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Global interest in lunar exploration is growing fast. Understanding and using lunar resources is now a top priority for space agencies. Recently, ABB, a global leader in industrial technology, announced it will provide the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) with an advanced infrared spectrometer. The instrument will fly aboard Canada’s Lunar Utility Rover. It will analyze lunar soil and help plan future human missions.

ABB will build the Autonomous Lunar Exploration Infrared Spectrometer (ALExIS). The device uses Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a proven technology in industrial monitoring systems. ABB has tested this technology in harsh conditions for many years. This ensures ALExIS can survive and perform well on the Moon.

Why Lunar Soil Analysis Matters

The Moon is covered in regolith, a fine powder formed by meteorite impacts and space weathering. This soil contains key elements for humans and industry, such as oxygen, silicon, iron, aluminum, calcium, and magnesium. These elements exist in compounds and are not evenly spread across the surface.

Scientists also discovered water ice in permanently shadowed regions near the Moon’s poles. This could support future human habitats. Therefore, accurate, on-site soil analysis is essential for research and exploration.

ALExIS: How It Works

ALExIS captures molecular “fingerprints” in a wide spectral range—from visible light to thermal infrared. It measures how infrared light interacts with lunar soil. This data identifies materials and maps key elements on the Moon’s surface.

These maps help scientists understand lunar geology and resource potential. They also guide future lunar bases, in-situ resource use, and crewed missions.

Industrial Technology in Space

Marc Corriveau, Head of Measurement & Analytics Canada at ABB, said,
“We are proud to support lunar exploration. Our FTIR technology already provides reliable measurements on Earth. Now it can help scientists study the Moon.”

ABB engineers will work closely with rover and lunar experts. They will improve the spectrometer’s design, durability, energy use, and data quality. ABB will also plan future development stages. This ensures the best balance between performance and cost.

ABB’s Space Experience

ABB has experience in space missions. Its FTIR spectrometer on CSA’s SciSat satellite has worked for over 22 years. It provides valuable atmospheric data to scientists worldwide. Recently, ABB tested its methane detection technologies for Mars missions to track possible biosignatures. Earlier this year, ABB also signed a contract with CSA for the TICFIRE imaging instrument, which improves global climate monitoring.

The Lunar Utility Rover project shows that ABB can adapt industrial technology for space missions. It proves that reliable and innovative technology can work beyond Earth.

ABB Smart Painting Robots Enhance Safety and Sustainability at Audi Changchun NEV Factory

As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to expand rapidly, automakers are increasingly focusing on production safety, environmental sustainability, and employee well-being alongside efficiency and quality. ABB’s recently deployed automated painting robot system at Audi’s Changchun New Energy Vehicle (NEV) factory exemplifies how advanced technology can transform manufacturing processes while creating a safer and greener workplace.

Automation for Enhanced Safety

The Changchun factory’s painting workshop features 47 ABB robots, including IRB 5500 seven-axis painting robots, IRB 5350, and IRB 6700 series units. These robots now perform tasks that were previously high-risk for human operators. Han Chen, ABB Group Senior Vice President and President of Robotics in China, stated, “By automating hazardous painting tasks, we enable workers to stay out of harmful environments, significantly improving workplace safety.”

Traditional painting operations expose employees to high concentrations of chemical solvents and paint aerosols, which can pose long-term health risks. ABB robots precisely control spray paths, angles, and paint volume, ensuring uniform coatings while dramatically reducing the presence of harmful substances in the workshop. Zhao Huan, head of the Painting Project at Audi FAW Manufacturing, commented, “Robots now handle the most dangerous aspects of the painting process. Employees focus on monitoring and managing operations, which not only improves safety but also enhances job satisfaction.”

High-Efficiency, Eco-Friendly Production

ABB’s IRB 5500 robots are equipped with the RB1000i-S high-transfer-efficiency atomizer, which increases paint utilization by approximately 15% while cutting paint waste by nearly 50%. This reduces raw material consumption and VOC emissions, supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

The system’s compact layout, combined with the “Stop-go” operation mode, allows interior spray processes to be completed within a single station, reducing the factory’s floor space usage by approximately 25%. This design not only boosts production efficiency but also decreases energy consumption, aligning with Audi’s global “Mission: Zero” initiative for sustainable and low-emission operations.

