The shift toward networked fieldbus-connected safety systems

(See EUCHNER at MachineBuilding.Live, 15 October 2025, on stand 224)

It will come as little surprise that in today's technology driven environments, industrial safety systems are having to evolve. As machines become more sophisticated and grow in complexity, their safety functions are having to adapt too.

This is resulting in traditional hardwired safety control systems now giving way to more advanced safety options that have the ability to handle the higher levels of interaction, modularity and real-time response requirements.

The resulting shift towards networked Fieldbus-connected solutions mirrors previous advancements in standard control systems, where networking technologies have improved efficiencies, reduced complexity and enabled smarter automation.

EUCHNER's MGB2 Modular safety door system, integrates safety functions directly into the fieldbus network to enable the real-time monitoring, diagnostics and control of safety-critical applications.

In comparison to traditional hardwired safety systems, the MGB2 offers considerable advantages, including the ability to provide decentralised safety control. This increases the system's overall flexibility; reducing wiring complexity and simplifying the installation process by significantly cutting down on the amount of cabling required. Its integrated web server gives users a rapid, detailed overview of the status of the device at any time, allowing for advanced fault detection and improved system reliability.

The MGB2 Modular's highly functional door locking system can be customised using just a few components to create many different variants, functions and networking options. It consists of a handle module, an MGB2 locking module, the installed submodules with control and indicating functions, plus a bus module available for connecting to all common fieldbuses. The locking module features slots for two submodules, which can accommodate as many as six controls and indicators.

With complex machinery requiring more and more advanced safety measures, networked safety solutions like EUCHNER's MGB2 Modular offer a new level of flexibility. The system provides scalability to expand safety functions as required and ensures the seamless integration with industrial automation communication protocols such as PROFINET/PROFIsafe, EtherCAT/EtherCAT P with FSoE, and Ethernet/IP with CIP Safety protocol.

These safety Ethernet networks along with advanced safety automation architectures, offer machine builders and end users enhanced flexibility by allowing for more intuitive human-machine interaction, safer interventions and efficient process management. An example of this would be the use of RFID-coded key systems, like the CKS2, which supports safe, authorised access and short-term interventions - a key benefit in modern production environments.

As industries move towards the technological advancements of Industry 4.0 and we see an increasing number of 'smart manufacturing' innovations, networked safety systems will become a normality. These solutions are not just about convenience, they are future-proofing industrial safety - enhancing machine reliability, providing seamless connectivity and reducing downtime. More importantly, they also ensure that companies are able to maintain the required level of compliance in order to meet the evolving safety regulations of this fast-paced sector.