IO-Link is a standardized communication protocol for industrial automation, widely used in the food and beverage industry. It is not a brand itself but a technology supported by multiple manufacturers, including leading companies like Balluff (Germany), IFM (Germany), and Pepperl+Fuchs (Germany). These companies produce photoelectric sensors with IO-Link compatibility, designed for hygienic and harsh environments in food processing. Key products include compact sensors for object detection, distance measurement, and liquid level monitoring, ensuring high precision and compliance with industry standards like IP69K. The IO-Link ecosystem enhances smart factory integration, enabling real-time data exchange and predictive maintenance.