Leuze at the SPS
About AI, autonomous automation and cybersecurity requirements
The increasing importance of AI, autonomous automation and stricter cybersecurity requirements are currently shaping many areas of industrial sensor technology. In this interview, Dr. Henning Grönzin, CTO of Leuze, explains which technological priorities the company is focusing on, which trends will be most relevant for sensor and safety solutions in the coming years and how new regulatory requirements are challenging the entire industry. He also talks about what he personally sees as the highlight of SPS 2025.
Industrial Production: Which technologies do you focus on?
Henning Grönzin: In addition to the continuous development of our sensor technologies, in which we are constantly setting new standards as a technology leader, the focus is increasingly shifting to artificial intelligence. AI will play a decisive role in the future: in our products themselves, but also in the way we think about sensor technology.
Which industry trend is currently the most relevant for your company?
Clearly: autonomous automation. On the one hand, this involves the use of AI in industrial processes. On the other hand, it is about applications in intralogistics - which is a very important industry for us. Here we are seeing a strong trend towards autonomous transport systems (AGVs) and increasingly flexible material flow processes. Our sensor and safety solutions make a decisive contribution to making these systems even safer and more efficient.
Where do you see the biggest challenges for your industry in the next two to three years?
Cyber security is and remains a key issue. The implementation of the new EU regulations (CRA) by 2027 poses major challenges for the entire automation industry. The situation is further complicated by other industry standards, such as the requirement for SBOM from the FDA, which is already active, or the RED DA, harmonized via EN 1803, which regulates all Bluetooth-enabled devices, for example, and has similar requirements to the CRA, but must be implemented much earlier. Technological as well as regulatory and organizational expertise is required to overcome these additional challenges.
And on a personal note: What is the highlight of SPS 2025 for you?
Definitely our new, smallest laser scanner on the market, the RSL 200 :-) A real highlight! We are particularly proud that this product has won the GIT Award.
Thank you very much for the interview.
The questions were asked by Melanie Steinbeck
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