IO-Link News

The mioty alliance and the IO-Link Community (PI) have announced the signing of a major cooperation agreement at the Hanover Trade Fair.

This agreement will intensify cooperation between the two communication standards, especially with regard to data model use. The goal of this partnership is to enable the integration of mioty devices using the same mechanisms as those used for IO-Link devices. The advantage here is that users won’t need any new tools for mioty.

By combining the expertise of the mioty alliance in the development of wireless communication systems and the leading position of IO-Link in the area of industrial automation, this cooperation will set new standards. Both communities are convinced that this cooperation will bring about new and innovative solutions.

“We’re very pleased about our partnership with IO-Link. Together, we’ll shape the future of communication systems and offer our members even more powerful solutions,” said the mioty alliance’s General Manager Peter Hedberg in explaining the goals of cooperation.

“Cooperation with the mioty alliance will open up new opportunities for us to develop new applications and industries, especially in the area of IIoT and maintenance,” added Joachim Uffelmann of the IO-Link community.

Signing of the cooperation agreement was announced during the Hanover Trade Fair. Xaver Schmidt (Chairman of the Board of PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International)), Peter Hedberg (General Manager of the mioty alliance) and Joachim Uffelmann (Speaker of the IO-Link Steering Committee) are looking forward to the organizations’ cooperation. “Work on the specifications can now begin,” affirmed Joachim Uffelmann.

About the mioty alliance
The mioty alliance is a community of companies, institutions and developers who have dedicated themselves to creating and distributing the most accessible, robust and efficient IoT connectivity solution on the market. mioty technology is founded on a software-based low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) protocol developed specifically for massive industrial and commercial IoT applications. Thanks to its reliability and scalability, mioty technology enables robust wireless connectivity which meets the requirements of Industry 4.0.

About IO-Link
IO-Link is a globally open standard for point-to-point communication between sensors and actuators in industrial applications. IO-Link enables the bidirectional data exchange between a typical fieldbus gateway and the connected devices, which enables improved diagnostics, parameter setting and maintenance. With its strong commitment to innovation, IO-Link remains at the forefront of technological development and continually sets new standards in the industry across the globe. IO-Link is a technology of PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International).
 

A new document in the download section deals with the annual IO-Link packages. In this document, you will find detailed information on the latest developments and updates in the current IO-Link package. Please note that IO-Link conducts a maintenance release every year. An IO-Link package includes all necessary components and information required for the implementation and use of IO-Link technology, including specifications, system extensions and profiles.

We hope that this information will be useful to you and help you adjust your product development accordingly. In case you have any questions or comments, we are of course at your disposal.

Download the pdf-file on IO-Link Maintenance Cycle

The annual survey of newly installed nodes conducted by PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) shows moderate growth for its technologies compared to previous years. Even in times of economic and structural change, PI technologies are experiencing solid growth for use in machines and systems across the globe. Economic uncertainties and the impact of supply issues on inventories naturally affect products with PI technologies as well, and this is reflected in device numbers accordingly - in particular in Europe and China. Despite this, products based on PI technologies were able to hold their ground well in the marketplace, which was impressively demonstrated by the number of newly installed nodes, though it was not possible to repeat or exceed the record numbers seen in previous years.

In 2022, disruptions in the supply chain led to material shortages and significant delivery bottlenecks. These limitations were more than compensated for in 2023 thanks to the supply of a very large number of IO-Link devices, which led to an anticipated normalization in 2024 with an additional 9.7 million new nodes having been put on the market. IO-Link remains stable and has been growing continually for years, with 61 million nodes at last count. IO-Link continues to successfully establish itself as a global standard.

“We see the trend in automation technology as positive, and we are ideally equipped for the future thanks to the continuous development of our technologies as the digital transformation progresses. The economic outlook is set to improve, and that includes international markets. Our globally distributed organizational form reinforces the market success of products with PI technologies. The demand for more data can be satisfied easily and consistently thanks to the PROFINET architecture and thanks to the extensive standardization of data structures and the consistent integration of IO-Link.

The seamless connection of sensor-specific data with other services—for asset monitoring, for example—is one of the most exciting tasks being undertaken in modern plants today. IO-Link meets all the requirements for the fast provision of data for further processing. This is based on the IO-Link master, which includes an integrated REST API interface.

