PI News
36th PI Meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland
The 36th annual PI Meeting took place from May 12 to 16, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. PI UK organized it. Following meetings in Dubai (2023) and Orlando (2024), the 2025 event was held in Europe.
With 88 participants, the expected number was clearly exceeded. The agenda offered a good mix of technical updates and international exchange. Updates on PROFINET security, an overview of PROFIsafe, and a practical APL presentation were particularly notable.
The supporting program was also impressive, offering a ghost bus tour, a whisky tasting, and a traditional Burns Supper. Meanwhile, accompanying partners could explore Edinburgh's attractions, such as the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle.
The event concluded with a marketplace where PI UK members presented their activities and the new demo rigs for APL, Safety, and IO-Link.
It was a successful event that once again demonstrated the strength of the PI community!
Product Certification Ensures Interoperability
Users can choose from thousands of PI technology products, including I/O devices, sensors, actuators, network components, and controllers, from several hundred manufacturers. Effective quality measures are crucial to ensuring a high level of interoperability. A functioning certification system is the central means for achieving this.
This system is implemented through test specifications in working groups within the Quality Committee. Experts manage the development of test cases, which manufacturers implement in test tools. Approved test laboratories (PITLs) then use these tools to test products for compliance with specifications. The certification body awards certificates if the test results are positive. These tools are also available to manufacturers to support product development.
The PITL approval process includes regular audits based on quality management documents, as well as a cooperation and software license agreement between PI and the PITLs. A certification system has been established for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and profiles such as PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive, ENCODER, and PA Devices, including test specifications, test tools, and PITLs. Certification for Omlox products has been in place since 2024. Documents, processes, and test tools are currently being created for MTP, and the first PITL is being established.
Special rules have been developed for IO-Link, including self-tests by manufacturers. These are complemented by plugfests, during which manufacturers can test the maturity of their prototypes within a system alongside other products using approved test tools. Users can therefore rely on high quality and interoperability, and manufacturers can use flexible test systems with a reproducible process.
Dr. Peter Wenzel, PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V.
New Election of the Steering Committee at the IO-Link General Assembly 2025
On May 22, 2025, the IO-Link community gathered in Bad Soden for this year's general meeting. A key event was the regular election of the Steering Committee, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the technological future of the standard. The complete list of Steering Committee members is available on the new IO-Link website (io-link.com/community/organization/steering/working-groups).
Another highlight was the presentation of IO-Link's vision and mission. The goal is to establish the standard as the leading enabler of industrial IoT and digitalization processes worldwide. Additionally, the current roadmap was presented, showing the strategic path for future developments, innovations, new functions, and security aspects. With this roadmap, IO-Link will continue to play a leading role in industrial automation and promote cooperation among partners in digitalization.
The future development of IO-Link packages for maintenance updates was presented at the members' meeting. Package 2025 serves as a pilot project for the newly defined package process, which aims to streamline the creation, updating, and management of IO-Link standards. The goal is to create a clear structure and standardized process to make further development of the standard more targeted and flexible.
Another focus was on the increasingly important security requirements. Work on the “IO-Link Secure Deployment Guideline” was presented to help end users with secure implementation. The “Secure Design and Development Guideline for IO-Link Devices” is still under development. It will contain recommendations for the secure design and development of IO-Link products in order to meet the increasing security requirements.
In order to provide all participants with comprehensive information, the heads of the working groups reported on the current status of their groups' activities. This year's general meeting once again confirmed that IO-Link is a lively, committed and global community in automation technology.
New: A Fresh Design for the IO-Link Website!
The IO-Link website has a new look! With its modern, clear design and improved user guidance, the updated site provides an even clearer overview and offers more information at a glance.
Here are the highlights:
- Fresh, responsive design: Optimized for all devices, including desktop, tablet, and smartphone.
- Improved navigation: Quicker orientation thanks to clearly structured menu navigation.
- New member overview: See all IO-Link members at a glance, with a filter and search function.
- Content is presented better: Technologies, products, and application examples are now easier to access.
- More service: Current downloads, news, and events are now directly accessible.
The new website offers visual improvements and makes it easier for beginners and experts alike to find information.
Discover it now at www.io-link.com.
Events
Information Events on the New PI Product Finder
The new PI Product Finder is currently under development based on the “BMECat XML” standard and the “ECLASS” version ≥14 advanced information model. You can already present your products for free in the new tool at https://productfinder.profinet.com/
In two short informational sessions, we will demonstrate how to easily create an ECLASS file and upload it to the Product Finder.
- Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Interested? Send an email to pf-support(at)profinet(dot)com.
The PI team looks forward to receiving your early product updates so that we can best accommodate your requirements.
SRCI Progress Insights Webinar
Welcome to the second official SRCI webinar, hosted by PI! Register now to secure your spot and avoid missing out!
The webinar will provide an overview of the updates and changes to the "SRCI Technical Specification Version 1.5." Additionally, you will receive insights into the current status and progress of the SRCI working group, as well as information on customer support, quality assurance, testing, and performance evaluation. This webinar is intended for all interested parties, from beginners to experts. Günes Bilgen, head of the SRCI working group, will explain the underlying technology and answer your questions.
The webinar will take place on July 2, 2025. You may choose between two time slots: 8:30–9:30 a.m. or 4:30–5:30 p.m. CEST. The content is identical on both dates.
The event will be held in English. Participation is free of charge.
https://www.profibus.com/trainingevents/srci-webinar
IO-Link Interop 2025
Would you like to test new IO-Link products in advance? If so, register for the IO-Link Interop Workshop on September 23 and 24, 2025, in Bad Soden, near Frankfurt am Main. There, international manufacturers of IO-Link devices, tools, and integration components will come together to test the seamless interaction between operational and information technology.
In addition to IO-Link's standard technology, the workshop will cover exciting topics such as IO-Link wireless and safety, profile implementations, system integrations, and IoT connections.
The IO-Link Plugfest gives you the chance to test your devices' or software's interoperability in a realistic environment to ensure they work seamlessly with products from other manufacturers.
The participation fee is €275 per person. Please register via the website by the end of August 2025.
Registration is Now Open for Get Together for Robotics 2025!
The fourth annual "Get Together for Robotics" conference will be bigger than ever in 2025. You can expect specialist presentations, discussion panels, and networking breaks with manufacturers, users, start-ups, experts, associations, and universities from the fields of PLC and robotics. This free event will be held from November 5 to 6, 2025, in Erlangen, near Nuremberg. Registration is mandatory, as seating is limited.
Register here: https://www.profibus.com/get-together-for-robotics/.
PI Community Booth at the SPS
Considered the highlight event and the pacemaker of the automation industry, SPS will take place in Nuremberg from November 25 to 27, 2025. With our successful joint booth concept, we are offering you the opportunity once again to present your company and explore new paths into the future with us. You will benefit from our diverse range of products, solutions, and innovations in smart and digital automation.
Planning for the PI joint booth at the next SPS has begun, as have preparations by the PNO. We look forward to three days full of interesting technical discussions and industry inspiration. You are cordially invited to plan your trade fair participation and join the PI joint booth!
As always, you will find us in Hall 5, Stand 5-210, among the industrial communication technology exhibitors. With our association's updated visual concept, you can cost-effectively and attractively present your company in a technologically appropriate environment. We offer a customizable company kiosk and/or devices on our technology walls for PROFINET, IO-Link, MTP, OMlox, PROFIsafe, and PROFIdrive for your trade fair appearance. We present our top trends on the stand with other technology topics such as NOA and SRCI.
Further information and details can be found in our marketing program. You can register until September 19, 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact Daniela Haldenwang at daniela.haldenwang(at)profibus(dot)com. We look forward to your participation!
Review
PROFINET Workshop in Process Automation, in Cooperation with NAMUR
On May 27, 2025, the PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO) organized a full-day workshop titled "PROFINET in Process Automation" at CHEMPARK Leverkusen. This new workshop for users in the chemical sector took place at BAYKOM and was attended by around 80 users from surrounding CHEMPARK Leverkusen companies and 21 co-exhibitors.
The lively discussions during the presentations continued during the informal reception afterward, showing that topics such as PROFINET over APL resonated with the attendees. The workshop agenda was developed in collaboration with members of the NAMUR working groups and was specially prepared by members of the PA working group to address the interests of the plant employees. Gerd Niedermayer from BASF contributed to the event's success with an impressive user report, and Alen Mahendrarajah from the PLT laboratory presented a cost calculation with Ethernet APL on a specific project.
At the Microfair, 21 renowned manufacturers and solution providers demonstrated how topics related to PROFINET in process automation for the chemical industry are implemented in reality. These topics were specially prepared for this group. ABB, AUMA, Analog Devices, Bartec, Beckhoff, DEUTA-WERKE, Endress+Hauser, Emerson, Indu-Sol, Krohne, Pepperl+Fuchs, R. Stahl, PLT-Labor, Schneider Electric, Phoenix Contact, Samson, Softing, Siemens, Turck, Vega, and Yokogawa were in attendance.
