Click on a headline or image below to learn more about a given new product.
Virtual/Soft PLC with PROFINET Support
Experience the future of automation with Virtual PLCnext Control – Phoenix Contact’s software-based controller that brings full PLCnext Technology functionality to industrial PCs and edge devices. With native PROFINET support, it seamlessly integrates into existing networks, enabling scalable, future-ready automation. The new Virtual PLCnext Control portfolio offers an innovative solution for industrial automation. It abstracts control tasks from physical devices and executes them on high-performance computers, increasing flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency.
New PROFINET Managed Switch
With the new Industrial Managed Switch 852-1605/000-001, WAGO has expanded the portfolio of fully managed Ethernet switches. It is designed for seamless operation within PROFINET networks, allowing users to manage two media redundancy protocol rings (MRC and MRM) with a single switch. This redundant communication system enhances reliability and ensures maximum uptime for industrial applications.
Compact PROFIsafe Encoder with SIL2/PLd Certification
TWK has been selling PROFIsafe encoders since 2008 and is now introducing the new SIL2 / PLd certified TRT42/S3. The dimensions of the singleturn or multiturn sensor are significantly reduced compared to the standard 58 design. It offers 16 bit resolution and a protection class up to IP69K in a robust aluminium or stainless steel housing – also magnetically shielded – with three M8 connectors.
Air Flow Sensors with IO-Link
TURCK‘s new FCS air flow sensors with IO-Link digitally monitor air flows and temperatures, for example on fans and filters in industrial ventilation and exhaust air systems. Compared to devices with analog output, IO-Link enables easy parameterization and provides additional process data such as temperature values. Users benefit from fast commissioning and the ability to adjust settings remotely even after installation – ideal for air ducts that are difficult to access. The air flow sensors provide comprehensive status information via IO-Link and support the Smart Sensor Profile standard.
Intrinsically Safe Ethernet Gateway for Zone 1
TURCK presents a new solution for Ethernet communication in hazardous areas. The GEN-2G multiprotocol gateway enables a continuous, intrinsically safe, copper-based Ethernet infrastructure in ATEX Zone 1 for the first time. The new solution expands the existing excom system with the GEN-3G Zone 2 gateway, now allowing easy conversion from PROFIBUS DP to PROFINET communication in Zone 1 as well – without replacing the I/O and sensor level.
Central Monitoring for PROFIBUS and PROFINET Networks
Softing Industrial Automation announces an expansion of its plantPerfect Monitor software solution. The new version 2.00 will support PROFINET asset and network objects. This expands the scope of services beyond the previously supported PROFIBUS networks. The new functionality will be available from February 2026. plantPerfect Monitor is a central, container-based application for monitoring industrial communication networks. The software collects and visualizes both live and historical data, provides complete inventory data for all devices, and supplies diagnostic and statistical values for network and interface statuses.
Simplified Integration into Popular Asset Management Systems
Softing Industrial Automation announces version 1.04 of its smartLink HW-PN gateway. The new firmware now provides full support for the leading asset management tools Emerson AMS Device Manager and ABB Field Information Manager (ABB FIM). This enhancement simplifies and accelerates the integration of field devices into digital maintenance processes, independent of control system or engineering environment. With smartLink HW-PN V1.04, users gain controller-independent access to PROFINET networks and connected PROFIBUS devices via the integrated PROFINET/PROFIBUS proxy standard. The new firmware now supports, among others, the Pepperl+Fuchs APL Switch PA Proxy, enabling access to PROFINET over APL and PROFIBUS PA devices.
3-Meter Laser Measurement with IO-Link
Banner Engineering’s Q20-2 Laser Measurement Sensor delivers 3-meter sensing in a compact form factor. The infrared laser sensor’s best-in-class range uses time-of-flight technology to consistently and accurately detect targets. When installing the Q20-2, a visible red alignment LED expedites and simplifies setup, and can be switched on or off. IO-Link streamlines control system integration and provides easy access to measurement values, delay timers, and advanced diagnostics.
360-Degree Programmable Display Beacon with IO-Link
The K100 Programmable Display Beacon from Banner Engineering makes status unmistakable and informative, merging the instant visibility of a multicolor beacon with the clarity of a dynamic status display. Fourteen configurable color options communicate machine or process states at a glance, while the integrated display adds detail with 12 static or 32 scrolling characters, legible from 10 meters. Models with audible capability project 93–101 dB SPL of sound at one meter to cut through noise and focus awareness. IO-Link models make setup simple, providing direct protocol control for seamless integration.
Long-Range Radar Sensor with IO-Link
Banner Engineering’s K50R Radar Sensor is now available with IO-Link, adding simplified device replacement, reduced wiring, and remote configurability. Its radar technology reliably detects objects and measures distance even in challenging indoor and outdoor conditions, and can penetrate plastic housings without sacrificing accuracy. Connected via IO-Link, the K50R delivers real-time data to a PLC, HMI, SCADA system, or cloud platform.
IO-Link Safety Interlock with TÜV-SÜD Certification
Fortress Safety is the first interlock manufacturer to a certified IO-Link Safety device. This milestone marks the successful integration of IO-Link Safety into the tGard product range, offering a new level of flexibility in safety data communication and industrial connectivity. With safety masters now becoming available, there is already growing interest in how interlocks will connect to these new systems. Fortress is excited to be at the forefront of integrating IO-Link Safety into interlocking devices and to support customers in adopting this emerging technology.
New IO-Link Safety Solutions
Schmersal is one of the pioneers in the development of IO-Link Safety products, and is presenting the AZM42 solenoid interlock and the RSS362 safety sensor, its first IO-Link Safety products that will soon be available for delivery. Both devices enable simple integration via standard three-wire cables with M12 connectors, thus reducing installation effort and costs. IO-Link Safety meets the highest safety requirements in accordance with PL e (EN ISO 13849-1) and SIL 3 (IEC 61508/62061) and has been standardized in IEC 61139-2.
