Pilz (company)

Pilz GmbH & Co. KG is a German automation technology company headquartered in Ostfildern, Germany. Founded in 1948 by Eugen Pilz as a glass-blowing business, the company transitioned to manufacturing electronic control systems and eventually became a leading supplier of safe automation solutions.

Pilz specializes in products, systems and services for automation, with a focus on functional safety. Their product range includes programmable safety systems, safety relays, sensor technology (such as safety light curtains and scanners), and automation solutions based on programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

The company's target industries include mechanical engineering, robotics, and various process industries where safety is critical. Pilz solutions are used to protect people, machinery, and the environment.

Pilz operates globally with subsidiaries and branches in numerous countries, offering sales, support, and training services. A key concept promoted by Pilz is the "Safety Lifecycle," which emphasizes a structured approach to safety engineering from risk assessment to validation. The company is known for its emphasis on safety standards and regulations, such as ISO 13849 and IEC 61508.