Improving Employee Experience

Automation not only enhances safety and environmental performance but also improves employees’ working conditions. Manual painting previously required long hours of standing, repetitive high-intensity labor, and exposure to chemical agents. By shifting these tasks to robots, employees now focus on monitoring, analyzing data, and maintaining equipment, reducing physical strain and occupational risks.

The Digital Painting Suite platform provides real-time production data and a user-friendly interface, enabling staff to quickly assess workflow status and identify potential issues before they escalate. This data-driven approach improves operational transparency, reduces errors, and enhances employees’ sense of control over the production process.

End-to-End Smart and Sustainable Painting

ABB’s robotic painting system covers the entire process, from cleaning and basecoat application to clearcoat spraying and surface inspection. IRB 5350 and 6700 series robots handle automated pre-treatment for hoods, doors, and trunks, while IRB 5500 seven-axis robots perform high-precision painting. The integrated Digital Painting Suite monitors coating thickness, color consistency, and surface texture, ensuring that every vehicle meets Audi’s stringent quality standards while minimizing waste and emissions.

Predictive maintenance enabled by the digital platform ensures potential equipment issues are identified before causing downtime. This reduces maintenance costs, prolongs robot life, and enhances production reliability, further integrating safety, efficiency, and sustainability into daily operations.

A Model for Sustainable Manufacturing

The collaboration between ABB and Audi demonstrates how automation can simultaneously achieve operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and employee welfare. ABB’s robotic solutions support high-quality production while reducing material consumption, emissions, and exposure to workplace hazards, providing a model for green and human-centric manufacturing.

As the global EV industry continues to grow, industrial automation technology will play an increasingly important role in ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible production. ABB’s solutions at Audi Changchun exemplify the powerful synergy between robotics, digitalization, and sustainable practices, providing valuable insights and a benchmark for other automotive manufacturers worldwide.

Conclusion

ABB’s robotic painting solutions at Audi’s Changchun NEV factory achieve a comprehensive upgrade in safety, environmental performance, and employee experience. The IRB 5500, 5350, and 6700 series robots, equipped with the RB1000i-S atomizer and integrated with the Digital Painting Suite, create a fully automated, space-efficient, environmentally friendly, and intelligent painting workshop.

This project demonstrates the successful integration of smart manufacturing with sustainability and human-centered design. It sets a benchmark for the global EV industry, showcasing how robotic automation and digitalization can simultaneously enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, supporting Audi’s zero-emission and green manufacturing ambitions.

The rise of intelligent manufacturing and AI technologies is reshaping industrial operations. Manual inspection—once a standard practice—now struggles with increasing risks, growing workloads, and the need for real-time data. Intelligent inspection robots have thus become essential for industries seeking higher safety, lower operational cost, and improved efficiency.

NORCO has launched a comprehensive solution built around the BIS-6670L modular AI computer, providing strong computing support for robot perception, analysis, and decision-making.

01. Why Intelligent Inspection Robots Are Becoming Essential

High-Risk Environments

Power stations, chemical plants, and mining sites expose human workers to electric hazards, gas leaks, or extreme temperatures.

Rising Labor Costs

Continuous 24/7 inspection is expensive and often impractical using manpower alone.

Demand for Real-time Data and Analysis

Modern operations depend on instant insights—something robots equipped with edge AI can deliver.

Need for Standardization

Robots perform inspection with consistent precision, reducing human error.

02. NORCO’s Intelligent Inspection Robot Solution

NORCO’s solution provides:

• High-performance embedded AI computing

• Multi-sensor fusion capability

• Robust communication and storage support

• Industrial-grade protection

• Modular design for flexible deployment

At the heart of this architecture lies the BIS-6670L, engineered to handle heavy workloads in challenging industrial settings.

03. BIS-6670L: The Core Embedded AI Platform Behind Modern Inspection Robots

(1) AI Performance for Real-time On-site Analytics

The Alder Lake-N CPU delivers efficient computing for defect detection, temperature analysis, image recognition, and environmental data interpretation.

(2) Extensive Interface Options

BIS-6670L supports a wide range of peripherals:

• HD cameras

• Thermal imaging modules

• Gas sensors

• Lidar

• Motor controllers

All enabled through Ethernet, USB, serial ports, GPIO, CAN, and M.2 expansion.

(3) Industrial-grade Reliability

The system maintains stable operation under:

• -20°C to 70°C

• Dust, moisture, and vibration

• Strong electromagnetic interference

• Continuous long-term operation

(4) Compact Design for Robotic Integration

The small form factor allows seamless installation inside robot chassis.

