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More benefits of having a bus coupler module in your remote I/O system: enjoy streamlined installation and long-term savings with the IDEC SX8R

Unplanned and/or extended downtime : all control systems evolve over time. You may want to change the number of devices, or decide that the latest version of a device better meets your needs. Depending on how the system is arranged, adding or removing a device may mean temporarily putting everything else on hold. You can always plan ahead to minimize the downtime involved with control system upgrades – but if the work takes longer than expected, cost and productivity losses will continue to rise by the hour. In a well-designed remote I/O system, changes have a minimal effect on the rest of the existing setup. Lower disruption also means a lower chance of errors and equipment failure, further preventing unexpected downtime. SX8R features that help to minimize downtime: Flexible scalability and system expansion : add modules as and when without rewiring the entire system. Quicker wiring : as push-in terminals speed up the process, you can restore full system functionality even sooner. Support for multiple network protocols : take advantage of the SX8R’s compatibility with EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and CC-Link IE Field Basic for reliable communication between devices. Dedicated software : use SX8R Configurator for easy ‘drag-and-drop’ module configuration and communication settings. Operating temperature range : the wide -25°C to +65°C range keeps the SX8R running optimally in hot and cold operating environments. Faster, smoother installation saves time on every system building project Many of the SX8R’s clever features contribute to cutting installation and wiring times: Modular architecture : install what you need at the time, and nothing more. Over 40 remote I/O modules to choose from : find and quickly combine modules with digital and analog inputs and outputs for the ideal setup. Easy addition of expansion I/O modules : various expansion modules can be easily added to the bus coupler module, with no base plate required. Expansion interface module : easy to increase the number of digital and analog I/Os as needed. Push-in terminals : wiring takes roughly half the time, compared to using screw terminals. These advantages could have a significant impact on how quickly you can get your system up and running. Equipment maintenance : every machine will need maintenance at some point. To get the most use and efficiency out of your equipment, you need to optimize your maintenance processes. This involves knowing the current state of machinery and when/how to maintain it – in other words, you need the latest device data. In systems where devices are installed further away from each other, visiting all of them in person to record data read-outs is impractical and time-consuming. However, a lack of real-time information can throw off your maintenance schedule. Remote I/O systems are designed to reduce and optimize maintenance, using IoT connectivity to efficiently collate data. Having the latest information in one place creates the opportunity for predictive maintenance – spot issues before they happen, replace parts before they break, and prevent unnecessary work. SX8R features that help to simplify maintenance: Simpler installation of sensors : if your system needs added sensors for predictive maintenance, these can also be installed with minimal wiring. Increased data visibility : having system information in one place significantly lowers the risk of unforeseen issues. Easy debugging of configurations : view the data from each I/O module remotely, including ON/OFF status, current values, set values, and error information (for analog modules). Self-diagnostic software function : SX8R Configurator can display the specific location of a fault (e.g. which I/O module has the error). We’ve previously looked at how the IDEC SX8R bus coupler module (for remote I/O systems) can improve the reliability and efficiency of your automated systems . The other main considerations for industrial systems designers are – naturally – speed and the costs of implementation and maintenance. The SX8R can also act as an effective solution for customers prioritizing these needs. How and where do bus coupler modules fit into an industrial automation system? In some ways, it’s more than just part of the system: a bus coupler module is what makes remote I/O systems possible. In medium- to large-scale systems, various control and safety devices may be installed in different locations. Depending on the size of the system, ‘different locations’ could mean anything from separate rooms to opposite ends of a warehouse. Physically connecting control devices with wires and cables becomes extremely difficult – and taking manual data readings becomes highly impractical. A bus coupler acts as the dedicated communication module for connected remote I/O modules to share data, via commonly used network protocols. Each remote module collects information from control devices out in the field and sends it to the bus coupler, which then forwards it to the PLC. The SX8R fits into these systems with ease, thanks to its compact design and mounting hooks. No wires are needed to connect the bus coupler and I/O modules – they simply click together. Built for adaptability across different industries Remote I/O systems – and the SX8R bus coupler module as part of a system – have features and functions that lend themselves to a wide variety of industrial applications. For example: Machine tools : efficiency is key, in terms of both installation space and work processes – achieve system downsizing and improve machine uptime with the SX8R and a remote I/O system in combination. Automotive : downtime losses in the automotive industry are measured by the minute – the SX8R in remote I/O systems helps keep downtime to a minimum. Food and packaging : accurate data is essential to maintain product quality and hygiene levels – use remote I/O modules to collect real-time information on temperatures, weights, process timing, etc. Automated production lines : different lines and process stages require a variety of different devices – pick out the I/O modules to support each device type and AC/DC inputs and outputs. Construction : depending on the work site, data monitoring in the field may be too difficult – IIoT connectivity is a game-changer for construction projects, enabling reliable remote monitoring. Logistics : in large warehouses and storage facilities, devices may be placed far away from both each other and the controller – in remote I/O systems, more distance between devices isn’t a barrier to data transfer. Added convenience, from system implementation to ongoing maintenance Whether you’re weighing up changes to your remote I/O system or making plans to design a new one from scratch, the IDEC SX8R can make things simpler. The SX8R bus coupler module is available in all of our global regions. Review the specifications here on the website, then reach out to your local IDEC team to further discuss your needs. Smart, efficient features that save time and money over equipment lifecycles When calculating the long-term costs of running a remote I/O system, there are 2 inevitable factors you must consider: downtime , and maintenance .

