IO-Link Explained: The Powerful Communication Standard

The All About Automation trade fairs have become leading regional events for industrial automation – so it was about time for the IO-Link Community to join the stage as a key technology driver for field-level digitalization.

At our kick-off event in Chemnitz, IO-Link was given the opportunity to take over several sessions at the Talk Lounge – expertly moderated by Frank Nolte from SPS-Magazin – and delivered an exciting mix of presentations and discussions:

=> IO-Link in Practice – Peter Wienzek (ifm)
=> IO-Link Safety – Klaus Peter Willems (TMG TE)
=> Condition Monitoring with IO-Link – Werner Flögel (Gemü)
=> IO-Link for Time-Critical Applications – Thomas Langer (Baumer)

A special highlight was Sebastian Schlicht from Magna Exteriors, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, who demonstrated how easily, and quickly IO-Link devices can be implemented on the shop floor – technology that excites, is easy to learn, and fast to deploy or replace!

During the following panel discussion, the spotlight was on the IO-Link ecosystem – covering cost-efficient I/O modules, functional safety devices, and data sources for AI applications, predictive maintenance, efficiency improvement, and energy optimization.
 

On September 23–24, 2025, another IO-Link Plugfest took place in Bad Soden. With almost 125 participants, the event was completely booked out. Around 60 different companies from all over the world took the opportunity to test their IO-Link products on site in a practical environment.

International interest was particularly high this year, with representatives from countries such as Hungary, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Poland, China, Denmark, Great Britain, the USA, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic traveling to the Plugfest. During the Interop Workshop, a new test system for masters and devices was successfully audited by a Chinese test center and then immediately tested in use by numerous participating device manufacturers.

In addition to standard IO-Link technology, the focus was also on new topics such as IO-Link Wireless, profile implementations, system integrations, and IoT connections via JSON REST API. A particular highlight was the presentation and testing of the IO-Link Safety Demo—with new functions and additional devices from various manufacturers—an important step in the further development of the technology.

Besides the technical tests, networking was also a focal point: the intensive exchange between developers, manufacturers, and IO-Link experts provided valuable impetus and inspiration for future projects. Many participants took the opportunity to make new contacts, deepen existing partnerships, and share practical experiences with each other.

The workshop offered participating companies the chance to test their devices and software solutions for interoperability and ensure that they work seamlessly with products from other manufacturers. Test runs during the development phase provided important insights and clarified open questions in direct exchange with international IO-Link experts.

“The strong response and the large number of new products clearly show that IO-Link plays a central role in industrial communication worldwide,” summarized Frank Moritz, working group leader for IO-Link Quality & Technology. 

It is already clear today that the success story will continue – the next IO-Link Interop Workshop is scheduled for fall 2026 and will once again provide an opportunity for comprehensive testing, intensive exchange of experience, and the continuation of technological development.

In view of the current economic stagnation, companies are facing the challenge of improving their production facilities and making them more efficient. In this context, IO-Link is proving to be an innovative solution for optimizing systems and modernizing operations. IO-Link is a manufacturer-independent communication standard that enables sensors and actuators in automation technology to be seamlessly integrated into the higher-level control system and also easy to parameterize and configure. 

IO-Link as the key to modernization

By implementing IO-Link, systems can be made more flexible, efficient and future-proof. Companies benefit from shorter downtimes, improved adaptability and greater efficiency. Today, this is a decisive competitive advantage.

In addition, IO-Link makes it easy to integrate new sensors and actuators into existing systems. This makes it easier to modernize and retrofit production lines without having to make extensive changes to the control hardware. Companies can therefore gradually improve their systems and adapt them to new requirements without incurring high investment costs.

If you would like to know how this all works, then the IO-Link Forum on November 13, 2025 in Paderborn offers you a unique exchange of knowledge and promises valuable insights into the world of industrial automation and communication technologies with IO-Link.

The IO-Link Forum offers a wide range of topics for participants of all levels of knowledge in sessions, some of which will take place in parallel. Lectures on the topic of plant modernization in particular have been modified and expanded. A special highlight is the report on an end user's experience with IO-Link. The accompanying Microfair also offers the opportunity to exchange ideas with manufacturers and learn about new products, features and services.

The IO-Link Forum will be held in German language. It is free of charge for participants, but please register in advance.