04. Real-world Use Cases

Power Substations

Robots perform meter reading, hot-spot detection, thermal analysis, and nighttime patrolling with real-time reporting.

Petrochemical Plants

Robots identify gas leaks, monitor pipelines, and detect abnormal temperatures in explosive or corrosive atmospheres.

Smart Factories

Robots scan machinery conditions, detect vibrations and anomalies, and assist with automated O&M cycles.

Mining Environments

Robots identify underground hazards, monitor air quality, detect cracks, and capture thermal anomalies.

05. Conclusion

NORCO’s BIS-6670L provides the essential computing backbone for intelligent inspection robots. As industrial digitalization accelerates, the BIS-6670L will play a crucial role in creating safer, more efficient, and more intelligent maintenance systems.

Driven by national carbon-reduction goals and growing demand for smart manufacturing, industrial enterprises are undergoing a critical transformation from conventional maintenance approaches to digital, predictive operations. However, many factories still face long-standing issues such as aging low-voltage distribution equipment, difficulty detecting hidden risks, and a lack of visibility into energy usage and power quality.

To help enterprises overcome these challenges, ABB has launched a complete Low-Voltage Digital Upgrade Solution, supported by the PowerCare Worry-Free Operations Platform. This solution provides an end-to-end system that strengthens equipment protection, enhances operational visibility, and establishes a future-proof predictive maintenance ecosystem.

Traditional Maintenance Reaches Its Limits as Industrial Complexity Continues to Grow

In traditional facilities, maintenance heavily depends on manual inspections and scattered analog indicators. Without digital tools, operations teams often struggle to capture early warning signs of degradation, temperature abnormalities, or electrical instability. Locating a fault may require extensive manual troubleshooting, increasing downtime and maintenance labor costs.

Moreover, energy management remains a major blind spot for many companies. With no accurate, real-time measurement or consumption transparency, optimization becomes difficult. As energy prices continue rising globally, enterprises urgently need the ability to pinpoint inefficiencies and implement targeted efficiency strategies.

In this context, digital and intelligent maintenance has become a strategic necessity rather than an optional upgrade. ABB’s low-voltage digital upgrade solution directly responds to these industry-wide needs.

ABB’s Four Major Digital Upgrade Components: Modernizing Maintenance at Every Level

The upgrade solution focuses on the full operational lifecycle—from monitoring and protection to control and diagnostics. It is designed for flexible, low-disruption deployment across existing facilities.

1. Digital Trip Unit Upgrade: The First Step Toward Smart Protection

Legacy thermal-magnetic trip units often struggle to meet modern requirements for precision and response. ABB’s digital replacement provides advanced protection without altering the main circuit breaker structure.

Benefits include:

• Complete electrical data acquisition

• Advanced, adjustable protection curves

• Higher precision in tripping and fault analysis

• Improved reliability and reduced unplanned downtime

This upgrade modernizes existing equipment without expensive or time-consuming overhauls.

2. Critical Temperature Monitoring: Detecting Thermal Risks Before Failures Occur

Electrical faults are frequently preceded by abnormal temperature changes at key points such as busbars and cable terminations. ABB’s temperature monitoring solution uses sensors that collect real-time data around the clock.

It provides:

• Temperature trend tracking

• Automated alarms for overheating

• Early detection of insulation aging or loose connections

• Preventive intervention before equipment damage occurs

Continuous monitoring helps safeguard assets and extend equipment life.

3. Intelligent Feeder Management: Bringing Energy Transparency to the Forefront

The intelligent feeder drawer integrates seamlessly into existing switchgear structures and allows rapid, on-site replacement.

Upgraded users gain:

• 0.5-class metering accuracy

• Visibility of harmonics, imbalance, leakage current, and other power-quality indicators

• Real-time digital dashboards without manual measurement

• Strong data support for energy optimization

This empowers enterprises to identify inefficiencies and eliminate unnecessary energy costs.

4. Smart Motor Management: Comprehensive Monitoring and Protection in One Module

Motors are essential to industrial operations—and often the most prone to faults. ABB’s smart motor management unit combines real-time monitoring, advanced protection, and intelligent control.

Key functions include:

• 14 start-up types suitable for various industrial applications

• 12 independent protection mechanisms such as overload, locked rotor, phase loss, and unbalance

• Millisecond-level fault response

• Visualized operational insights for optimized maintenance strategy

This delivers greater production stability and significantly reduces motor-related downtime.