Full control in long-distance & high-interference environments

A monthly newsletter from the IDEC EMEA team. Wireless instability, operator safety, and long-distance machine control are major challenges in heavy-duty welding environments. This month, discover how the HT4P IDEC Safety Commander™ helped a custom metal fabrication customer in Europe deploy a reliable 20-meter wired control solution while preserving the flexibility of their Android-based welding interface.

Empowering autonomous mobility with HMI-X: IDEC and ez-Wheel’s integrated approach (part 2)

Transforming workplace safety with HMI-X and automation solutions Combined with IDEC’s SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner, the motorized Safety Wheel Drive system addresses the functional needs of driverless industrial trucks. It also does so in full compliance with international standards for AGVs, and with ISO3691-4. Safety Wheel Drive is currently on sale in many regions, including Japan, Europe, the USA and Canada. The SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner is available globally. These advances in HMI-X solutions for the AGV/AMR industry are just the start. We’re developing and rolling out other ways that Safety Wheel Drive can meet customer needs and add value, especially when implemented alongside other IDEC products and technologies. Subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on social media for regular product updates. IDEC is working to create the optimum environment for humans and machines. Learn more about our HMI-X initiatives on the IDEC corporate website . Installing Safety Wheel Drive on AGVs/AMRs that operate in the same areas as humans immediately gives those AGVs and/or AMRs advanced safety controls: Safe motor disconnection (STO) when a stop is requested Safe brake control (SBC) to ensure a standstill Safe direction (SDI) in case of collision risk Safely limited speed (SLS) to prevent hazardous situations Safe maximum speed (SMS) to secure operating range The SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner has a 270° sensing angle. It senses when someone (or something) is within the warning area or safety protection zone for the AGV. If the scanner detects a person or object in the warning zone, Safety Wheel Drive will slow down. In the safety protection zone, Safety Wheel Drive will stop. Building on the HMI-X concept: Safety Wheel Drive Together, IDEC and ez-Wheel have continued to take this holistic approach to technological transformation and product development. The innovative Safety Wheel Drive system is the result. It’s designed to work with a variety of IDEC safety devices to create a flexible, reliable industrial safety system. For example, when Safety Wheel Drive and the SE2L Advanced safety laser scanner are installed on an AGV, the result is a simple, safety compliant AGV. HMI applications – and the HMIs themselves – are evolving in harmony In this HMI-X system, the definition of ‘HMI’ has started to change. The ‘interface’ aspect of ‘human machine interfaces’ is even more interactive. The balance is shifting – before, users (humans) actively used interfaces by pressing buttons and touching displays. Now, the ‘machine’ element of HMIs plays a stronger part, with passive technologies that sense humans and automatically act to keep them safe. Together, the devices and technologies that make up HMI-X systems create working environments where machines and humans can safely coexist. Transformation: calling it simply a corporate ‘buzzword’ plays down the real, constant changes and evolutions in technologies and how people work. Many manufacturers and other companies are aiming for ‘transformation’ in their industry. They could just say ‘change’, but transformation takes more effort and dedication. It involves rethinking how they do business from the ground up. You may see ‘X’ used to represent transformation in a business context. Take DX (digital transformation) as one common example. At IDEC, we plan to transform human-machine interfaces (HMIs) through the HMI-X concept. Industry 4.0 will naturally be followed by further stages of technological advancements, and we’ll continue working to redefine HMIs and what they’re capable of. In part 1 of this series , we explained the HMI-X concept and several IDEC products born from new initiatives. This time, we’ll go into more detail on other products that demonstrate our progress so far and the ongoing potential of HMI-X. In this article: Building on the HMI-X concept: Safety Wheel Drive HMIs and their applications evolving in harmony Transforming workplace safety with HMI-X and automation

