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Innovating from and with passion

More than
1,400 patents

And every year, over 100 more are added. Because we’re always thinking ahead. For ourselves and our customers.

More than
1,500 innovators

Our research and development staff are at the driving force behind our progress.

12 %
for innovation

Innovation processes cost money. Today more than ever. This is an area we consistently invest in.

Excellence in
innovation and design

Innovations must be suitable for everyday use. Accolades such as the Hermes Award or the Red Dot Award testify to our success.

ifm’s success story is based on continuous innovation and began in 1969, the year the company was founded, with the invention of the inductive proximity switch. This also laid the foundations for the comprehensive automation of industry. Today, modern inductive sensors are used in their millions across all sectors of industry and have become indispensable.

Groundbreaking world firsts

Over the years, the company has added many other innovative products. From inductive all-metal safety sensors, vibration sensors and hygienic flow sensors with IO-Link, to a user-friendly no-code IIoT platform, to optoelectronic sensors and 3D cameras featuring high-performance PMD technology, ifm’s innovations set new standards again and again.

Helping to shape the future of automation

And ifm is always at the forefront, too, when it comes to developing innovative and groundbreaking automation standards. With AS-i, IO-Link or the new wireless technology moity, ifm is actively driving the future of industrial automation and digitalisation.


Not as an end in itself, but for the added value

At ifm, we channel our expertise and enthusiasm into developing innovative products. However, our focus is not on innovation for its own sake, but on the profit, progress and added value that our customers can achieve with these new products, technologies and solutions.

ifm visionaries

Innovative strength has always been part of our DNA. But what are the hallmarks of innovation? What are the prerequisites for innovative thinking and action? We asked some of our visionaries and innovators.

ifm – a partner to industry

As specialists in automation and digitalisation, we are aware of the high requirements of producers, plant manufacturers and consumers. That is why we always apply the highest quality, safety and reliability standards to our products and solutions.

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ifm technologies help to overcome complex challenges in automation. Discover how innovation and quality complement each other – and take your applications to the next level.