On April 20, 2026, the Profibus Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO) held its annual general meeting as part of the Hannover Messe. In addition to the report of the Executive Board, the focus was on the regular elections of the Executive Board and Advisory Board, which take place every three years.

The Executive Board presented the development of PI technologies for 2025 based on the node figures as well as the financial figures for 2025 and the financial plan for 2026. Current topics relating to technology and organizational development were also discussed.

In technical terms, the focus was on the interaction between the various PI technologies and their further development. Among other things, Profinet version 2.5, an overview of IO-Link and results from security working groups and the APL/SPE project were presented. Progress with omlox, SRCI, MTP and NOA was also reported.

The organization also provided information on changes to its articles of association and internal documents. Overall, a structural change is evident: the PNO is evolving from an organization focused on Profibus and Profinet to a more broadly positioned provider of industrial communication and automation technologies. These form the basis for digitalization, Industry 4.0 and Industrial AI. At the same time, topics such as cyber security, vertical integration, safety, device integration and information models are being driven forward. Investments are also being made in services, online offerings and software and test solutions.

In the elections, Xaver Schmidt (Siemens) was confirmed as Chairman of the Executive Board. Prof. Dr. Felix Hackelöer (TH Köln/Gummersbach), Frank Moritz (Sick) and Harald Müller (Endress+Hauser) also remain in office.

Dr. Thomas Bürger (Weidmüller), Kurt Hippler (Harting) and Peter Kamp (Sick) were newly elected to the Advisory Board. Raphael Dunker (SEW-Eurodrive), Klaus Erni (Emerson), Marco Henkel (Wago), Andreas Hennecke (Pepperl+Fuchs), Edwin van Hoeven (Yokogawa), Andreas Pfaff (Mitsubishi Electric), Frank Schewe (Phoenix Contact), Michael Straub (Festo) and Dr. Ulrich Viethen (Murrelektronik) were confirmed.

The Management Board and Advisory Board are responsible for the strategic development of Profinet, IO-Link and other PI technologies. They are supported by nine committees that deal with technology, quality assurance and marketing issues.