‘Future-ready’ I/O system is designed to meet challenges of tomorrow
18 March 2025 
Schneider Electric has launched a “future-ready” industrial I/O system which uses open Ethernet protocols to deliver connectivity to a variety of devices and architectures. The Modicon Edge I/O NTS system embeds data intelligence to deliver better performance, availability, and cybersecurity.
Schneider says the flexible system will meets users’ current needs for industrial I/O applications, while preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. It will handle a variety of applications, from simple to demanding, in a single I/O family.
The IP20-protected system uses OPC UA for internal communications, ensuring security and interoperability of various Ethernet protocols. Schneider says it lays the foundation of a new generation of connected products based on industrial networks for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
The company adds that machine-builders, systems integrators, and industrial end-users can expect to:
- Save time, with adaptive tools, simpler designs and wiring, quicker start-up of new machines and processes, and shorter time-to-market.
- Cut costs and reduce Mean Time to Repair and unplanned downtime because of the system’s robust design with environmentally hardened options, hot-swap capabilities and integrated diagnostics.
- Increase flexibility with the ability to customise I/O islands and get the most from the system’s compact design, allowing more I/O modules and functions in less space.
- Prepare for the future of data-driven industries thanks to compliance with cybersecurity regulations, allowing end-users to securely access and integrate the data they need to optimise industrial efficiency, agility, sustainability and profitability.
“Edge I/O NTS not only provides a very strong and superior catalogue for I/O for our customers to build their solutions today, but it also prepares them for the future,” says Grant Van Hemert, Schneider’s senior offer manager for the Digital Factory in the US. “Customers are more prepared for advancing digitisation, ensuring better and transparent data management, and adapting to the future of Industry 4.0.”
Commenting on the launch of the new I/O system, Craig Resnick, vice-president of ARC Advisory Group, says: “The market for distributed I/O is being driven by digital transformation, which is rapidly increasing demand for additional manufacturing data to support analytics, AI, virtualisation, asset management and predictive maintenance, the Industrial Internet of Things, digital twins and simulation, augmented and virtual reality, and IT and OT convergency. However, distributed I/O must be designed on OPC UA over TSN, all while meeting vigorous industrial standards and certifications regarding temperature, harsh, severe and hazardous operating environment, vibration and electromagnetic compatibility.
“Schneider Electric’s new Modicon Edge I/O NTS next-generation distributed IP20 I/O system meets these market and design requirements and will provide its users with a solution that will help to accelerate their digital transformation journey.”
