Posted to News on 5th Nov 2025, 10:30
The Future of Industrial Automation Depends on Cybersecure and Intelligent Edge Devices
The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) is now a reality - but for industry to benefit fully, all edge devices need autonomous operation and advanced cybersecurity, including the I/O modules that handle streams of data, as Ursula Barr, Offer Manager for PAC and Software, Schneider Electric, explains.
Industrial businesses across the board are using digital transformation to unlock new levels of efficiency. The main focus is often on big ticket items such as AI, next-generation automation, or advanced machines. However, these all rely on devices at the edge of the network, where data originates. Intelligent edge devices positioned close to sensors, actuators, and assets can enable real-time decision making and empower operators to solve issues before they lead to costly downtime.
Robust data
Until recently, data was never connected to the cloud, so I/O systems were never designed with in-built cybersecurity. However, today's networks are widely connected and handle much higher levels of network traffic, while integrating complex analytics and many types of devices.
This has driven the development of a new generation of I/O platform that improves resilience, reduces latency, and enables real-time responsiveness.
New roles for I/O modules
Intelligent I/O is not just a data pathway, the right solution is also an enabler of performance and control. Modern I/O systems are capable of filtering, formatting, securing, and in some cases pre-processing data. This forms a foundation for intelligent edge devices to offer the most value by ensuring that only valuable and actionable insights are sent upstream.
The latest generation of I/O platforms has been developed to minimise downtime for owners while maximising flexibility and ease-of-use for system integrators, which keeps project costs under control.
Cybersecurity
No discussion about data in industrial settings is complete without considering cybersecurity. This is especially true for intelligent edge devices, where every deployment is a potential entry into the network. Resilience of the whole system is non-negotiable.
Businesses can protect and future-proof their data network by using a modern I/O platform that complies with the IEC 62443-4-2 cybersecurity standard. This covers aspects such as:
- Role-based access to make sure that any data transfer is securely accessed to protect operations, including data originating from intelligent edge devices.
- Secure boot and firmware integrity checks.
- Event logging and intrusion detection.
Future-proofing data networks
The latest I/O technology is no longer a passive component but an essential enabler of digital transformation and cyber security. In an era of constant digitalisation, as new edge devices are added they will not be isolated in silos, instead all data will contribute to the overall digital transformation effort to improve operations.
Today, I/O technology needs to integrate multiple slices per island, such as digital and analogue inputs and outputs, motion control, and fieldbus connectivity. This provides flexibility for futureproofing.
An important feature of the latest technology is physical robustness, which results in high availability and minimises unplanned downtime.
In addition, unrestricted hot-swap capability minimises downtime. It enables an operator to switch any modules without losing valuable production time while powering down the system. This was not possible in the past, when previous generations of I/O technology were limited in terms of the number and proximity of modules that could be removed at one time.
Straightforward integration
Meanwhile, system integrators benefit from a compact, modular and scalable platform that is straightforward to use. These features enable time savings in design, procurement and installation. They also provide flexibility and scalability for integration in a standalone machine or a large-scale distributed system.
Modern platforms are comprised of interchangeable slices which allows for a scalable building block approach. New functionalities or process changes can be accommodated with minimal interruption, meaning that I/O platforms do not require a total system overhaul as edge devices are added or more data is produced.
This flexibility is valuable in sectors where customer needs shift quickly like food and beverage, CPG, or batch manufacturing. Intelligent I/O platforms enable plant operators to reduce the engineering effort that comes with new production lines, machines, or compliance changes.
Together, these features make I/O a strategic enabler of digital transformation rather than a supporting component.
Choice of I/O as important as edge devices
As businesses invest in intelligent edge devices, they also need to optimise the infrastructure that supports them. The latest generation of I/O platform, such as Schneider Electric's Modicon Edge I/O NTS, is a crucial element of all modern industry settings to ensure that data can be effectively harnessed, secured, and acted upon.