What’s this all about? More and more services are now running outside the controller, e.g. on a PC on a local network of a plant or remotely as cloud-based apps. This includes, for example, monitoring tools which run in an AWS (Amazon Web Service) cloud and monitor and visualize the states of sensors and actuators or transfer data from a production plant to an ERP system for OEE calculation. Also, when the task involves integrating new methods with AI for the analysis of process states, it makes sense to process them outside the automation system.

Many of these applications fall under the umbrella of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things). These types of clients request data from the process or production and pass it on for special further evaluation. Users want to utilize this data in the easiest way possible. In other words, the data has to be transferred smoothly and seamlessly using protocols that are recognized and implemented in the IT world.

This is where the IO-Link master comes into play, which becomes a highly streamlined data server with the REST API. It can be requested directly from any application in IT world via its IP address. The REST API is an interface commonly used on the Internet for requesting data based on simple HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) requests. These types of requests are supported by all programming languages, are not dependent on the operating system and are implemented in all web clients, such as browsers.  

The data queried using these HTTP requests is transferred as JSON objects in the response and displayed. JSON objects are very lightweight objects which can be read and interpreted by machines. With the support of the IODD (IO Device Description), the data is described semantically and therefore easy to interpret. The IODD is based on XML and describes all the parameters, error messages and diagnostics.

The specification provided by IO-Link includes JSON objects for the configuration, monitoring and control of the IO-Link master and the connected devices. Using this data, a simple automation task can be implemented directly from an IIoT. In addition, MQTT can also be used as the transfer mechanism instead of the REST API.

The way this connection works in practice will be exhibited at the PI Booth at the Hanover Fair (Hall 9, D68), where a demonstrator will implement a simple tank level control task using a small Raspberry Pi single-board computer as a controller. Here, the controller will communicate with the sensors based on the JSON-REST API and exchange data regardless of which IO-Link master is connected.
 

Wireless connectivity is revolutionizing industrial automation. It reduces cabling effort, lowers maintenance costs and creates new freedom in system design - especially with IO-Link Wireless.

The IO-Link wireless standard impresses with a reliable, real-time capable and deterministic protocol that was specially developed for the requirements of factory automation. It enables the wireless transmission of signals from switching and measuring sensors as well as simple actuators. This is particularly advantageous for rotating or moving systems where conventional cabling is impractical. Retrofits can also be implemented quickly and efficiently thanks to simple integration without point-to-point cabling.

Download the flyer and find out more about IO-Link Wireless.

The long-term IO-Link strategy is based on consistent further development of its range of technologies for opening up new areas of application - and therefore further growth - to both manufacturers and users. By enhancing transmission technology, IO-Link can also penetrate and open up new markets. Smart Cities applications need “low-power, long-range” wireless technology for sensors, for example. This technology - also known as narrow band IoT - is being implemented through cooperation by IO-Link and Mioty. Thanks to this cooperation, both technologies have an immense benefit. IO-Link is getting additional wireless transmission, and Mioty is benefiting from an established, globally recognized data model which is ideally integrated into automation systems.

The enhancement of data with precise time information represented another planned expansion of the transmission technology. Using so-called time stamps, sensor signals can be synchronized with actuator responses independently of cycle times in a highly precise way, for example. It will also be possible to correlate measurement data from different sources for time-accurate evaluations. An example of this would be the multi-channel vibration analysis of machines. Time accuracy of under 50 μs is being striven for, and this represents a significant improvement over the cyclical transmission of 2 ms. Time stamps with an absolute time can be used for the time-accurate logging of events in the devices, for example. 

Another key element of the IO-Link strategy is the IIoT connection of the IO-Link level to the world of IT. Successful JSON connection via the REST API will continue to advance MQTT support in an upcoming release, thereby offering a streamlined, highly functional connection, such as to cloud-based monitoring services or asset management.

Another building block for future growth is the ease of device use in the applications of machine and system producers. Thanks to profiles for different device classes, data models are being standardized and can also be used in a standardized way. Profiles for the smart lights, identification, smart actuators and smart power device classes are currently in the works.

The IO-Link Test Centers were also represented and thus offered the opportunity to test devices against the latest released specification package 2024.

