The SERCOS interface was created in the 1980s by the German ZVEI and VDW organizations to specify an open digital interface that would ease the transition from analog to digital drive technology. It was originally intended to be a drive interface, mainly used for advanced machine tool applications. It now has become a universal motion control interface, accepted worldwide in a myriad of industries. There are over 300,000 applications around the world, with hundreds of thousands of SERCOS interface axes installed. These range from relatively simple applications to highly demanding high-speed, high-precision contouring and positioning applications.   SERCOS interface applications include: Packaging machines Printing Machines All types of machine tool applications, including high-speed transfer lines; machining centers; milling, drilling and turning machines; tool, cam and crank grinding machines; precision gear cutting machines; dial machines; metal forming machines; presses and more. Converting machines Material handling systems and robots Assembly and test machines Woodworking machines Food and beverage manufacturing machines Semiconductor production machines Welding machines Textile processing machines Fiber winding machines Plastics machines Applications such as wavemaking machines and telescope control