What lies ahead for machine manufacturers in 2027?
With the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the regulatory framework for machinery in the EU is changing. It replaces the previous Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and is applicable from 20 January 2027.
For many manufacturers, this is more than just a formal transition. After all, modern machinery today is increasingly electrified, software-based and networked. As a result, issues such as functional safety, software integrity, cyber aspects, system integration and the traceability of modifications are moving even further into focus.
Particularly for manufacturers of electrically powered machinery, this means that these exact regulations must be incorporated into the development of solutions right from the start, rather than only at the end.
Why the new Machinery Regulation is relevant
The new regulation explicitly takes account of the technical developments of recent years. The focus includes machinery and systems that are increasingly characterised by digitalisation, connectivity, software-based functions, autonomy and AI-related applications.
This also shifts the perspective in development: it is not only mechanical safety that is relevant, but the interaction between electronics, software, control systems, communication and safety functions.
Important requirements that manufacturers should keep in mind
The Machinery Regulation addresses requirements regarding, among other things:
- the safety and reliability of safety-related control systems
- the protection of safety-critical software and data against accidental or intentional falsification or manipulation
- software-based security features as well as digital and networked technologies
- the digital provision of operating instructions and certain technical information
- the traceability of interventions and modifications to safety-critical software and configurations
These points show: regulatory requirements for machinery are becoming more specific where electronics and software now perform central functions.
What this means for electrically driven machinery
Especially with electrically driven machines – such as in industrial applications or mobile working machines – it is no longer sufficient to focus exclusively on performance, efficiency or installation space.
What is much more crucial is that electric drive systems:
- work safely and reliably,
- can be integrated into safety-related machine functions,
- are protected against unwanted or unauthorised changes,
- collaborate cleanly with higher-level control and communication structures,
- and can be seamlessly integrated into the overall machine concept in a comprehensible manner.
In other words: Performance alone is not enough.
Modern electric drive technology must also function convincingly under the requirements of safety, security and conformity.
Why these topics belong early in development
In practice, it continually becomes apparent that if regulatory requirements are considered only late in the day, the effort involved increases significantly. Subsequent adjustments to architecture, software, interfaces or documentation then become expensive, time-critical and complex.
However, anyone who considers requirements for security, software, communication and verification early on creates better conditions for:
- consistent system architectures
- robust technical documentation
- clearly defined responsibilities and interfaces
- more efficient validation and compliance processes
- lower development risks later in the project lifecycle
Therefore, it is clear to us: regulation should not be a check at the end of development. It should be part of development.
This is precisely where we at INRO Electrical Engineering a.
We develop and manufacture motor controllers for demanding electrical applications. In doing so, we consider not only the sheer performance of the electronics, but also the requirements regarding safety, security, communication and system integration.
Our aim is to support our customers early in the development process and jointly create solutions that are not only high-performing, but also match the requirements of modern machinery.
For the next generation of electrical machinery will not only be more efficient and interconnected – it must also be conceived with regulatory compliance in mind and implemented with technical robustness.
We at INRO are ready for it.