A wide range of products were tested, from small sensors to drives or flow sensors from process technology. In a heterogeneous IT environment, the participants also tested IO-Link masters with a JSON REST API interface with a focus on vertical integration of IO-Link to IIOT. Devices with IO-Link Safety were also tested for interoperability for the first time.

However, the focus of an Interoperability Workshop is not only on testing the new IO-Link products in an open platform. The workshop is also a space for experts to expand their network and discuss ideas and technological developments, such as the possible extension of the IO-Link cable limit of 20 meters.

The master, device and tool manufacturers are already eagerly awaiting the next IO-Link Interop Workshop in 2025!

“We’re pleased to have increased the number of IO-Link test labs around the world to four thanks to Loyst,” commented Frank Moritz, Member of the Board of Directors of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI). Loyst is one of the most active members of IO-Link China and the second test laboratory outside of Germany.

IO-Link competence centers and test labs not only assist in spreading IO-Link technology, but also ensure the high quality of IO-Link devices. While competence centers advise users, manufacturers and potential new members on organizational and technological issues, the test labs conduct conformity tests on IO-Link devices and IO-Link masters. Loyst is now authorized to conduct IO-Link tests independently and enable manufacturer declarations based on the test reports,” explained Moritz.

Massive potential for IO-Link technology in China

IO-Link is attracting growing interest in Asia—especially in China, where there are now over 100 members of the IO-Link community. The introduction of IO-Link has been taking place over the past few years, in particular in the automotive and energy industries. The proportion of device manufacturers in the IO-Link community grew as a result, as did the number of conformity tests required. The approved IO-Link test laboratory in China now makes it possible for Chinese manufacturers to launch their products on the market faster and more easily. 

Two specialists from China traveled to the IO-Link Test Center TMG TE in Karlsruhe, Germany, for the final approval. The acceptance was carried out by the two established Test Laboratories—TEConcept (represented by Dr. Franz-Otto Witte) and TMG TE (represented by Klaus-Peter Willems)—as well as the head of the IO-Link Quality Working Gup, Frank Moritz (PI/Sick). The way that conformance testing of both IO-Link devices and IO-Link masters would be implemented in practice was first discussed in a theoretical part. At its disposal, Loyst has testing systems from TEConcept which have been approved by the IO-Link community. 

Loyst was able to demonstrate that it could properly conduct the tests using an IO-Link device and an IO-Link master specially prepared for the audit. Two years prior to being approved as a test center, Loyst became an authorized competence center. “Just like back then, the specialists at Loyst were well prepared and capable of conducting every task smoothly,” said Frank Moritz in summary. With this, Nanjing Loyst verified its in-depth knowledge of IO-Link and compliance with the test center guidelines of the IO-Link community, enabling it to serve as an approved test laboratory. 

At a variety of different workshops, a whole host of new ideas were created and the intensive exchange of information was encouraged, forming the basis for future development.

Lively discussion and innovation
The workshops held at the member’s gathering provided a platform for enthusiastic discussion and creative exchange. It became clear that forward progress is being made in big steps. Participants were able to contribute many innovative ideas with the potential to help shape the future of IO-Link as technology of the PI portfolio in a significant way.

Success and future-orientation
Another highlight of the gathering was the celebration of impressive market figures. In 2023, 15.9 million new IO-Link devices were installed, which corresponds to record growth of 89% compared to the previous year. The total number of installed IO-Link nodes is now an impressive 51.6 million. Growing device numbers on the market underscore IO-Link’s success. At the same time, the way in which we could further advance IO-Link to meet the continuously changing needs of the industry was also deliberated intensively.

Continuous growth despite the crisis
Despite challenges on a global scale, IO-Link saw continuous growth in membership this year. The community grew to encompass 485 members, a sign of the strength and resilience of the global organization, which is actively promoting further development of the innovative point-to-point technology and is offering many benefits for its members.

Invitation to active participation
Every participant of the assembly had the opportunity to actively take part and help determine the direction IO-Link, but this can also be done outside of such gatherings at any time. Collaboration in working groups and participation in trade shows, forums & Interop Workshops etc. are open to all members and are also well received internationally. This open approach is a key to further success. 

About IO-Link
IO-Link is a globally established standard for industrial communication which is revolutionizing efficiency and flexibility in production technology. With a growing number of members and users across the world, IO-Link is setting standards in industrial automation.