The challenges facing safe automation are reflected in the trends. The market wants overall, compatible solutions from the sensor to the actuator. Ethernet is gaining ground as a universal communication system. As a result, the worlds of information technology and automation are growing closer togetherCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, which brings new challenges not just for safety, but for security, too.
        The trend is moving away from exclusively centralized Control structures toward decentralizedCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, independent cell automation and the mechatronic, modular approach that this enables. However, networking several control systems must not increase the level of complexity. The future belongs to solutions that simplify user operationCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, while significantly increasing the level of flexibility.
        Along with the ongoing technological development, standards also have a key role to play—a fact that is also reflected in the trends.
        There are currently a whole range of standards and directives on machinery safety that are entirely new or are due to replace existing editions. The two most important changes are the new Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), which will come into force on Dec. 29CONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, 2009, and EN ISO 13849-1, which will replace EN 954-1. To that, add DIN EN 62061 as a sector standard of DIN EN 61508. The general expectation is that the conversion process will not make the safety solution any easier for end users or system integrators.
        For the first timeCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, methods will be available that permit a quantitative interpretation and verification of all the protective devices. Manufacturers need to design products with this in mind. Users need to see this change as an opportunity and try to promote active implementation.
        The new standards es