The reliable and secure provisioning of data is paramount. It makes no difference where and how the data is provided, whether via an internal network, another participant’s network, or wirelessly. PI technologies offer practical and future-proof solutions for every application, both in terms of cybersecurity and safety applications. This was demonstrated at a new exhibit at SPS 2025 and emphasized how diverse processes can be implemented in a confined space using PI technologies. This exhibit showcased a modular filling process, as used in mechanical engineering for flexible and scalable production systems. It combines a delta robot with a planar transport system, allowing workpieces to be moved individually and dynamically.
PROFINET plays a central role as a real-time communication system for the seamless networking of control systems, drive technology, functional safety, and user interfaces. The integration of PROFINET IRT is particularly noteworthy, enabling a highly dynamic machine architecture and allowing for rapid adjustments. The system is complemented by PROFIdrive for motion control and PROFIsafe for functional safety, which support virtual commissioning, simulation, and the efficient implementation of complex automation solutions.
And there are other exciting developments. PI is further advancing the Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) standard and Advanced Physical layer (Ethernet-APL). A new PROFIsafe demo and new functionalities in the IO-Link Safety demo were further highlights. For all PI technologies, the following applies: various requirements regarding communication technologies must be met, and the associated information models and integration technologies must be kept in mind. In addition, there are complex requirements regarding modularization, localization, data analysis, energy management, and the integration of robots. PI provides compelling answers.