Harald Wessels: In the field of automation, we talk about three basic core components: sensor, control and actuator technology. They should all be smaller and more efficient, and the quality and performance of the products should also be improved. Pierre Magneto pays close attention to the development trend of each new generation of products, and our company‘s current security lock device PSENmlock mini is a good example. Compared to the previous generation of PSENmlock, it takes into account the trend of miniaturization and is reduced in size by about 60%. Another trend is data communication.

Are you referring to the trend of data communication standardization?

Right. The era of proprietary solutions is over, and easy connectivity is our goal. In terms of sensor technology, we rely on the communication standard IO-Link Safety for functional safety. However, when we talk about complex, safe sensor technologies, such as imaging processes, IO-Link Safety is not enough. In this case, Ethernet-based protocols such as PROFIsafe, CIP Safety, and FSoE are an important alternative. But here, too, we need a uniform standard. In addition to IO-Link Safety, Pilz’s future automation solutions will also support OPC UA FX and its various aspects.

If data communication is standardized, how do the services offered by each vendor differ?

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In terms of user software will be the main difference in the future. How easy is it to use? How can I obtain machine data for further evaluation? How do I configure the device or set parameters? Simple is the key word. A shortage of skilled workers is also a problem. In the future, the ability to design, build and operate machines cannot be limited to highly qualified experts. This means that graphical elements must be used to generate applications or code, etc. As a result, we will soon see trends in artificial intelligence (AI).

In your opinion, what impact will AI have on functional safety?

We are looking carefully at what the field of artificial intelligence can bring to us and our products. However, many features do not migrate 1:1 to security technologies. We are still a few years away from using AI reliably in this very sensitive area. However, the direction is clear: solutions in the IT space will continue to be important. We should consider IT and automation technology as a whole.

What is the positioning of industrial machinery safety and industrial information security?

The same principle: functional safety and industrial information security, both belong to one. The new Machinery Regulations make this clear. In 2027, industrial information security for equipment and machinery will become mandatory. We must study how to reliably protect our standardized data communications and a growing number of connected devices from hackers. Whenever data is generated, there are always people who say, “I would love to have this data or I would love to have this data.” So it’s an information security issue. In networked equipment, this is true: without industrial information security, there is no guarantee of mechanical safety. Pilz is also taking action in this regard, such as our new security advisory services, such as training courses related to information security.