IO-Link Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Growing interest in Industry 4.0 - The goal of Industry 4.0 is to completely integrate the manufacturing process' communication system in order to increase factory productivity and create smart factory. The deployment of smart field devices, data interchange, industrial automation, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are the means by which this is accomplished. The integration of IO-Link solutions with overall industrial automation systems, the simplicity of sensor replacement, the removal of manual parameter settings, continuous data monitoring and status diagnostics, and enhanced uptime are some advantages of Industry 4.0 and IIoT. The amount of capital invested in startups developing technology relevant to Industry 4.0 increased by 319% between 2011 and 2021. USD 2.2 billion was invested in these businesses in 2021. Over the course of the 11-year period, 2,513 deals were announced.
• Growing IO-Link use in the automotive sector - In the automotive sector, even a small shutdown can cause massive losses for a manufacturing facility. A flaw might ruin the entire production run. Such downtimes are eliminated, product and manufacturing processes are improved, and regular preventive maintenance is ensured via IO-Link devices. IO-Link masters offer better performance and are built in compliance with AIDA criteria for the automotive sector. A standard for IO-Link masters in the automotive sector has been established by the Automation Initiative of German Domestic Automobile Manufacturers (AIDA). For all field modules, the L-coded power connection with functional earth must be utilized. The automotive industry's use of automation involves vertical integration and the use of EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP. Moreover, controllers and IO-Link products are seamlessly integrated. In consideration to this, the IO-link market is estimated to witness significant growth during the projection period.
• Strong Need for Remote Control and Monitoring - One of the main reasons propelling the growth of the market is the growing use of remote monitoring and control systems due to its time-efficient features. The efficiency and security of the control monitoring systems can be improved. The IO-link market is driven by the rise in demand for remote configuration, monitoring, and maintenance.

Challenges

• Utilizing small-scale devices- For industrial machinery, IO-Link systems reduce the number of wires and wiring. Compact and dependable solutions are required by the manufacturing industries for their operating procedures. This means that on a production floor, little machines are necessary. These small, compact devices are more powerful and perform better than conventional industrial options, all while using less power. Furthermore, the wiring in small devices is already brief. For IO-Link Industry participants, implementing IO-link solutions is more expensive in these situations. Furthermore, compared to conventional machines and other industrial solutions, these machines are more space-efficient and efficient. Therefore, one of the main obstacles to the IO-link market growth is the usage of small machines for industrial automation.
• It is anticipated that problems with the usage of simple sensors will hinder IO-link market expansion.
• Market expansion may be hampered by IO-link limitations and lack of standardization in high-speed or motion control applications.