On Oct. 16, 2026, Advantech, a global leader in IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms, and DEKRA, a global testing, inspection, and certification organization, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Taipei. This strategic partnership is designed to strengthen cooperation on industrial cybersecurity compliance, specifically addressing the phased implementation of the European Union's Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and other international standards.

As connected technologies and artificial intelligence become deeply integrated into industrial environments, manufacturers face the challenge of securing edge devices against sophisticated threats. The collaboration combines Advantech's extensive industrial computing and application experience with DEKRA's cybersecurity testing and international certification expertise.

Proactive Compliance: Shifting Cybersecurity to the Design Phase

The core philosophy of the Advantech and DEKRA partnership is to address cybersecurity requirements earlier in the product development lifecycle. Traditionally, security testing and compliance assessments occurred near the end of the development cycle, often leading to costly redesigns and market delays when vulnerabilities were discovered.

By integrating compliance planning into the initial design stage, the collaboration helps end customers and system integrators:

  • Identify regulatory and technical requirements across global markets early in the concept phase.
  • Plan clear assessment and certification pathways before manufacturing begins.
  • Address potential cybersecurity gaps during active development.
  • Reduce the time and costs associated with late-stage design changes.
  • Establish a reliable compliance process from product concept through testing and market deployment.

This proactive approach is particularly critical as the EU CRA is implemented in stages, requiring manufacturers of industrial equipment and edge AI products to provide verifiable evidence of safety and cybersecurity.

Executive Perspectives on Digital Trust

Stan Zurkiewicz, CEO of DEKRA, emphasized the importance of independent verification in the modern industrial landscape: "Digital trust is essential for industrial innovation to succeed in global markets. As AI and connected technologies become integral to manufacturing, energy and transportation, companies need verifiable evidence of safety and cybersecurity to build confidence in new technologies. Our collaboration with Advantech combines its industry experience with DEKRA's independent third-party testing and certification expertise. DEKRA's role is to provide independent assurance, helping companies navigate evolving international requirements and build trust in new technologies."

Miller Chang, President of Advantech's Embedded Sector, highlighted the shifting demands of edge AI customers: "As edge AI advances, customers increasingly need to consider compliance from the outset of product design. By combining Advantech's industrial computing and edge AI expertise with DEKRA's global testing and certification expertise, we aim to help customers identify regulatory requirements earlier, reduce compliance risks and shorten time to market, bringing trustworthy edge AI innovations to global markets more efficiently."

First Milestone: The AFE-E630 Industrial Edge System

The partnership has already yielded its first tangible milestone with the independent assessment of Advantech's AFE-E630 industrial edge system. Designed specifically for commercial and industrial energy storage management applications, the AFE-E630 has successfully passed an independent assessment by DEKRA, receiving an Attestation of Conformity (AoC).

The assessment verified that the security functions of the AFE-E630 meet the relevant Security Level 2 (SL2) requirements of the IEC 62443-4-2:2019 standard within the assessed scope. This achievement provides:

  • A verified, independent basis for product cybersecurity in energy storage applications.
  • A reliable reference for customers performing subsequent product integration.
  • A foundation for system-level compliance assessments.

Exploring Further Applications in Edge AI and Industry

Following the successful assessment of the AFE-E630, Advantech and DEKRA plan to expand their technical cooperation into other safety-critical and high-growth sectors. Future initiatives will focus on:

  • AI-enabled industrial systems.
  • Semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
  • Robotics and autonomous systems.
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • Energy and transportation infrastructure.

The Convergence of Functional Safety and Cybersecurity

As edge AI is increasingly integrated into physical equipment, the boundaries between product safety, functional safety, and cybersecurity are disappearing. A security breach in an industrial drone, robot, or energy grid can lead directly to physical hazards.

To address these interconnected risks, the companies will combine Advantech's edge computing platforms with DEKRA's testing, cybersecurity, and functional safety expertise. This holistic approach ensures that next-generation intelligent devices are not only secure from digital attacks but also functionally safe in physical environments.

Corporate Foundations and Global Reach

The collaboration leverages the global scale and historical expertise of both organizations. Founded in 1925 with the original goal of improving road safety through vehicle inspections, DEKRA has operated for more than 100 years. It has grown to become the world's largest independent, non-listed expert organization in testing, inspection, and certification.

In 2025, DEKRA generated revenue of 4.4 billion euros, supported by more than 48,000 employees providing independent expert services in approximately 60 countries across five continents. Additionally, DEKRA holds a Platinum sustainability rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of globally assessed companies.

Through this MOU, Advantech and DEKRA will continue to develop their technical cooperation, helping global manufacturers navigate complex regulatory landscapes and deploy secure, compliant edge AI innovations worldwide.