For physical AI to function, a 'data uninterrupted factory'—that is, a highly reliable, high-speed, and high-security network—is essential, and PROFINET will fulfill that role.

The Korea PROFINET Association held the 'Industrial Network PROFINET Global Forum' at the Koreana Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul on the 22nd.

The key topic of this year's forum was undoubtedly 'Physical AI'.

In-depth discussions continued regarding the role industrial networks must play in realizing autonomous factories where equipment, sensors, and robots in manufacturing sites make decisions and move on their own.

In his welcoming remarks, Cha Young-sik, President of the Korea PROFINET/PROFINET Association, emphasized, “As PROFINET is an internet-based technology, security and real-time performance are becoming key issues in the IT-OT convergence environment,” adding that “the latest technology updates, including PROFINET V2.5 and enhanced security features, will serve as the foundation for the era of physical AI.”

Also, “In Europe, security requirements will be in place starting next year "Regulations are becoming so strict that devices that do not meet the requirements cannot be sold," he said, reiterating the importance of security for industrial networks.

In particular, Xaver Schmidt, Global Chairman of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), who visited Korea, explained in his keynote speech, “Physical AI goes beyond simple automation to signify an autonomous factory where equipment makes its own decisions and optimizes,” adding, “To achieve this, a network structure is required where all layers, from sensors to the cloud, are connected in real time.”

He emphasized that the real-time communication provided by PROFINET, long-range and low-power connectivity based on APL/SPE, and enhanced security features in V2.5 meet these requirements.

In the subsequent session, key technologies required for the implementation of physical AI, such as IO-Link integration, APL/SPE/PA technology, PROFINET security (PN Security), and device integration, were introduced.

In particular, the 'Integration with Physical AI' session highlighted the structural advantages of PROFINET, which minimizes network latency and data loss to enable AI models to receive factory equipment data in real time and make decisions.

In addition, Chairman Cha Young-sik personally delivered a lecture on PROFINET maintenance and troubleshooting, receiving a great response from working engineers.

Chairman Cha Young-sik emphasized, “Physical AI is the technology that will determine the next 10 years of the manufacturing industry, and PROFINET is the foundational infrastructure.”