Darstar Engineering is a technology company that designs groundbreaking control software for machine builders, OEMs, and integrators – especially in the winding and automation sectors.
With decades of industry experience and a focus on simplicity, flexibility, and performance, the company’s tools are redefining how automation systems are created and deployed worldwide. Their Software solutions are successfully installed on customer machines in Europe, USA and China.
Interview with Daniel Winkler, CEO of Darstar Engineering GmbH.
What innovative products, services, or solutions has your company launched this year – or plans to launch by early next year?
Daniel Winkler: In 2024/25, Darstar Engineering GmbH launched two groundbreaking platforms: MCS (Machine Control System) and MGS (Machine Generator Software). Initially developed for winding machinery, these tools have evolved into universal automation solutions for any type of industrial equipment – including robotic systems, conveyor lines, and modular production cells.
MCS offers a robust, real-time control system capable of motion, sensing, and human-machine interaction. MGS complements it as a low-code software suite that automates configuration and deployment. Together, they form a complete control ecosystem that reduces programming time and accelerates commissioning across industries. By early 2026, Darstar plans to add remote diagnostics, cloud integration, and a white-label licensing model for OEMs.
What market needs or customer challenges are these innovations aiming to address?
D.W: Machine builders today face increasing pressure: tight timelines, limited engineering resources, and a fragmented technology landscape. Many systems are tied to a specific hardware vendor, creating long-term inflexibility. MCS solves this by being hardware-independent and portable across platforms like Siemens, Bosch Rexroth, Beckhoff, and Rockwell. At the same time, MGS empowers teams to deploy complex machines – even robotic systems – using a consistent interface and without in-depth programming skills. This directly reduces time-to-market and lowers entry barriers for small and medium automation teams.
How have recent innovations impacted your operations, product offering, or customer experience?
D.W: Darstar has transitioned from project-based engineering to a product-based platform model. This shift has allowed the company to scale, deliver faster, and improve the consistency of customer support. Clients benefit from a single interface across different machine types, with reduced setup times and faster technician onboarding. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, especially in retrofit projects and robotic assembly applications, where users can deploy new logic or diagnostics without rewriting entire systems.
Which technologies or methods have played a key role in delivering these innovations (e.g., AI, automation, digital platforms, new materials)?
D.W: Key enablers include modular software architecture, low-code configuration, and hardware abstraction layers. MCS is designed to run across a variety of industrial platforms, enabling seamless reuse. Open protocols like EtherCAT, Profinet, and OPC UA ensure broad interoperability. Additionally, Darstar is preparing for AI-assisted diagnostics and simulation, which will allow for predictive maintenance and virtual commissioning in future releases.
Have you introduced any innovation that contributes directly to sustainability, efficiency, or reduced environmental impact?
D.W: Absolutely. MCS is ideal for retrofitting older machines, extending their useful life and reducing waste.
The platform supports energy-optimized motion profiles and will soon include cloud-enabled diagnostics to reduce the need for on-site visits. These features not only lower the environmental footprint but also deliver measurable operational cost savings.
Are there specific industries, regions, or customer segments you are targeting with these innovations?
D.W: Darstar targets machine builders, automation integrators, and OEMs across Europe and North America, particularly those operating in winding technology, electronics assembly, and custom robotics. A strategic focus is on the United States, where the company is building partnerships with firms modernizing their machine control stack.
This includes participation in exhibitions in Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles where Darstar will demonstrate MCS and MGS in action.
What was the feedback received from clients that has influenced the development of your recent or upcoming solutions?
D.W: Clients expressed the need for a consistent engineering toolchain, freedom from hardware vendors, and better code reusability. These insights shaped the core design of MCS and MGS. Today, users can develop, operate, and maintain systems ranging from standalone winders to fully robotic lines – all within a unified interface. This approach minimizes training needs and makes it easier to transfer projects across teams and plants.
How do the products/solutions help improve client efficiency or productivity?
D.W: Clients using MCS report faster deployment, smoother integration, and simplified troubleshooting. The ability to run the same control software across different hardware platforms means less engineering overhead and more consistent performance. Whether building new machines or modernizing legacy systems, Darstar’s platform helps clients streamline their development process and reduce commissioning time—often by 30–60%.
What products/solutions do you believe will be industry highlights in 2026?
D.W: Darstar sees hardware-agnostic control systems as the defining trend of 2026. As the demand for adaptable, scalable automation grows, solutions like MCS and MGS will become industry benchmarks. Their combination of cross-platform compatibility, robot integration, and low-code deployment aligns perfectly with the future of smart manufacturing.