What Bihl+Wiedemann does

Bihl+Wiedemann GmbH is a privately held German industrial automation specialist founded in 1995 in Mannheim, exclusively focused on the AS-Interface (ASi) fieldbus standard. The company develops and manufactures a complete ASi ecosystem consisting of masters/gateways, I/O and safety modules, IO-Link masters, drive solutions, and functional safety components, alongside its proprietary ASIMON360 configuration and diagnostics software. Its technology spans ASi-3 and the latest ASi-5 generation, with ASi-5 Safety enabling multiple safe and standard signals under a single address for applications up to SIL 3/PLe. The portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture: a central gateway/master layer bridges to PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, ModbusTCP, PROFIBUS, BACnet/IP, and other fieldbuses; a broad module layer addresses digital, analog, counter, safety, and IO-Link I/O; and a software and accessories layer covers configuration, diagnostics, cabling, and power supplies.

The company serves three primary customer segments: machine builders and OEMs (packaging, conveyor, material handling, and production machinery), end-user plants performing smart-factory retrofits and Industry 4.0 upgrades, and a smaller building-automation segment covering HVAC and fire/smoke damper control. Cited end users span packaging machinery (joke mechanix), warehouse and conveyor technology (Klinkhammer), fastener manufacturing (SPAX), electrical installation (Rielec), material handling (Schuette), food processing (Grupo Alacant), and HVAC (Englerup). The go-to-market is sales-led and event-driven, combining direct sales offices in Germany and the USA, a web shop, and a partner/distributor network covering more than 25 countries, supplemented by trade-show presence (e.g., AUTOMATE) and the Bihl+Wiedemann Academy training platform.

Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of ASi modules, gateways, and safety components, with secondary streams from software tooling (configuration, control, diagnostics, master simulators) framed as subscription/recurring, and from professional services including product training, commissioning, and custom development/manufacturing. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, though a 'Bihl+Wiedemann's Choice' tier offers standardized high-volume products with attractive pricing and immediate shipment. The company holds strategic cooperating-partner status with Phoenix Contact, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and ABB, and maintains AS-i Safety at Work, Safe Link, PROFIsafe, CIP Safety, and FSoE certifications, as well as cULus listings for North American market access.

Name

Bihl+Wiedemann

Legal name

Bihl+Wiedemann GmbH

Website

https://bihl-wiedemann.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Bihl+Wiedemann is a German industrial automation specialist developing AS-Interface (ASi) fieldbus hardware, software, and functional safety solutions. Founded in 1995, the privately held company serves machine builders, plant operators, and building-automation customers across more than 25 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Hardware (AS-Interface components)

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)

Keywords

• AS-Interface technology
• Industrial automation components
• Functional safety modules
• Fieldbus gateway solutions
• Machine building automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Mannheim

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of AS-Interface modules, gateways, safety components, and accessories including I/O modules, safety monitors, active distributors, circuit board modules, and drive solutions. Products are sold through direct sales, web shop, and distribution partners.
2. Software Licenses and Tools: Software products including ASIMON360 configuration software, ASi Control Tools360, diagnostics software, and master simulators for PROFINET and EtherNet/IP.
3. Services: Product training, commissioning, and development/manufacturing services for custom solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bihl+Wiedemann develops, manufactures, and sells AS-Interface (ASi) automation and functional safety technology for industrial machinery, plant engineering, and building automation. The portfolio includes ASi Master/Gateways, slave I/O modules, safety components (safety monitors, E-STOP, safe contact expanders), drive solutions, and proprietary configuration software (ASIMON360). The company also offers training, commissioning, and development services to machine builders, OEMs, and end-user plant operators globally.

