What is IO-Link?

IO-Link is the first globally standardized IO technology (IEC 61131-9) for communicating with sensors and actuators. The powerful point-to-point communication is based on the long-established 3-wire sensor and actuator connection without any additional requirements for the cable material. IO-Link is therefore not a fieldbus, but the evolutionary further development of the previous, tried and tested connection technology for sensors and actuators.

 

Current events
12 May
12 May
New Dates for IO-Link User Workhops in the US

This free user workshop / training class prepares attendees to apply IO-Link in their own project. Lunch is included. Technical details of the technology are provided along with practical demonstrations.  The class is designed for:

  • End-Users
  • OEMs / Machine Builders
  • System Integrators / Distributors
  • Manufacturers of automation devices
  •  

Topics:

  • Background
  • Interface and Protocol
  • USB of Automation
  • Higher-level Integration
  • Application Use-Cases
  • Diagnostics
  • Profiles
  • Safety
  • Wireless

Following the dates / locations:

  • Milwaukee, WI -May 12, 2026
  • Portland, OR - September 01, 2026

More information and registration at: https://io-link.us/events/

IO-Link User Workhops
2 Jun
2 Jun
IO-Link on the aaa in Hamburg (Germany)

The IO-Link Community will exhibit on the aaa in Hamburg (Germany) for the very first time on June 02-03, 2026 (Booth 753).

At all about automation in Hamburg, users and decision-makers will meet with manufacturers of automation components and systems, suppliers of robotics solutions, integrators, digitalisation experts, software providers, service providers and distributors.
 

Exciting races on a miniature racetrack can be experienced at the trade fair stand. Every visitor is cordially invited to beat the lap record!

The racetrack is equipped with many different devices from various manufacturers in the IO-Link community. The most important race data is recorded with IO-Link and visualized on the screen. This is a small-scale demonstration of what has proven itself in large systems: interoperability of the IO-Link master with all available devices and simple control integration.

If you would like to learn more about this unique IO-Link concept, you are welcome to visit us at booth 753. Of course, many member companies will also be exhibiting at their own booths.

We look forward to seeing you in June in Hamburg!

Please register for your free ticket

Find out more
22 Sep
22 Sep
IO-Link Interop 2026

Do you have new IO-Link products and would like to test them in advance?

On September 22 and 23, 2026, the annual IO-Link Interop Workshop will take place in Bad Soden, Germany (near Frankfurt a. M.), where international manufacturers of IO-Link devices, tools and integration components will come together to check and ensure smooth interaction in OT and the connection to IT. In addition to the standard technology of IO-Link, topics such as IO-Link Wireless, profile implementations, system integrations and IoT connections such as JSON REST API will also be covered. Particularly noteworthy is the opportunity to test IO-Link Safety devices!

The IO-Link Plugfest offers you the opportunity to test the interoperability of your devices or software in a realistic environment and ensure that they work together with products from other manufacturers without any problems. This allows you to test interoperability during the development phase and exchange information at a technical level. You also have the opportunity to clarify open questions in discussions with experts and develop a deeper understanding of the technology. Depending on the progress of your development, a test run can also be carried out with one of the available testers.

Our IO-Link experts are on hand to advise you on all questions relating to IO-Link. The direct exchange and feedback from other developers will provide you with valuable insights and possible suggestions for improving your product or solution.

The participation fee for the IO-Link Interop workshop is 285 € / participant. (This fee covers food/drinks and a dinner together in the evening - but does not include the cost of accommodation).

For organizational reasons, please register online by August 31, 2026.

IO-Link Interop 2026
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Current News
IO-Link Continues Growth in Automation

The annual survey of installed IO-Link devices has once again been completed, confirming continued stable growth and reinforcing IO-Link’s strong position in the global market.

Thus, IO-Link remains a key growth driver at the sensor and actuator level. In 2025, approximately 9.7 million new IO-Link devices and master ports were installed worldwide. This brings the total number of IO-Link nodes installed globally to 71 million. This development once again underscores the high level of industrial acceptance and the continuous spread of the standard across all industries. Following the particularly high volumes of previous years, the market is now entering a phase of normalization at a still very high level.

IO-Link benefits from its key role in end-to-end digitalization, from the sensor all the way to higher-level IT and cloud structures. Topics such as transparency at the field level, easy integration, standardized data models, and seamless integration into higher-level systems like PROFINET make IO-Link an indispensable enabler for data-driven automation, condition monitoring, and AI-supported applications. With new extensions such as IO-Link Safety, wireless approaches, and further-developed profiles, the range of applications is continuously expanding and creating additional momentum for future growth.

Read more about the strong market position
2 Jun
2 Jun
IO-Link on the aaa in Hamburg

The IO-Link Community will be represented on the All About Automation in Hamburg (June 02-03, 2026) for the first time.

The visitors of the fair may expect a special highlight: Exciting races on a miniature racetrack can be experienced at the trade fair stand. Every visitor is cordially invited to beat the lap record!

The racetrack is equipped with many different devices from various manufacturers in the IO-Link community. The most important race data is recorded with IO-Link and visualized on the screen. This is a small-scale demonstration of what has proven itself in large systems: interoperability of the IO-Link master with all available devices and simple control integration.

If you would like to learn more about this unique IO-Link concept, you are welcome to visit us at booth B6-753. 

We look forward to seeing you on June 02 and 03, 2026, at the Hamburg Exhibition Center. 

Please register to get your free ticket

 

Find out more
10 Mar
10 Mar
IO-Link on the aaa in Friedrichshafen (Germany)

The All About Automation (AAA) trade fair has become the highlight of the automation industry on Lake Constance. This year, the IO-Link Community will be represented in Friedrichshafen for the first time.

Exciting races on a miniature racetrack can be experienced at the trade fair stand. Every visitor is cordially invited to beat the lap record!

The racetrack is equipped with many different devices from various manufacturers in the IO-Link community. The most important race data is recorded with IO-Link and visualized on the screen. This is a small-scale demonstration of what has proven itself in large systems: interoperability of the IO-Link master with all available devices and simple control integration.

If you would like to learn more about this unique IO-Link concept, you are welcome to visit us at booth B3-516. At the same time, interesting presentations will be held in the Talk Lounge. Of course, many member companies will also be exhibiting at their own booths.

We look forward to seeing you on March 10 and 11, 2026, at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center. 

Please register to get your free ticket

Find out more