With security on the top of everyone's mind, PI has been proactive in taking the steps necessary to secure OT networks. Concrete progress has been made in PROFINET Security Class 1, with Security Classes 2 and 3 not far behind.

Thanks to the release of the VIK/NAMUR-specific GSD file – a new use-case has been added to the PROFIdrive profile. This enables device change during operation without adapting a device-specific configuration or changing setting parameters.

The Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI): PLCs need only implement a single library that now contains the function blocks for programming different robots. Robot suppliers need only implement a single interpreter for their controller. And for end-users, programming occurs natively in the PLC's engineering tool. It's a win-win-win.

Not yet one month old, the new forum on the PROFINET ecosystem website has already amassed 100+ topics from 130+ members. The resource is a place where PROFINET experts, users, and developers can collaborate in a community-driven format.

IO-Link is the world’s fastest-growing technology in industrial automation, so it is no surprise that this year's interoperability workshop set records for the number of participants, products, and represented countries. Read about the event and its accomplishments.

With the PROFINET Ecosystem Platform, PI has set up a virtual collaboration space for anyone who would like to actively play a part in the future of PROFINET technology. The Community Forum is the heart of the platform—a place for technical discussion and cooperation. Technology experts from all around the world meet here to discuss the technical aspects of PROFINET.

Module Type Package (MTP) is an exciting technology that stands to make the integration of machines into a higher-level DCS, SCADA, or MES significantly easier and faster. It is an open standard and completely vendor-agnostic.

The demand for industrial communication will grow enormously, including with regard to new applications. And Industrial Ethernet, which sits in the middle of this value chain, will play a big role with all these applications and is a crucial factor in the digitization of industry.