Many thanks to the speakers, sponsors, and participants! Further dates for this new format at other industrial centers are already being planned.
The First PROFIsafe Introduction Webinar was a Huge Success!
There was great interest in a free, one-hour beginner's webinar on PROFIsafe in English, with over 200 registrations from the stand. If you were unable to attend due to technical difficulties or other reasons, please contact Benjamin Lohrer (benjamin.lohrer(at)profibus(dot)com) to request the recording or slides.
Alternatively, you can register for the next session. PI will hold the English-language webinar again in 2025 with trainer Christian Eitner, who will answer your questions via chat. Register for the second webinar on September 18, 2025, here: https://www.profibus.de/veranstaltungen/profisafe-introduction-webinar
'More Innovation, Less Fiddling': How Engineers are Driving Progress
With over 200 participants and 60 inspiring presentations, the ninth PI Conference was a resounding success. The variety of topics and high quality of the presentations highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer and collaboration. Experts from industry, research, and development seized the opportunity to discuss current developments, challenges, and future trends in industrial communication and automation. In times of increasing uncertainty, the importance of personal exchange to advance technological innovations and actively shape digitalization was especially clear.
In view of increasing system complexity, regulatory requirements, and global challenges, the key theme of "Consistency and Interoperability for the Digital Factory" was highly topical. The specialist presentations demonstrated that the digital transformation of industry can only succeed with powerful, open, and interoperable PI communication technologies. In Frankfurt, it was emphasized several times that the end user must now implement new technologies, such as Ethernet-APL or MTP, in their systems after extensive specification work. Many devices are already available, and field tests, pilot systems, and a profitability study (Ethernet-APL vs. 4-20 mA or remote I/O) have been completed with positive results. Now, users must take the next step toward digitalization. Information on security, specification work focusing on the user interface, guidelines, and field tests was also of great interest.
Traditionally, the first day begins with keynote speeches that broaden the scope beyond pure communication technology, offering new perspectives on topics such as the importance of digitalization for the German economy, how it can be implemented, and the current challenges and opportunities that the Chinese market offers German companies. The afternoon of the first day included a discussion on security in the age of AI from a start-up perspective, as well as a report from an end user on how IO-Link has changed data usage in production at a Unilever plant.
In his moving keynote speech, "Engineers Back in the Front Row," Prof. Dr. Gunter Dueck called for change. He called for less fiddling and perfectionism and more innovation. Dueck emphasized the concept of "fast action" in business, advocating for a shift away from rigid target agreements and toward promoting the engineering mindset characterized by curiosity, pragmatism, and a systematic approach.
The 2025 conference once again demonstrated the importance of continuously developing and consistently applying PI technologies for sustainable, future-proof automation. The next PI conference is planned for spring 2027.
Note: The conference presentations will also be made available in English on Nextcloud.
Press & News
New Comprehensive Guidelines Published on the omlox Localization Standard
PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) and the Fraunhofer Institute in Lemgo, Germany have published two comprehensive, practice-oriented guidelines on the open and interoperable omlox localization standard. The standard was developed specifically for industrial applications and enables the non-proprietary integration of different locating technologies for seamless positioning in production and logistics.
The new English-language guidelines, entitled “Locating Technologies Reimagined” and “How to Build omlox Products – A Guide to Air Device Integration,” are available now free of charge in the download area of the omlox website (https://omlox.com/downloads).
The guidelines are oriented towards different target audiences and application scenarios:
- “Locating Technologies Reimagined” provides a practical introduction to the advantages of localization solutions based on the omlox standard. It shows how companies can ensure transparency, efficiency and a sound database for AI-based analyses by using these technologies.
- “How to Build omlox Products” is specifically targeted towards technical developers and describes, in detail, how products can be made compatible with omlox and created with a future-proof design.
Call for...
...Papers - PROFINEWS 250
Deadline for stories: July 04, 2025
We would like to invite you to submit stories for the next issue of PROFINEWS. Please note that the deadline for issue 250 is July 04, 2025 and delivery will be two weeks later. Please send us your product news, short articles, company news, info and new solutions or application stories or your event reports only to editor(at)profinews(dot)com.
Stories may be submitted at any time and will be published in the next possible PROFINEWS. Stories may be shortened, reorganized or rewritten for publication.
For more information, please contact editor(at)profinews(dot)com.