PowerCare: Building a Predictive, Data-Driven Operational Ecosystem

All four upgrade modules integrate with the ABB PowerCare Worry-Free Operations Platform, establishing a closed-loop ecosystem that improves reliability and reduces costs.

PowerCare offers:

• Real-time equipment monitoring

• Health scoring and diagnostics

• Predictive maintenance algorithms

• Energy efficiency analysis

• Dedicated service managers providing customized support

Enterprises can transition from reactive maintenance to a proactive and intelligent operational strategy, improving both safety and efficiency.

As manufacturing industries increasingly pursue higher flexibility, intelligence, and digitalization, industrial control software is entering a critical stage of reinvention. Beckhoff Automation has officially launched its next-generation platform TwinCAT PLC++, integrating the AI-powered TwinCAT CoAgent directly into the core engineering workflow. This marks a historic shift from traditional control logic to AI-assisted engineering.

TwinCAT PLC++ represents not only enhanced PLC capabilities but a redefined lifecycle for industrial systems—from design and development to deployment and optimization.

Comprehensive Upgrade: Faster Runtime and More Flexible Architecture

1. Runtime Performance Improved by 1.5×

Through architecture redesign, TwinCAT PLC++ achieves faster execution cycles, reduced latency, and smoother task processing.

2. Compiler Optimization up to 3× Performance

The new compiler introduces:

• Enhanced semantic analysis

• Smarter optimization strategies

• Streamlined code generation

These improvements benefit complex motion control, high-frequency sampling tasks, and multi-tasking industrial systems.

3. Deep System Integration

TwinCAT PLC++ enables tighter coupling among motion control, communication, visualization, and add-on features. It supports both graphical and textual engineering methods, ensuring maximum flexibility for complicated automation projects.

TwinCAT CoAgent: AI Redefines Control Engineering

TwinCAT CoAgent is the first conversational AI agent embedded directly in an industrial PLC platform.

1. AI-Based Code Generation

CoAgent can instantly transform natural language instructions into ready-to-run PLC code. It also:

• Analyzes existing projects

• Provides optimization suggestions

• Generates professional documentation

• Converts code into readable engineering logic

2. Automated I/O and HMI Configuration

The system can automatically:

• Build I/O topology

• Name terminal modules

• Configure parameters

• Generate HMI widgets and interactable controls

Future versions will introduce autonomous parameter tuning and intelligent optimization recommendations.

3. Integrated Technical Knowledgebase

CoAgent accesses Beckhoff’s documentation, enabling engineers to obtain real-time configuration guidance without searching manually.

Beckhoff: A Global Pioneer in Industrial Automation

With a history dating back to 1980, Beckhoff maintains a strong reputation for engineering excellence. Its technology portfolio spans:

• Industrial PCs

• Fieldbus and I/O modules

• Drive systems

• Industrial vision

• Automation software

• Cabinet-free control systems

Beckhoff operates in 75 countries with over 40 subsidiaries. In China, the company has grown since 1997 and now maintains offices in more than 30 major cities.

Its breakthrough technology EtherCAT became a Chinese national recommended standard in 2014.

A New Industrial Era: Software-Defined, AI-Empowered Manufacturing

TwinCAT PLC++ embodies the future of industrial automation, where control systems evolve from logic execution units into intelligent, collaborative, AI-enhanced platforms.

In future smart factories:

• AI will generate and optimize PLC code

• I/O systems will self-configure

• HMI interfaces will be AI-generated

• System diagnostics will be automatic

• Production lines will adapt dynamically

TwinCAT PLC++ is not just an iteration—it is a strategic leap toward intelligent, software-defined manufacturing.

At the 8th China International Import Expo, Schneider Electric unveiled its latest breakthroughs in AI-driven automation and open platform integration.

A New Era of Intelligent Manufacturing

China’s industrial transformation is moving rapidly from “manufacturing scale” to “quality and intelligence.”
Smart automation, AI decision-making, and open digital platforms are becoming the engines of a new industrial revolution.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is taking a front-row seat in this transformation, turning global innovation into localized smart manufacturing solutions for China.

At this year’s CIIE, Schneider Electric’s booth became a window into the future of factories—showcasing edge computing, AI integration, flexible manufacturing, and digital energy management.

