In the past few decades, industrial automation has gradually developed and the market structure has not changed much. However, due to technological disruptions and the impact of major trends such as repositioning, global skilled labor shortages, and efforts in environmental,social, and governance (ESG), the pace of change is accelerating.

Many of the most advanced manufacturing technologies today, such as digital twins, selflearning robots, and self programmable devices, will become commonplace in the future. These trends will bring a "software defined" pattern to industrial automation (Siemens 6EP1336-3BA10 SITOP Power SUpply)

It is difficult to predict when this new future will arrive. It may arrive in 15 years, but it may also arrive in 5 years, depending on the speed of technological progress and its application in different industrial fields.

The views of automation users. Among the users who participated in our survey, 94% stated that digital solutions are crucial for their future automation work. (Allen Bradley 1783-ETAP2F Ethernet I/P Switch)In the past few years, the focus of users has shifted from self-developed digital solutions to beyond learning and practice. Currently, 54% of manufacturing companies collaborate with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop standardized industrial IoT platforms. Since 2019, this proportion has almost increased eight times.

The technique of changing game rules. Ten key technologies, including soft programmable logic controllers (PLCs), (Siemens 6ES7321-1BH02-0AA0 SIMATIC S7-300 Digital Input Module)digital twins, and unmanned robot technology, are pioneering the future of automation. The report introduces how these key technologies will fundamentally change factory operations.

The report also pointed out potential turning points that could lead to the takeoff of these technologies. For example, advances in connectivity and data exchange protocols may stimulate the development of soft PLCs; The increase in labor costs will drive more development and interest in robot technology that does not require teaching; Artificial intelligence is a powerful driving force behind almost all ten key technologies.

There are two possible scenarios. There are two scenarios for the future of industrial automation, the main difference being the speed of adopting technology. The first possibility is that the market is gradually developing. However, the second scenario could also occur, which is a faster transition speed, and by 2030, both suppliers and manufacturing factories must make significant changes.

Happy New Year 2024,  wishing you a happy and prosperous new year. Vivi (sh_plc@163.com).