Empowering autonomous mobility with HMI-X: IDEC and ez-Wheel’s integrated approach (part 1)

Transformation leads to new solutions – and those solutions will transform processes and safety at industrial work sites The aim of IDEC’s HMI-X concept is to combine the control element of HMIs with: Increased safety and well-being Automation Dedicated hardware and software IoT (IIoT) connectivity The products, services, and solutions we develop through HMI-X will together create environments where humans and machines can safely coexist. These user interfaces and the ways they interact with HMIs are equally important. For example, demand for contactless devices and remote monitoring with HMIs rapidly increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Each new IDEC product represents a technological advancement – and they’re even more effective when used together. By providing products and services that combine safety and HMIs, IDEC will drive HMI-X and contribute to achieving well-being for our diverse stakeholders. Change is inevitable, and it never stops. People and businesses continue to move with the times, and with new trends and technologies. More than simply aiming to ‘change’ or to do things differently, many companies are pursuing ‘transformation’. Business transformation is ambitious – it involves creating new processes, redefining company culture, and improving the customer experience. You may be familiar with ‘digital transformation’, commonly known as DX. It generally refers to using digital technologies to rethink business processes and drive value creation. IDEC and ez-Wheel are taking a groundbreaking approach to business transformation with the HMI-X concept. We intend to reimagine human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in the age of Industry 4.0 and beyond. In this article: What is HMI-X? Flexible and dynamic thinking that drives innovations The transformation > solution > transformation cycle for industrial safety Our work so far is only the start: transformation never ends The IDEC products introduced in this article – the KW2D, HT3P and HT4P, CW series, and the HG series – are all available globally. Contact us directly for more details, follow us on social media , or subscribe to our mailing list. In part 2 of this series , we’ll introduce another highly innovative IDEC product that embodies our HMI-X approach. Keeping our thinking flexible and dynamic, to develop wide-ranging innovations As a leader in HMIs, IDEC has grown globally – and continually works to achieve consistently high levels of safety and contribute to society. HMI-X means more than simply innovating in the HMI segment. HMIs are just one aspect of comprehensive solutions that incorporate hardware and software. We're driving new initiatives in key fields, including automation and driverless industrial trucks and their systems (AGVs and AMRs). These efforts have resulted in several new product launches, including: The KW2D smart RFID reader : custom authorization and high security, to help customers manage equipment access and work logs. The HT3P and HT4P Safety Commander tablet holders : forward-thinking design that includes a 3-position enabling switch and emergency stop switch. The CW series of touchless switches : designed for convenience, accessibility, and hygiene, with built-in sensors and indicator lights. The HG1J and HG2J operator interfaces : touchscreen display panels with high clarity and environmental durability. What is HMI-X? IDEC defines Human-Machine Interface Transformation (HMI-X) as “the change in the optimal interface that accompanies major changes in the relationship between humans and machines.” The ‘X’ represents transformation, and ‘HMI’ is short for Human-Machine Interfaces. We first introduced this concept in 2022, as part of our Medium-Term Management Plan for FY2023-FY2025. It remains part of our plan for FY2026-FY2028.

Moving two tons without the strain

A monthly newsletter from the IDEC EMEA team. Handling multi-ton data servers in narrow aisles presents both ergonomic and operational challenges. Discover how an electrically assisted mobility solution eliminates operator strain while improving precision and safety.

IDEC Engineering Insights #7, part 2: a global technical support team leader who never stops learning

IDEC Engineering Insights is a series of interviews with IDEC employees who hold specialized product knowledge. Through this Q&A format, they share some of their professional experience and personal opinions on IDEC products and solutions.

IDEC Engineering Insights #7, part 1: a global technical support team leader who never stops learning

IDEC Engineering Insights is a series of interviews with IDEC employees who hold specialized product knowledge. Through this Q&A format, they share some of their professional experience and personal opinions on IDEC products and solutions.

IDEC Engineering Insights #6: an engineer dedicated to raising awareness of safety and IDEC products in the China market

IDEC Engineering Insights is a series of interviews with IDEC employees who hold specialized product knowledge. Through this Q&A format, they share some of their professional experience and personal opinions on IDEC products and solutions.

Safety integration in ultra-slim remote controls

A monthly newsletter from the IDEC EMEA team. This month, discover how the XW1E-BV3SG unibody Emergency-Stop enabled a sleek, space-efficient design for a European customer's remote control unit application with extremely limited panel depth.

