**London**: The latest insights from Automation.com highlight emerging trends in the automation industry, focusing on digital transformation, safety technologies, and the convergence of operational and information technology, while showcasing innovations like eSIM technology and AI advancements in manufacturing and operations management.
Automation.com, the publication platform of the International Society of Automation, continues to offer crucial insights into various aspects of the automation industry through its latest updates. With new articles being published daily, the platform covers six major categories including digital transformation, safety and cybersecurity, enterprise architecture and networks, operations and management, and automation and control.
In the realm of digital transformation, many manufacturers are looking ahead to 2025, where a survey from the Institute for Supply Management indicates that 60% expect increased revenues. This optimism is partly due to the adoption of smart factory technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and decentralised manufacturing methodologies, which are anticipated to redefine manufacturing efficiencies. One specific case involves a century-old manufacturer, which is navigating its digital transformation by enhancing core processes while addressing daily operational demands.
Safety and cybersecurity remain at the forefront of operational priorities in industrial facilities. Innovations in technology, including AI and automation, have become essential to enhancing safety protocols. The focus now extends beyond regulatory compliance to the integration of advanced safety technologies with existing workflows, thereby creating a strategic imperative for organisations aiming to protect personnel and environments.
As operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) continue to converge, questions surrounding the future of zero trust frameworks in OT networks arise. Industry experts suggest that the principles of zero trust, which provide enhanced security measures in enterprise IT systems, will eventually be integrated into OT environments, although the timeline for this transition remains uncertain.
The issue also highlights the role of eSIM technology in Industry 4.0, where secure over-the-air provisioning and updates facilitate the management of expansive industrial deployments. The ongoing 2025 IoT Breakthrough Awards, recognising innovation in IoT products and services, underline a commitment to fostering advancements in this field.
Operations management is increasingly being enhanced by AI technologies, particularly in the energy sector as demands for advanced energy storage systems rise. These innovations aim to improve reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in tandem with a global push towards renewable energy sources. Moreover, AI is proving beneficial in lean manufacturing contexts by facilitating waste reduction while enhancing customer value through process analysis and productivity boosts.
In automation and control, Industrial Video Solutions Inc. is leveraging infrared thermal cameras to enhance data acquisition in the papermaking industry, thereby driving improvements in machine control efficiency. The motion controls market has experienced a decline due to a significant “destocking” event, although signs of stabilization are emerging with long-term growth projections remaining steady.
New products are also making waves in the industry. Yokogawa recently launched the OpreX Quality Management System, aimed at accelerating digital transformation in quality assurance processes across pharmaceutical and food and beverage manufacturing. Additionally, Poka introduced an AI toolkit designed to modernise manufacturing workflows, providing innovative solutions for workforce efficiency and communication challenges. In the global steel industry, ABB has rolled out enhanced roller table motors that promise a substantial lifespan and reduced operational costs, while Advantech has unveiled a compact IoT edge device for versatile industrial applications.
These developments reflect the rapid advancements and ongoing transformations within the automation sector, revealing a landscape that is increasingly characterised by digital integration and innovative technologies. The detailed insights presented in the January/February issue of Automation.com encapsulate the multifaceted nature of the current industrial climate, ensuring that professionals within the field stay informed of the latest trends and solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
