Remote I/O system frees engineers from constraints of central controls
26 June 2025 
Rockwell Automation has announced a flexible remote I/O (input/output) system designed to help manufacturers to tackle the growing complexity of industrial operations. The modular PointMax I/O system has a small footprint, helping to reduce panel space and simplify system layouts. It has been designed to address the real-world constraints that manufacturers face on the plant floor.
As production demands grow and equipment footprints shrink, traditional I/O systems, which rely on extensive wiring and large control cabinets, are becoming harder to scale and maintain. To keep pace, manufacturers need flexible, efficient technologies that will give them design flexibility without adding unnecessary complexity.
The modular design of the new I/O system supports scalable and easily reconfigurable I/O deployments, freeing engineers from the constraints of rigid, centralised control systems. For both new machine builds and existing equipment, the system is said to deliver the flexibility needed for fast-paced manufacturing operations.
The system offers a choice of more than a dozen modules, including up to 16 digital inputs and outputs, relay outputs, and up to eight analogue (current and voltage) input and output channels. Up to 32 modules can be installed in one rack, which supports network and backplane speeds of up to 1Gbps. IO-Link and Hart are built in.
The racks integrate with Rockwell’s Logix 5000 controllers. They are designed to withstand tough industrial conditions.
“Customers are looking for smarter, more adaptable solutions that remove friction from system design and maintenance,” says Rockwell Automation product manager, Karthikeyan Mahalingam. “PointMax I/O delivers on that need by offering a simpler way to connect devices, gather insights and keep operations running smoothly. It’s about giving manufacturers more control and fewer constraints as they scale.”
