customers with both mobile and stationary machines are asking: Can UBIQUE also support mobile automation? How do you see synergies with TTControl and other divisions?
Christoph Trappl: Starting with TTControl, I see huge potential. We already have customers using TTControl products and UBIQUE who want to harmonize and simplify their systems. TTControl’s MotionAI and FusionAI products are excellent and fit perfectly with UBIQUE. Synergies are not just technical - they start with market demand. When a customer asks for integrated solutions, that becomes a role model for broader adoption. And this is our common operating principle: we are driven by customers and markets. With growing demand, I see UBIQUE working together with more TTTECH business entities and expanding into new markets.
Before we wrap up, let’s return to networking and TSN. TTTECH has deep expertise in automotive networking and is now defining new chips that will also be used in robotics - with TSN integrated on-chip. For TTTECH Digital Solutions and UBIQUE, networking becomes increasingly important as we move toward distributed systems. How do you see the future of open networks like safe and secure TSN? And how can automotive technologies support this evolution?
Christoph Trappl: TSN is a key topic, and TTTECH’s expertise here provides a strong foundation. What’s less clear today in the machine-building industry is the application layer that sits on top - currently driven by different vendors. We have all the TSN technology in-house, and we are ready to deliver what comes next. But adoption will depend on market trends, which are still evolving. I believe it’s a matter of a few years before this becomes mainstream. In machine automation, acceptance depends on the availability of components at the field level. Without widespread deployment, adoption will remain slow.
Georg Kopetz: As we have seen with CAN bus in machine automation, automotive led the way by embedding CAN in countless sensors and actuators. The same happens with TSN. The more sensors and cameras integrate TSN, the easier it becomes to connect them to industrial computer vision systems with AI. That’s where UBIQUE comes in - combining these sensors with edge devices and advanced hardware. And I know you are not leaving customers alone on this journey. You help them select and prequalify hardware and even support the supply chain to ensure they get what they need.
Christoph Trappl: Exactly. Customers don’t want products - they want solutions. We provide that by leveraging our expertise in qualified hardware, our dedicated solutions team, and a strong UBIQUE partner network. And we go further: we help customers bridge IT and OT within their own organizations- all in a secure environment. This is what we work on every day in the market.
Georg Kopetz: To conclude, UBIQUE brings together several key elements: leveraging TTTECH Group’s real-time technologies, adding IT competence with cloud-to-edge integration and AI, and combining this with deep expertise in industrial automation. All of this is guided by a customer-first approach - ensuring to provide reliable, secure, and future-ready solutions with strong customer support. With this foundation, I’m confident we will continue to achieve great results together. Christoph, thank you for your dedication over the past four years. Time has flown, and as we scale up, more and more customers are joining us on this journey.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the future of industrial automation. This conversation highlights how openness, security, and real-time performance are shaping next-generation control architectures—and how TTTECH Digital Solutions, with UBIQUE, is driving innovation through software-defined systems, sensor-to-cloud integration, and strong ecosystem partnerships.