Product overview

Bihl+Wiedemann is a specialist in automation and safety technology with the AS-Interface (ASi) bus system, developing and manufacturing complete automation solutions for mechanical and plant engineering since 1995. Their product portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on AS-Interface technology. The core offerings include: (1) AS-Interface Master/Gateways - serving as the central communication hub with standard and safety gateways for PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, and ModbusTCP; (2) AS-Interface Modules - encompassing I/O modules, Safety E/A modules, analog modules, counter modules, IO-Link masters, active distributors, circuit board modules, building automation modules, switches/buttons, and drive solutions; (3) Safety Components - including Safety monitors, Safety active distributors, Safety circuit boards, Safe contact expanders, E-STOP modules, Speed monitors, and Safety analog modules; (4) Software - featuring ASIMON360 configuration software, ASi Control Tools360, diagnostics software, and master simulators; (5) Accessories - power supplies, diagnostic tools, passive distributors, bus couplers, cabling, and development tools; (6) Services - training, commissioning, and training materials. ASi-5 is the latest and most powerful AS-Interface generation enabling digitalization at field level and IO-Link device connectivity. ASi-5 Safety allows multiple safe and standard signals under one address. The company also offers a mobile app for on-site diagnostics and the Bihl+Wiedemann Academy for online training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AS-Interface Master/Gateways Central communication hubs for AS-Interface networks, including standard gateways (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, ModbusTCP, PROFIBUS) and safety gateways (PROFIsafe, CIP Safety, FSoE) for connecting ASi networks to higher-level control systems. Used by machine builders and plant operators to integrate field-level devices with PLCs.
• AS-Interface Modules (Slaves) Comprehensive range of AS-Interface slave modules including digital I/O modules (IP20/IP54/IP65/IP67), analog I/O modules, ASi-5 counter modules, IO-Link Masters, active distributors, circuit board modules for OEM integration, building automation modules, function modules, switches/buttons, and pre-configured drive solutions for Lenze, SEW EURODRIVE, Interroll, NORD, Rockwell, and Danfoss.
• Safety Components Complete range of functional safety components for applications up to SIL 3/PLe Category 4, including Safety Monitors, Safety I/O Modules, ASi Safety Active Distributors (pre-configured for Leuze, SICK, Pilz, Schmersal, Euchner, Pizzato, Keyence, OMRON, Turck), Safety Circuit Board Modules for OEM integration, Safe Contact Expanders, E-STOP pushbutton modules, Speed Monitors, and Safety Analog Modules.
• ASIMON360 Configuration Software Proprietary, internally developed software for configuration, commissioning, diagnostics, and maintenance of ASi networks, with support for safety devices, IO-Link, and network management. Sold to system integrators, machine builders, and end users.
• ASi Control Tools360 Software for monitoring and controlling AS-Interface networks from control systems.
• Diagnostics Software Diagnostic software tools for troubleshooting and monitoring AS-Interface network health and performance.
• PROFINET-Mastersimulator Master simulator for testing and simulation of PROFINET communications.
• EtherNet/IP-Mastersimulator Master simulator for testing and simulation of EtherNet/IP communications.
• AS-Interface Accessories Accessories for AS-Interface networks including power supplies, line extenders, diagnostic and commissioning tools, passive distributors, bus couplers, cables, connectors, chip cards, module bases, development tools, and technical literature.
• Development, Manufacturing, Training and Commissioning Services Professional services including custom Entwicklungs- und Fertigungsdienstleistungen (development and manufacturing services), product training, on-site commissioning, and training material. Targeted at machine builders, OEMs, and end-user plant operators deploying AS-Interface solutions.
• Bihl+Wiedemann Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android providing on-site diagnostics, maintenance support, and access to technical documents for AS-Interface networks.
• Bihl+Wiedemann Academy Online training platform offering courses on ASIMON360 configuration, safety device setup, and AS-Interface installation, with free teaching materials and interactive content.

