Sirena NXT – new generation of signalling towers for industrial areas

In today's industrial environment, the demand for intelligent, flexible, and easily manageable solutions is increasing. Traditional signaling systems based on simple wired control can no longer fully meet Industry 4.0 requirements, the needs of smart buildings, and complex logistics processes. In this context, the Italian company Sirena launched a new series of modular signaling towers on October 1, 2025 – NXT (Next Generation Signal Towers).

The NXT range represents a fundamental paradigm shift in industrial signaling: from static, pre-configured products to dynamic, programmable solutions that adapt to changing production and logistics needs.

Key Innovations of NXT Towers

Integration of NFC technology – a revolutionary step in industrial signaling

The most significant difference of NXT towers from previous generations is the use of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for configuration and management. This is the first time that wireless near-field communication has been widely integrated into industrial signaling tower solutions.

Traditional Approach vs. NFC Approach

• change the colors and flashing modes of light modules,
• customize sound signals (up to 12 different tones in NFC versions),
• configure multiple towers simultaneously in complex installations,
• perform diagnostics and monitoring without physical access to internal components.

Modularity and Flexibility

The NXT system is based on a modular architecture that allows for precisely tailored configurations depending on the specific installation needs.

Base Modules

• available in three standard colors: gray, black, white;
• 50 mm diameter – compact yet sufficiently noticeable;
• provides the supporting structure and power supply connections;
• fully compatible with both wall and standard bases.

Light Modules

• vertical grooves for optimal 360° light distribution;
• excellent visibility even from long distances;
• RGB PRO version – virtually unlimited color combinations;
• low energy consumption for all modules.

Sound Modules

• fully sealed PIEZO technology (prevents water ingress);
• acoustic power – up to 94 dB;
• three versions:
  • NXT SOUNDER Standard – 3 pre-set tones,
  • NXT SOUNDER NFC – up to 12 customizable tones,
  • NXT SOUNDER PRO – fully programmable.

Technical Features and Durability

Power Options and Energy Efficiency

NXT towers offer a wide range of power supply options, ensuring maximum compatibility with various industrial systems:

Special attention to low energy consumption:

• LED technology in all light modules,
• optimized PIEZO sound element,
• resulting in reduced operating costs and more sustainable operation.

Protection Class and Resistance to Environmental Factors

IP66–IP69K protection class applies to all NXT tower components, including the sound module:

• IP66 – complete protection against dust; protection against strong water jets,
• IP69K – highest protection against high-pressure washing and hot steam jets.

Practical Significance:

• usable in the food industry (regular high-pressure washing),
• suitable for the chemical industry (resistant to aggressive environments),
• effective outdoors (rain, snow, temperature fluctuations),
• long-term reliability in dusty environments (wood processing, mineral processing).

Innovative Design with Functionality

Smooth Surface Design is not just an aesthetic solution:

• prevents dirt and residue accumulation,
• reduces maintenance frequency,
• easy cleaning with standard methods,
• maintains visual appeal in the long term.

Three color options (gray, black, white) allow the towers to discreetly integrate into any work environment while maintaining maximum functionality.

Connectivity and Future Growth

IO-Link Integration (2026)

NXT towers are designed with a clear focus on the future. By 2026, the introduction of IO-Link protocol support is planned, which will provide:

• standardized communication with PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers),
• real-time diagnostics and status monitoring,
• automatic error detection and reporting,
• integration with Industry 4.0 ecosystems.

Future Communication Protocols

Sirena is committed to gradually expanding the supported communication protocols:

• Modbus (industry standard),
• Profinet (for Siemens ecosystem).
• EtherNet/IP (for Rockwell Automation systems),
• other protocols depending on market demand.

This flexible approach ensures that the NXT investment is future-proof – towers can “grow” alongside the company's technological development.

Application areas

The versatility of NXT towers allows them to be used across a wide range of industries.

Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing

• Production line status visualization – different colors indicate machine status (green = operating, yellow = warning, red = stop),
• quality control points – acoustic and visual alerts for defect detection,
• Andon systems – calling operators to specific workstations.

Logistics and warehouse management

• Docking station status – free/occupied signaling,
• coordination of picking zones – multicolor signals for different sequences or priorities,
• safety warnings – operational zones of mobile equipment (forklifts, conveyors).

Smart buildings and infrastructure

• Evacuation systems – integration of visual and acoustic warnings,
• HVAC system status – operation indication of climate control equipment,
• energy efficiency monitoring – alerts for energy consumption anomalies.

Chemical and pharmaceutical industry

• Process control points – visualization of critical parameters (temperature, pressure),
• cleanroom status – indications of room availability or required protection level,
• safety systems – integration with gas detectors and emergency shutdown systems.

Comparison with previous generation and competitors

Sirena NXT vs. traditional signal towers

Competitive advantages

NXT towers stand out with a unique combination:

1. NFC technology – first widespread implementation for signal towers,
2. highest protection – IP69K for all components (including sound),
3. modular architecture – complete flexibility without compromising reliability,
4. future-proofing – planned protocol expansion.

Installation and operation

Mounting options

NXT towers offer two main mounting methods:

1. Wall mount
   • Compact solution for limited spaces,
   • especially suitable near control panels,
   • quick installation with standard accessories.
2. Standard base
   • Freestanding tower on a machine or equipment,
   • greater visibility in wide work areas,
   • easily movable as needed.

MySirena app – unified management platform

MySirena App is the central tool for configuring NXT towers.

Key features:

• instant NFC connection to the device,
• intuitive user interface (no special knowledge required),
• saving and reusing configurations,
• diagnostics and error codes,
• firmware updates (future functionality).

Typical configuration process:

1. Open the MySirena app on your smartphone,
2. bring the device close to the NXT tower (1–2 cm distance),
3. select the desired configuration (colors, tones, flashing modes),
4. confirm – settings are saved in 2–3 seconds.

Economic and sustainability aspects

Total cost of ownership (TCO)

Although the initial purchase price of NXT towers may be higher than traditional solutions, the total cost of ownership over a 5–10 year period is significantly lower.

Sources of savings:

Sustainability and environmental impact

• Long expected lifespan – >10 years in standard industrial environments,
• energy efficiency – LED and optimized PIEZO technology,
• reduced waste – modular architecture allows replacing only damaged components,
• recyclable materials – most housing materials are recyclable.

Future perspectives and development

Sirena has clearly stated that NXT is not a static product but rather a developing platform.

2026 and beyond

• IO-Link full integration (Q1 2026),
• cloud-based management – remote diagnostics and monitoring via the internet,
• machine learning algorithms – predictive maintenance and anomaly detection,
• integration with SCADA systems – full data exchange with enterprise-level systems.

Ecosystem expansion

• for additional module types (e.g., display modules),
• specific solutions for niche industries,
• partnerships with PLC and automation manufacturers.

Sirena NXT signal towers represent a significant step forward in industrial signaling. With NFC technology integration, the highest IP69K protection class, modular architecture, and a clear focus on the future (IO-Link in 2026), these towers offer a solution that meets modern Industry 4.0 requirements.

Key advantages:

• Efficiency – dramatically reduced configuration time (seconds vs. minutes),
• flexibility – the modular system allows precise solution customization,
• durability – IP66–IP69K and smooth surface ensure long-term reliability,
• future-proofing – planned support for various communication protocols,
• cost savings – lower TCO in the long term despite the initial investment.

NXT towers are particularly suitable for companies that:

• seek standardized yet flexible solutions for multiple installations,
• plan to transition to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing models,
• operate in harsh environments (chemicals, food, outdoor settings),
• aim to reduce maintenance costs and increase system reliability.

The product launch worldwide marks a new era where industrial signaling becomes a full-fledged part of the Industry 4.0 ecosystem rather than just an autonomous notification device.