The IO-Link Community has achieved an important milestone in advancing IO-Link Safety: TÜV SÜD has successfully tested and officially approved the IO-Link Safety specification V1.1.4. This establishes the groundwork for the extensive industrial application of the technology-agnostic safety solution.
Certification from an independent testing organization signifies the completion of the development stage for IO-Link Safety and now allows for the launch of products ready for the market. TÜV SÜD, recognized as the initial official IO-Link Safety Test Center, has commenced the testing of IO-Link Safety masters and devices. The initial certified products will be on the market soon.
IO-Link Safety represents the safety-oriented enhancement of the established IO-Link technology, facilitating – in accordance with the IO-Link framework – smooth incorporation into current automation and safety systems. The specification received a favorable assessment from TÜV SÜD and the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the DGUV (IFA) during the concept stage. Following the proof-of-concept findings, the specification was steadily advanced towards product maturity alongside the relevant test specification
In contrast to conventional IO-Link, IO-Link Safety relies on third-party certification. Manufacturers must have their products tested at a recognized test center—an additional step to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.
With over 20,000 IO-Link-compatible products available and more than 500 manufacturers worldwide, IO-Link offers a dynamic ecosystem that creates ideal conditions for rapid market penetration of IO-Link Safety. The open architecture enables easy integration into all common PLC, DCS, and IoT systems.
Development costs are particularly high when it comes to functional safety, which makes it all the more valuable that IO-Link Safety requires support for only a single, easily implementable communication standard. As IO-Link Safety devices can be used in all automation systems worldwide without modification, which is why the community expects rapid establishment and fast market growth.