The Power of Intelligent Technology

The star attraction was the Modicon Edge I/O NTS system, a distributed platform enabling real-time data processing at the network edge.
Its modular and protocol-agnostic design allows seamless integration with diverse automation systems, reducing latency while improving precision in industrial control.

Another highlight was the locally designed “Golden Quartet” motion control suite, created specifically for Chinese manufacturers.
This combination of controllers, drives, motors, and human-machine interfaces shortens cycle time by 30% and supports multi-industry adaptability—from packaging to electronics to logistics.

The AI-powered Flipping Machine, driven by the EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert (EAE) open automation platform, further demonstrated the convergence of automation and artificial intelligence.
It showed how machine learning can enhance real-time inspection, adaptive production, and predictive maintenance across complex assembly lines.

Digital Cooperation and Ecosystem Expansion

Schneider Electric understands that true industrial transformation depends on collaboration.
Through its growing ecosystem, the company is partnering with local innovators to co-create value.

For instance, in cooperation with Qiangsi Digital Technology, Schneider Electric integrates automation and safety systems with advanced asset management to optimize process industry performance.
Its partnership with Arkema China focuses on building digital, low-carbon chemical plants, setting a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, Schneider Electric works with engineering firms like Jieshun and Dayi to deploy ProLeiT process control and MES digital platforms, advancing digital transformation at scale.

AI and Green Manufacturing: A Perfect Pair

AI in manufacturing is not only about intelligence—it’s about sustainability.
Schneider Electric applies AI-based energy optimization algorithms that can reduce industrial energy consumption by 10–15% without affecting output.
This directly supports China’s “dual carbon” goals, turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.

Products like the Altivar 340 variable speed drive demonstrate this synergy by optimizing motor torque and minimizing energy waste.
When combined with digital twins and analytics, manufacturers can continuously monitor and improve performance in real time.

Smart Manufacturing, the Chinese Way

“Digitalization is a system-wide evolution, not a single event,” said Ding Xiaohong.
Through its China Hub strategy, Schneider Electric integrates R&D, local production, and partner collaboration to deliver solutions designed by China, for China.

As AI, big data, and automation continue to converge, Schneider Electric’s open platforms will remain at the heart of industrial transformation.
From intelligent control systems to cloud-based energy management, the company is paving the way for a more efficient, greener, and smarter industrial future.

The Next Leap in Power Electronics Has Arrived

From electric vehicles and grid-scale storage to hyperscale AI compute clusters, today’s most power-intensive systems are rapidly outgrowing the limits of traditional silicon-based components. Even lateral GaN devices—once considered the frontier of efficiency—are hitting voltage and thermal ceilings.
Into this gap steps Vertical GaN (vGaN), a new class of power device that does not merely upgrade GaN technology but redefines how electrons travel through a power semiconductor.

With its official release of GaN-on-GaN vertical devices, onsemi has positioned itself at the center of what analysts now describe as the next $10-billion transition in power electronics.

Why Vertical Structure Is the Breakthrough

Traditional GaN devices conduct power laterally across the surface of the semiconductor layer, which limits scalability when voltage, current, or heat rise. Vertical GaN reverses this structure:
1✔ Current flows through the thickness of the device
2✔ Electric field spreads vertically, not across the surface
3✔ Breakdown voltage scales with thickness, not chip area

This shift enables multi-kilovolt capability, ultra-fast switching and extremely compact designs without sacrificing thermal or reliability margins.

The Technology Foundation: What “GaN-on-GaN” Really Means

Unlike GaN-on-silicon or GaN-on-sapphire, vGaN is grown directly on native GaN substrates. That single change impacts everything:

This is what enables claims such as “50% lower energy loss, 2–3× higher power density, and half-size passive components.”
It’s not marketing hype—it’s physics.

From R&D to Real Deployment: What onsemi Has Actually Delivered

While many semiconductor companies showcase vertical GaN in academic papers or R&D prototypes, onsemi is one of the first to:

1✅ Develop full wafer-level fabrication in-house
2✅ Secure more than 130 global patents across process + packaging + system use
3✅ Begin sampling 700V and 1200V parts to early customers
4✅ Target not consumer electronics but industrial, automotive, data center, aerospace grade power blocks

The company is not just introducing a new transistor—it is rolling out an ecosystem shift, including drivers, reference designs and thermal models for system integrators.

Why the Industry Needs This Breakthrough Now

It’s not a coincidence that vertical GaN arrives at the same moment the world is facing a massive energy-to-computation conversion problem.