Behind the ISO 10218 series safety standards updates in 2025: understanding the real-world shifts in industrial robot technology that drove the revisions (article 1 of 2)

You may know that the ISO 10218 series of international safety standards (ISO 10218-1 and ISO 10218-2) were republished in early 2025 with significant revisions. Those revisions didn’t happen overnight – experts from over 20 countries spent close to 8 years working on the ISO 10218 updates. Our recent white paper on the new ISO 10218 safety standard explains what’s changed and who’s affected – in this series of articles, we’ll go into more detail on why those changes were made. Contents: Technology has changed Industrial robots have changed The requirements for industrial robots have changed The way we use industrial robots has changed The way we talk about industrial robots has changed IDEC is making changes You can read part 2 here . Technology has changed: the world is a very different place ISO 10218 was last revised in 2011, which was a big year for advances in digital technology: Apple launched the iPhone 4S with Siri built in Spotify launched in the US Netflix moved from DVD rentals to streaming We’ve seen other tech products and services from 2011 come and go: Microsoft acquired Skype (shut down in 2025) Amazon launched the Kindle Fire (rebranded in 2013) Google launched Google+ (shut down in 2019) Looking back, it’s hard to believe those events were nearly a decade and a half ago. The general public are likely to be familiar with the above examples. In the world of robotics, advances in sensing technologies have widened industrial robot applications and adoption. Interoperability – the ways industrial robots compatibly work with other robotic parts and systems – has also contributed to an increased focus on cybersecurity measures over the years. Most ISO standards are reviewed every 5 years. It then took roughly 8 years to revise and republish the ISO 10218 series. Why did it take time to update this standard, compared to others? One reason might be that, as shown by key events from 2011 alone, technology evolves quickly. Another possible reason for the experts to take time and care in updating the ISO 10218 series would be the standard’s continued importance in many industries and applications. Industrial robots are widely used on a global scale, more so than other machinery and equipment. The need for robot-related safety standards – comprehensive, accurate standards that reflect current needs and use cases – is higher. Further reading: our next article, and our white paper on ISO 10218 Keen to learn more? Our second article on the ISO 10218 series is ready to read . We do more than just report on changes to international safety standards – IDEC’s history of involvement in standardization spans decades. You can also access our white paper on ISO 10218 revisions . The requirements for industrial robots have changed: the expansion of various robot applications Updates to ISO 10218-1 for 2025 include a robot classification system. This helps users to determine the required level of safety measures when using a specific robot. Industrial robots now fall under Class I or Class II, depending on their “total mass per manipulator”, the “maximum force per manipulator”, and their maximum speed. The safety level for each class is aligned with the risk level of robots in that class. Class I robots , with their lower force and speed, are expected to pose a lower hazard to operators. Class II robots – the majority of industrial robots – are subject to stricter requirements, in line with their wider capabilities and added features. By establishing this functional classification, ISO 10218 sets out safety requirements that match the specific needs of an industrial robot application. Industrial robots have changed: they can do more, and present more risks to humans The ISO 10218 series has 2 parts: ISO 10218-1 : Robotics – Safety requirements, part 1 – Industrial robots ISO 10218-2 : Robotics – Safety requirements, part 2 – Industrial robot applications and robot cells You may see them written as ISO 10218-1:2025 and ISO 10218-2:2025 . Part 1 is aimed at robot manufacturers, with a focus on industrial robot design and construction. Part 2 is aimed at systems integrators and end users, and focuses on how industrial robots are used. The ISO 10218 series of standards is also relevant to the employers of people who work with robots, and to industrial health and safety organizations. Major developments in robotics in recent years have included AI-driven enhancements, IoT (IIoT) integration, and – most significantly – the emergence of industrial robots that can work in harmony with humans. As the ISO Technical Committee for Robotics noted, industrial robots now have greater capabilities to handle collaborative applications. As robot functionality has increased, along with the amount of direct collaboration with human operators, these changes need to be accounted for in safety requirements. When it was time to start reviewing the ISO 10218 series standards and requirements, the working group had a lot of new ground to cover. ISO 10218-2:2025 by itself has 3 times as many pages as the previous version, with significant changes and updates to several sections: Terms and definitions: increased from 2 pages to 15 pages Safety requirements and protective (risk reduction) measures: increased from 28 pages to 50 pages List of significant hazards: increased from 3 pages to 8 pages The additions include many new sections that reflect modern robot capabilities: 4.3.2 : Risk assessment for contacts between moving parts of the robot application and operator(s) 5.2.16 : Cybersecurity 5.3.5 : Local control, remote control, and single point-of-control 5.5 : Safety functions 5.6.4 : Normal stop Annex C (normative) : Safety function performance requirements Annex D (informative) : Required safety function information

