IO-Link is not a specific brand but a standardized communication protocol (IEC 61131-9) for industrial automation, enabling smart sensor and actuator connectivity. It is widely adopted by global manufacturers, including companies like Siemens (Germany), IFM (Germany), and Balluff (Germany). IO-Link serves industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and logistics, offering products like IO-Link masters, sensors, and hubs for seamless device integration and real-time data exchange in Industry 4.0 applications.