Connected and AI-Enabled Machinery Elevates Demand for Secure Machine Safeguarding Solutions

ARC Advisory Group research on the machine safeguarding solutions market reveals that digital transformation is reshaping machine safety requirements across industrial sectors. As manufacturers increasingly deploy connected equipment, AI-enabled systems, Industrial IoT technologies, and remote access capabilities, protecting machinery against cyber threats has become a critical component of ensuring safe and reliable operations. The growing convergence of functional safety, cybersecurity, and industrial automation is driving demand for advanced machine safeguarding solutions that can protect safety-critical control systems from unauthorized access, manipulation, or disruption. This trend is further reinforced by the EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which becomes applicable on January 20, 2027, and incorporates cybersecurity-related requirements where cyber threats can affect machinery safety. The regulation addresses risks associated with connected machinery and compliance-relevant software and data, strengthening the relationship between functional safety and cybersecurity. Manufacturers must therefore consider cybersecurity-related safety risks as part of machinery design and compliance, including protection against corruption of hardware, software, and data where this could lead to hazardous situations.

"Security is not an optional feature now, but a mandatory requirement for machinery. In order to obtain the CE mark, which signifies compliance with the European Union’s safety, health, and environmental protection standards, security measures must be implemented. With the growing interconnectedness of machinery and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial settings, the need for robust security measures has become paramount. The new Machinery Regulation takes into account the evolving nature of security threats and establishes a set of standards and procedures to address them. Global industrial standards are also adapting to this changing landscape by incorporating safety considerations in the context of security. These standards serve as a benchmark for manufacturers and other stakeholders to ensure that their machinery meets the necessary security requirements. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to producing safe and secure machinery," according to Anju Ajaykumar, Research Director and key author of ARC's Machine Safeguarding Solutions Market Research.

Machine Safeguarding Solutions Market Trends

In addition to providing detailed competitive market share data, the research also addresses key market trends as follows:

Safety and Security

Machinery safety is a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being of workers and the general public. With the rise of automation and interconnected industrial systems, the potential for cyberattacks to impact physical equipment and machinery has become a pressing issue. Designing machine control systems with security in mind is crucial to protecting industrial environments from potential cyber threats. The IEC 62443 standard serves as a comprehensive framework for addressing and mitigating security vulnerabilities in industrial automation and control systems. 

Convergence of Robotics and Functional Safety

Safety is becoming a defining requirement as industrial robotics moves from isolated automation toward increasingly human-centric manufacturing environments... The evolution is being shaped by ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, and IEC 61508. Looking ahead, this convergence is expected to extend to humanoid robots entering industrial environments for material handling, assembly, machine tending, and intralogistics.

Demand for Risk Assessment Services

As safety is becoming a global norm for growth and sustainability, there is an increased demand for risk assessment services and machine builders and end users are becoming more willing to pay for safety services. 

Smart Safety Solutions

Smart safety solutions and access to data substantially improve safety performance and standardize machinery and safety control. Smart safety solutions enable real-time monitoring and data collection, helping manufacturers better monitor and manage the safety of their processes.

Networked Safeguarding Components

The safeguarding market is shifting from hardwired solutions to networked solutions that provide rapid deployment and improved diagnostic capabilities.

Leading Suppliers to the Machine Safeguarding Solutions Market Identified

In addition to providing specific market data and industry trends, this ARC market research also identifies and positions the leading suppliers to this market and provides and summarizes their relevant offerings. An alphabetical list of key suppliers covered in this analysis includes: ABB, ASO Safety Solutions, Banner Engineering, BBH Systems, Beckhoff, Bernstein AG, Bihl+Wiedemann, Bircher Ag, Contrinex, DataLogic, E. Dold & Söhne, Eaton, Euchner, Fiessler, Halma, HIMA, Honeywell, Idec, Keyence, Leuze, Mayser, Mitsubishi Electric, OMRON, Panasonic, Phoenix Contact, Pilz, Pizzato Elettrica, Reer, Riken Optech, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Schmersal, SEW-EURODRIVE, Siemens, SICK, Tapeswitch, Weidmuller, Wieland.

About the Machine Safeguarding Solutions Research

Machine Safeguarding Market Trends

The Machine Safeguarding Solutions research explores the current and future market performance and related technology and business trends and identifies leading technology suppliers. This new research is based on ARC’s industry-leading market research database, extensive primary and secondary research, and proprietary economic modelling techniques.   The research includes competitive analysis, five-year market forecasts, and three years of historical analysis. The research segmentation includes World Region, Revenue Category, Hardware Component, Service Type, Industry, Machinery Segment, Sales Channel, Customer Type.

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