Behind the ISO 10218 series safety standards updates in 2025: understanding the real-world shifts in industrial robot technology that drove the revisions (article 2 of 2)

The way we talk about industrial robots has changed: do ‘cobots’ still exist? When the 2025 revisions to ISO 10218 were announced, the fact that the requirements for safety functions are now explicitly stated – not just implied – made headlines. These wording changes are designed to make requirements clearer, helping to simplify the route to compliance for manufacturers, integrators and other stakeholders. The other newsworthy change is that the term “collaborative robots” is no longer used. ISO 10218 now makes no distinction between industrial robots and collaborative robots. Instead, it discusses collaborative applications: “an application that contains one or more collaborative tasks.” A collaborative task is further defined as a “portion of the robot sequence where both the robot application and operator(s) are within the same safeguarded space.” According to the new standards, human-robot collaboration applies to the application (the intended use and purpose), not just to the robot(s). As such, only the application can be confirmed and approved as ‘collaborative’. In the updated terms and definitions, a full industrial robot application is now a machine comprising: the industrial robot system the workpieces the task program machinery and equipment that supports the application and intended tasks An industrial robot system is further defined as “an industrial robot, end-effector(s), and any end-effector sensors and equipment needed to support the end-effector(s).” There are further definitions of “industrial robots”, “end-effectors”, “task programs” and “applications”, so we recommend reading the revised ISO 10218 series in full. These wording changes help readers to clarify the definition of a collaborative application, making it easier to comply with the relevant safety standards and requirements. Compliance is important from start to finish – ISO 10218-2:2025 provides a clear opportunity for industrial robot users to ramp up their safety measures and make sure systems are integrated and efficient. Many people had been watching and waiting for the revisions to ISO 10218 series of international safety standards earlier in 2025. They’d waited a long time – the wide-ranging updates to both ISO 10218-1 and ISO 10218-2 took experts from more than 20 countries nearly 8 years to complete. We covered these substantial revisions and their implications in our white paper – this series of articles takes an even closer look at the many reasons behind them. You can read our first article here . Contents: Technology has changed Industrial robots have changed The requirements for industrial robots have changed The way we use industrial robots has changed The way we talk about industrial robots has changed IDEC is making changes The way we use industrial robots has changed: working in harmony with humans Users can take note of the different requirements for Class I, but in industrial environments it’s fair to say that Class II robots are more common. It’s estimated that global demand for robots at factories doubled between 2014 and 2024. Industrial robots have transformed manufacturing and other industrial processes. They made such a difference that many people started to wonder, “will a robot take my job?” In many cases, workplaces are taking a hybrid approach known as ‘Collaborative Safety’. Humans and machines coexist safely, working together (collaborating) to get the job done. As collaborative robots (cobots) grew in popularity and potential, the ISO 10218-1:2011 and ISO 10218-2:2011 requirements no longer covered the full scope of their implementation and use. In 2016, the ISO/TS 15066 Technical Specification was issued to bridge the gap. ISO/TS 15066 (Robots and robotic devices – Collaborative robots) acted as a supplement to the ISO 10218 series, building on the core safety standards laid out in parts 1 and 2. It focused on the specific safety requirements for collaborative robots and their work environments. With the 2025 revisions, the requirements outlined in ISO/TS 10566 are now part of the ISO 10218 series. This change consolidates all of the safety requirements for collaborative robots into 1 set of standards, for simpler understanding and compliance. IDEC is making changes: an eye on the future of international safety standards Global standards and uniform requirements for industrial safety benefit everyone. Regular updates and revisions to international safety standards reflect the latest developments and technologies, and keep all users on the same page when it comes to compliance. IDEC is proud to be actively involved in international standardization, including the development of ISO standards for the use of industrial robots. Download our white paper on the revisions to ISO 10218 . To learn more about ISO international safety standards and compliance, revisit our article series: How ISO-compliant equipment, devices and systems enhance and assure long-term industrial safety (part 1) How ISO-compliant equipment, devices and systems enhance and assure long-term industrial safety (part 2)

Safety-certified presence detection in dust

A monthly newsletter from the IDEC EMEA team. Discover how Safety Laser Scanner enabled safe presence detection in a challenging environment for a European customer’s press plate manufacturing process.