Quantifiable outcome

• ASi network requires significantly fewer cables than conventional parallel wiring, reducing copper and plastic usage
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration32 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Phoenix ContactcoreTechnology or IntegrationPhoenix Contact is listed as a cooperating company/strategic partner. Both companies offer complementary products for industrial automation, with Bihl+Wiedemann providing AS-Interface solutions that integrate with Phoenix Contact's terminal blocks, interfaces, and automation components.
• Rockwell AutomationcoreTechnology or IntegrationRockwell Automation is listed as a cooperating company. Bihl+Wiedemann provides AS-Interface gateways (EtherNet/IP + ModbusTCP) specifically designed for Rockwell PLCs, enabling integration of AS-Interface networks with Rockwell's control systems.
• Schneider ElectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationSchneider Electric is listed as a cooperating company. Bihl+Wiedemann's AS-Interface solutions integrate with Schneider Electric's automation portfolio including Modicon PLCs and automation platforms.
• ABBcoreTechnology or IntegrationABB is listed as a cooperating company. Bihl+Wiedemann provides the ABB Field Information Manager software tool for integration with ABB automation systems. AS-Interface solutions complement ABB's industrial automation and motor control offerings.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Pepperl+Fuchs: Pepperl+Fuchs is one of the largest manufacturers of AS-Interface products and components globally, offering ASi masters, gateways, I/O modules, and safety solutions. It is the most direct competitor to Bihl+Wiedemann in the ASi specialist segment, with a comparable product breadth and target customer base of machine builders and plant operators.
• WAGO Kontakttechnik: WAGO manufactures AS-Interface I/O modules, gateways, and fieldbus couplers alongside its core spring-clamp terminal business. Like Bihl+Wiedemann, it is a German Mittelstand company serving industrial automation OEMs and overlaps directly on ASi hardware for wiring simplification applications.
• Turck: Turck manufactures AS-Interface I/O modules, gateways, and safety components, plus a broad sensor and connectivity portfolio. It is a direct competitor to Bihl+Wiedemann in ASi field-level products, including pre-configured safety sensor integration for industrial automation customers.
• SICK AG: SICK is a leading manufacturer of safety sensors, light curtains, and ASi Safety integration products. It overlaps with Bihl+Wiedemann on the safety sensor side of ASi networks and competes on functional safety solutions for machine builders and end users.
• ifm electronic: ifm electronic produces AS-Interface masters, I/O modules, and connection technology, with a strong position in sensor and actuator integration. It targets the same machine builder and factory operator customers as Bihl+Wiedemann and competes directly in ASi field-level connectivity and IO-Link bridging.
• Balluff: Balluff produces AS-Interface modules, IO-Link masters, and industrial network components for factory automation. It is a German-based peer that competes directly with Bihl+Wiedemann on ASi field-level connectivity and on IO-Link integration.

Broad incumbents

• Siemens AG: Siemens is the dominant industrial automation incumbent with PROFINET, SIMATIC PLCs, and a broad field-level I/O portfolio that overlaps with AS-Interface's installation base. It competes with Bihl+Wiedemann through higher-level control architectures and fieldbus standards that define the wider ecosystem ASi integrates into.
• Rockwell Automation: Rockwell Automation is a global industrial automation leader offering ControlLogix/CompactLogix PLCs and EtherNet/IP networks. Bihl+Wiedemann supplies gateways purpose-built for Rockwell PLCs, but Rockwell also markets competing field-level I/O solutions, making it a partner-incumbent with overlapping end-customer reach.
• Beckhoff Automation: Beckhoff is the originator of EtherCAT and a major PC-based controller and I/O provider for industrial automation. While Bihl+Wiedemann supplies gateways connecting ASi to EtherCAT, Beckhoff's high-performance fieldbus competes for the same wiring-simplification and digitalization opportunities at the field level.
• Phoenix Contact: Phoenix Contact is a global leader in industrial automation, connectivity, and fieldbus technology, and is listed as a Bihl+Wiedemann core partner. It is both a cooperating partner (Phoenix Contact complements B+W's ASi solutions with its own terminal blocks and PLC interfaces) and a broader incumbent whose fieldbus portfolio overlaps in industrial Ethernet and I/O.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bihl+Wiedemann