Löhne, Germany – 23 October 2026 – With the steute MED Framework (SMF), steute Meditec is expanding its product range to include a new communication platform for medical user interfaces. The Framework is available to all foot switches and controls with an interface to a medical device – regardless of whether that connection is cabled or wireless.
Cybersecurity is not only a wireless issue: with the requirements for integrated medical products, for example in the context of IEC 81001-5-1, the spotlight is now increasingly also on cabled interfaces. steute has an answer: SMF for bidirectional transmission of control, status and system data.
Foot switches and other medical user interfaces now do far more than simply send switching commands. Medical devices can receive additional information regarding operational status, events and potential errors, which can then be evaluated and processed within their own safety concept.
"SMF provides more than switching signals: device manufacturers receive customised access to defined information, while at the same time retaining complete control over how the data are evaluated and processed within their system", Julia Mönks, Product Manager Meditec at steute Technologies, explains. "The medical device always receives its data in the same format – regardless of whether the user interface is cabled or wireless."
From signal transmission to intelligent communication
The steute MED Framework creates a shared communication platform between medical devices and user interfaces. SMF complements classic wireless communication with defined data models and subscribable services, while also establishing this data model for cabled devices. The medical device specifies the control, status and system data which it needs for the application in question, as well as for the next step in each situation.
This means that medical devices can receive not only commands, but also additional valuable information about device states or errors. Evaluation of this information and any resulting decisions remain at all times with the medical device and its validated safety concept.
Cybersecurity and life cycle factored in from the outset
An essential component of the Framework is early integration of cybersecurity requirements. Encrypted communication and authentication mechanisms protect data exchange. Signed firmware updates mean that origin and integrity can always be verified.
The development process has been designed with traceability in mind. In the steute test framework, software builds, statistical code analyses, unit tests and HIL tests on the target hardware are all performed automatically via a continuous integration (CI) pipeline. The test results are then linked to the appropriate software requirements and documented automatically. In this way, any changes can be immediately tested and the software verification clearly documented.
Moreover, the concept includes documented requirements, threat and risk analyses, structured tests, as well as traceability along requirements, test specifications and results.
These documents support medical device manufacturers in their development, risk management and approval processes when integrating user interface solutions.
Flexible platform for future device generations
The modular hardware and software architecture of the framework has been specifically designed for long-term expandability. Reusable software modules, defined interfaces and versioned services permit adaptations and further developments beyond future product variants and device generations. Device manufacturers can build on existing developments and reduce the necessary effort when adapting new variants.
Special features:
- Bidirectional exchange of control, status and system data
- Multipoint functionality for connecting multiple user interfaces to a single receiver
- Customised data transmission via subscribed services
- Integrated cybersecurity and update concepts
- Support of cabled and wireless architectures on a shared communication platform
- Modular software and hardware structure for long-term further development.
Availability
At launch, the steute MED Framework will initially be available for selected foot switches in the well-established GPX11 product series. Additional variants will follow step by step.
Precise specifications, as well as integration of the Framework in the device architecture, will be decided and implemented as part of a joint development project with the medical device manufacturer.
Future-proof basis for state-of-the-art medical technology
With the launch of the steute MED Framework, steute Meditec is reacting to the growing demands on intelligent user interfaces in medical technology. This platform combines high-performance communication, data transparency, cybersecurity and life cycle support, while providing device manufacturers with a shared basis for integration and further development of their user interfaces.
About steute Meditec
steute Meditec develops and produces innovative user interface solutions for medical technology. Its portfolio includes cabled and wireless foot switches, hand controls and customised user interfaces for a wide range of medical applications. As a development partner, steute Meditec assists medical device manufacturers worldwide with the implementation of safe, ergonomic and future-proof solutions.
