The Open-S Alliance announces a standardized MiC 4.0-compliant electrical connector for use between automatic couplers and work tools, including tiltrotators with electrical connections. This development will enable seamless interchangeability of machine couplers, tiltrotators, and work tools from any Open-S member, eliminating the need for brand-specific connectors. At the same time the alliance grows further with Italian attachment manufacturer Indeco joining as an Associate member.

 

Open-S Alliance launches Open-S V14 electrical connector to support MiC 4.0 protocol

Open-S, the industry alliance for automatic couplers, introduces the Open-S V14 electrical connector as a common solution to support the MiC 4.0 protocol. This durable and high-performance connector enables seamless interoperability between machine couplers, tiltrotators, and work tools from different manufacturers, further advancing open standards in construction machinery.

The Open-S V14 connector features 14 spring-loaded contact pins, ensuring a reliable electrical transmission with strong current capabilities, built to withstand the demanding environment within the earthmoving industry. With its self-cleaning mechanism it guarantees a secure and reliable connection between the machine and the attached work tool. Additionally, the TPE/PUR cable offers superior flexibility, oil resistance, and durability in harsh conditions, while the hardened Phosphor Bronze contacts provide excellent corrosion resistance and long service life.

On the machine arm end, the Open-S V14 electrical connector seamlessly integrates with the MiC 4.0-prepared connection point. This eliminates compatibility concerns, allowing all Open-S members to provide interchangeable machine couplers and work tools without requiring brand-specific connectors.

“The MiC 4.0 and the Open-S initiatives share a common goal, to create global standards that simplify the interaction between different products and machines involved in the construction process. With the introduction of the V14 electrical connector the Open-S members can offer a common, non-brand specific and MiC 4.0-compliant connector. This goes hand in hand with the purpose of Open-S Alliance supporting open standards within our industry that benefit machine owners and contractors”, says Stefan Stockhaus, Board member of the Open-S Alliance.

The official launch of the Open-S V14 electrical connector will take place at Bauma. This initiative aligns with MiC 4.0’s mission to enable consistent, vendor-neutral interoperability across construction machinery and digital systems.

 

MiC 4.0 – The open machine language

The Machines in Construction MiC 4.0 working group is a network organization and central committee in Europe that deals with a uniform digital language for construction machinery and an identical understanding of data content and its meaning. The aim is to achieve manufacturer-independent, cross-machine interpretation and comprehensive communication of digital machine status and construction process data. Manufacturers can have their construction machinery validated as “MiC 4.0-compliant”, so that in future it will be possible for operators of these machines to have a globally standardized understanding of data.

 

Italian attachment manufacturer Indeco joins the Open-S Alliance

Founded in 1976, Indeco is a leading Italian manufacturer of hydraulic hammers and demolition equipment. With a strong focus on innovation, Indeco revolutionized the industry with its patented “Smart Hammer” and continues to expand its product range, including pulverizers, shears, compactors, and mulchers. Operating worldwide, Indeco has subsidiaries in Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia, providing cutting-edge technology and comprehensive after-sales support. The company remains family-owned, emphasizing quality, durability, and efficiency in earthmoving, demolition, and recycling solutions, making it a trusted partner for infrastructure and construction projects globally. Indeco joins the Open-S Alliance as an Associate member.

“Indeco has chosen to join the Open-S Alliance to support the evolution of the excavator equipment industry by promoting the Open-S standard, which ensures global interchangeability between quick couplers, tiltrotators, and work tools. We believe that adopting shared standards is crucial for fostering innovation, improving the compatibility of our products, and offering our customers increasingly efficient and versatile solutions. Being part of an organization like Open-S allows us to actively contribute to the development of solutions that meet the global market’s needs, while strengthening our commitment to quality, reliability, and sustainability”, says Michele Vitulano, Global Sales & Marketing Manager at Indeco S.p.A.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Indeco to the Open-S Alliance. With such a quality and innovation driven attachment manufacturer onboard this joint industry initiative is further strengthened. During the last year we have doubled the number of members in the Open-S organization, which highlights the strong commitment to our idea of creating a global open industry standard for automatic couplers and work tools”, says Anders Jonsson, Chairman of the Board of Open-S Alliance.

 

Open-S hosts a press event at Bauma on April 9

On Wednesday, April 9, from 10.30-11.30 am, the Open-S Alliance hosts a press event in the Kinshofer stand FM 711/4. During this event attendees will learn about the latest developments within Open-S and have the opportunity to engage with representatives and members of the alliance.

 

For more information contact:

Anders Jonsson, Chairman of the Board of Open-S Alliance AB
anders.jonsson@opens.org, +46 70 590 09 49

Stefan Stockhaus, Board member of Open-S Alliance AB
stefan.stockhaus@opens.org, +46 70 998 13 21

 

About Open-S

Open-S – the open industry standard for automatic quick couplers for excavators. The purpose of Open-S is to provide global interchangeability between quick couplers, tiltrotators and work tools from different manufacturers. Open-S Alliance is an independent organization with the sole purpose of developing and promoting the Open-S standard. Read more at www.opens.org