From May 19 to 21, 2026, representatives of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) gathered in Seoul, South Korea, for the 37th International PI Meeting. The focus was on the further development of the international organization, current technological innovations, and the future direction of global collaboration. In addition to a strategy update, current developments in PI technologies, marketing innovations, and digital offerings and services were presented. Furthermore, the Regional PI Associations (RPAs), PI Training Centers (PITCs), PI Competence Centers (PICCs), and PI Test Labs (PITLs) exchanged experiences and best practices.
Together with the Regional PI Associations (RPAs), participants discussed opportunities to further intensify international collaboration and adapt it to the changing conditions of recent years. The goal is to provide member companies worldwide with the best possible support in the development and use of PI technologies. In addition to helping shape innovations, specifications, and patent usage rights, members benefit in particular from software packages, test and development tools, online services, and a wide range of technical services. This offering is complemented by comprehensive information, events, and marketing services.
An important decision made at the meeting concerned the adjustment of the international membership fee model. The goal is to achieve a more balanced financing of investments in technical infrastructure and the further development of PI technologies.
“The decisions made at this year’s PI Meeting create important conditions for further strengthening international cooperation and expanding our technologies in a future-proof manner,” explains PI Chairman Xaver Schmidt. “In doing so, we ensure that PI remains a strong partner for industrial communication and digitization in the future.”
Regular elections were held during the meeting. PI Chairman Xaver Schmidt and PI Deputy Chairman Michael Bowne were re-elected to their positions for another three years. Prof. Dr. Felix Hackelöer will take over as head of the PI Competence Centers. Alex Eidmann and Torsten Paulsen will lead the PI Training Centers going forward.
The event concluded with a full-day seminar for Korean member companies. The focus was on current developments in cyber security, PROFINET (including Version 2.5), IO-Link, Ethernet-APL, and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). Additionally, the role of PI technologies as a key foundation for industrial AI applications was highlighted.