1⚡ Data centers are scaling to 100+ MW sites

ChatGPT-level AI inference clusters require entire substations to power a single data hall.
The cost bottleneck is no longer GPUs—it is power conversion and heat.

2⚡ EVs are moving from 400V to 800V and 1000V platforms

The switch to high-voltage drivetrains demands components beyond silicon IGBTs and lateral GaN.

3.⚡ Renewable power conversion is hitting stability walls

Solar and wind inverters must handle >1500V DC strings and extreme temperatures.

4⚡ Storage and microgrids require bidirectional high-frequency power blocks

Legacy silicon adds weight, cost, and energy waste—making storage economics worse.

In all four cases, the constraint is not generation—it is conversion.

Vertical GaN is designed precisely for this gap.

Key Technical Advantages of onsemi vGaN

✅ Up to 50% reduction in switching and conduction loss
✅ Operation at >1 MHz switching without thermal runaway
✅ Device size up to 3× smaller for same voltage/current rating
✅ Enables 2× smaller inductors and capacitors
✅ Built-in robustness against avalanche, surge and cosmic radiation
✅ Ideal for multi-kW to MW-scale conversion systems

One of the least discussed—but most important—advantages:
📌 Because passive components shrink dramatically at higher switching frequencies, vGaN reduces total system cost, not just device-level power loss.

Application Impact by Sector

A common theme is emerging across industries:
→ vGaN replaces big, hot, slow power stages with compact, cool, fast ones.

Competitive Positioning: Where vGaN Fits in the Market Map

The wide-bandgap power market is no longer a single race—it is now segmented:

Vertical GaN attacks exactly the zone where SiC is gaining momentum, but with:

• Higher switching speed

• Lower system size

• Lower passive BOM

• Better thermal density

onsemi is not replacing SiC—it is competing above and below it simultaneously.

The Manufacturing Story: Why Location Matters

Unlike other GaN vendors relying on outsourced wafer fabs, onsemi’s vGaN platform is:

🏭 Designed and manufactured in Syracuse, New York
🔬 Built on proprietary crystal and epitaxy processes
📜 Protected by more than 130 patents across multiple regions
🚗 Targeted for automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q)

This means two things:

1. Secure supply chain for U.S. and EU markets

2. Faster scalability and reliability certification — a major advantage in EV and defense markets

Conclusion

Just as SiC reshaped EV drivetrains and power modules over the last decade, vertical GaN is now positioned to disrupt the next wave of electrification—where size, weight, thermal load, and switching speed matter as much as voltage rating.

The transition is already underway:

• AI power racks are demanding higher density

• Automakers are migrating to >800V platforms

• Energy systems are scaling past silicon limits

• Aerospace is eliminating every unnecessary gram

The semiconductor that wins this decade won’t just be fast or efficient, but small, cool, scalable, and voltage-capable.

And that is the problem vertical GaN was engineered to solve.

Shanghai, China – October 27, 2025 — Emerson (NYSE: EMR), a global leader in industrial automation and software, announced its sponsorship of the 2025 NAMUR China Annual Conference, which will be held in Shanghai from October 29 to 30. The event will bring together more than 200 industry executives, technical experts, and automation solution providers to share insights on industrial artificial intelligence, automation architecture, and autonomous operations.

As a key platform organized by the International Users Association for Automation in Process Industries (NAMUR), the conference aims to promote collaboration between automation technology providers and industry users. By participating, Emerson will demonstrate innovative automation solutions and provide practical experience in advancing digital transformation in the process industry.

Focusing on Smart Operations: Emerson Highlights Industrial AI Innovations

During the conference, Duncan Schleiss, Vice President of Process Systems and Solutions at Emerson, will deliver a keynote titled “Towards Autonomous Operations: Industrial AI-Driven Automation.” The speech will cover how Emerson’s strategy aligns with NAMUR’s open standards and smart operation concepts, as well as the role of next-generation automation architectures in unlocking data value and enhancing plant agility.

“Industrial enterprises are at a pivotal stage of digital transformation. Emerson combines artificial intelligence with process control technologies to help customers create more resilient, sustainable, and intelligent operations,” said Schleiss.

Xiaolong Dai, Head of the NAMUR China Core Group and Chief Manager of Automation Functions at Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co., Ltd., emphasized the value of collaboration:

“The NAMUR China Annual Conference connects industry leaders to explore automation innovations and practical applications. Emerson’s participation brings international perspectives and cutting-edge technical insights to the event.”

Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP): Making Autonomous Operations Real

A highlight of Emerson’s participation is its Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP), designed to integrate traditional automation systems with modern digital technologies.
Built on software-defined control (SDC), industrial AI, and zero-trust cybersecurity, EOP provides a flexible and scalable digital infrastructure for the process industry. It enables end-to-end data integration and intelligent decision-making, spanning production management, asset optimization, energy efficiency, and operational safety.

Wang Yifeng, President of Emerson China, said,

“Manufacturers face complex operational challenges and sustainability goals. Emerson’s industrial AI combines advanced algorithms with EOP capabilities to deliver autonomous operation solutions, predictive maintenance, and overall optimization, helping enterprises achieve higher efficiency and sustainability.”

On-Site Demonstrations: Cutting-Edge Automation Technologies

At the conference, Emerson will showcase a range of advanced technologies:

• NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) and Modular Type Package (MTP) for flexible and modular automation systems;

• AMS asset management and machinery health software with FDI integration to improve equipment availability;

• Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) technology for enhanced field instrument connectivity and secure data access;

• AI-driven remote autonomous operation solutions;

• Next-generation DeltaV™ Distributed Control System and Bluetooth-enabled HART communication instruments for efficient data collection and field operation.

These demonstrations highlight Emerson’s leadership in automation innovation and its commitment to helping enterprises implement digital transformation and intelligent operations.

Industry Impact: Driving Digitalization and Sustainability

The NAMUR China Annual Conference serves not only as a platform for technical exchange but also as a catalyst for industrial digitalization. Emerson’s solutions enable companies to optimize production, energy use, and equipment management while meeting sustainability objectives.

Dai commented,

“Automation technology improves operational efficiency and equips the industry with smart solutions to tackle complex challenges. Emerson’s participation demonstrates how a global leader empowers China’s process industries through technology.”

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Intelligent Autonomous Operations

Emerson continues to invest in research and innovation, leading the industry toward autonomous operations. The company envisions a future where AI-driven insights and self-learning capabilities allow factories to optimize, predict, and make autonomous decisions for safer, more efficient, and sustainable operations.

“We aim to work with NAMUR and industry partners to build an intelligent operations ecosystem, connecting Chinese process industries with global best practices and driving digital, sustainable, and intelligent factories,” said Wang Yifeng.

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global industrial technology and software company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. With expertise in smart devices, control systems, and industrial software, Emerson delivers automation solutions and operational excellence services worldwide. The company leverages innovation and reliability to support customers in digital transformation, production efficiency, and sustainable development.

The $5.4 billion deal combines ABB’s industrial robotics expertise with SoftBank’s AI vision, pushing the future of intelligent machines forward.

Zurich / Tokyo — October 8, 2025 — Robotics and artificial intelligence are merging faster than ever. SoftBank Group announced it will acquire ABB Group’s robotics division for $5.375 billion, marking a turning point in industrial technology.

The sale, expected to close in mid to late 2026, highlights how AI is transforming manufacturing. ABB’s robotics expertise meets SoftBank’s AI capabilities, creating a platform for cognitive automation and the next generation of intelligent robots.

From Industrial Robots to AI-Powered Machines

ABB’s robotics division has been a global leader in automation, supporting industries from automotive manufacturing to electronics assembly. With 7,000 employees worldwide and $2.3 billion in 2024 revenue, ABB Robotics has set high standards for precision and reliability.

Now, SoftBank will take the unit into a new dimension: robots that think, learn, and adapt.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing,” said ABB CEO Morten Wierod. “By combining SoftBank’s AI ecosystem with ABB’s robotics hardware, we can create machines that operate intelligently and autonomously.”

SoftBank’s Physical AI Vision

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has long championed Physical AI — intelligence that exists in the real world, not just in the cloud.

“We are moving beyond traditional AI,” Son said. “ABB Robotics allows us to merge mechanical precision with cognitive intelligence. Together, we can create autonomous machines that learn, adapt, and collaborate with humans.”

SoftBank already invests in machine learning platforms, semiconductor design, and AI-driven robotics. ABB brings industrial-grade hardware and decades of engineering experience. Together, they aim to build next-generation intelligent automation systems.

How the Acquisition Benefits Both Companies

ABB benefits by focusing on core areas like electrification, process automation, and digital energy. The sale will bring $5.3 billion in net cash and around $2.4 billion in pre-tax gains, allowing ABB to invest in R&D and strategic growth.

“This is a win-win,” said Peter Voser, ABB Chairman. “SoftBank is the ideal home for our robotics business. ABB can concentrate on sustainable automation while SoftBank drives AI-powered innovation.”

The robotics business will be reported as a discontinued operation starting in Q4 2025. ABB’s Machine Automation unit (B&R) will integrate into its Process Automation division, simplifying operations while maintaining service continuity for customers.

A Glimpse Into Cognitive Automation

SoftBank plans to combine ABB’s hardware with its AI capabilities to create robots that perceive, learn, and act autonomously. These machines could:

• Detect anomalies before they occur

• Reconfigure production lines dynamically

• Collaborate safely with human workers

“Industrial robots will evolve from task executors to cognitive partners,” said Dr. Hiro Tanaka, professor at the University of Tokyo. “SoftBank and ABB are driving the industry toward this reality.”

By leveraging cloud AI, multiple robots could share knowledge and learn collectively, boosting efficiency across factories and warehouses. This networked intelligence could also improve predictive maintenance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance safety.

The Industry Context

The deal reflects a global trend: AI is reshaping the industrial robotics market. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), AI-enabled automation could account for a significant share of the projected $150 billion robotics market by 2030.

Companies worldwide are racing to embed AI into robotics. Startups, tech giants, and industrial firms aim to develop machines that learn continuously, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. SoftBank’s acquisition puts it at the forefront of this transformation.

“They’re not buying robots; they’re buying the intelligence layer that will define the next decade,” said Laura Chen, senior analyst at IDC Asia Pacific.

ABB’s Continued Leadership in Automation

ABB’s focus on electrification, process automation, and sustainability remains strong. The company employs over 110,000 people globally and operates in more than 100 countries.

“ABB’s mission is unchanged,” said Voser. “We’re helping industries operate efficiently and sustainably. The future of automation isn’t just machines — it’s intelligent, interconnected ecosystems.”

The divestment frees up capital to invest in digital energy management, smart grids, and AI-enabled industrial solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

SoftBank’s New Robotics Ecosystem

SoftBank plans to expand ABB’s research footprint with AI and robotics labs in Tokyo, Zurich, and Boston. These centers will focus on integrating machine learning, perception algorithms, and cloud intelligence into industrial robots.

“Our goal is to create robots that understand context and collaborate with humans,” said SoftBank CTO Naoki Sato. “ABB’s expertise accelerates that mission.”

The new AI-robotics stack combines three layers:

1. Hardware intelligence — ABB’s actuators, sensors, and motion controls

2. Cognitive intelligence — SoftBank’s AI models and neural networks

3. Operational intelligence — Cloud connectivity for real-time optimization

This stack enables robots to self-optimize across factories, warehouses, and even healthcare facilities.

The Broader Impact

Analysts say the acquisition sets a new benchmark for industrial AI integration. Companies like Siemens, FANUC, and Yaskawa are also embedding AI into robots, but SoftBank’s approach could accelerate cognitive robotics adoption globally.

“This is a shift from automation to intelligence,” said Kevin Wu, robotics VC. “ABB and SoftBank are building robots that learn across networks, not just follow programmed instructions.”

The collaboration may also influence global supply chains, logistics, and smart manufacturing ecosystems. By merging AI and robotics, SoftBank is creating a blueprint for future industrial competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

As the deal progresses, the ABB–SoftBank partnership could redefine what industrial robots can do. With AI cognition at the core, machines will predict, adapt, and make decisions, transforming how factories operate.

“We’re entering the cognitive era of manufacturing,” said Dr. Tanaka. “ABB and SoftBank are not just improving efficiency — they’re changing the fundamental role of machines in society.”

For ABB, the sale is a chance to concentrate on sustainable automation and digital infrastructure. For SoftBank, it’s a gateway to building the world’s first AI-driven industrial ecosystem.

Conclusion

The $5.4 billion deal is more than a corporate transaction — it’s a signal that intelligent automation is here. The combination of ABB’s industrial expertise and SoftBank’s AI capabilities could transform manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more.

“We are building robots that think, learn, and collaborate,” said Son. “This is the next phase of industrial progress.”

The ABB–SoftBank partnership underscores a simple truth: the future of robotics is intelligence plus action, not just mechanics.