AUTOMATION n n Edge computing AI will continue to move closer to the source, working even nearer to sensors and the machines themselves. Especially for vision systems, the closeness between AI and the source improves the ability to detect what is actually happening and act at the source, eliminating existing delays of data going to a controller for processing, and then sending analysis back to the source. n Wireless connectivity Advances in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will allow manufacturers to identify and correct problems and inefficiencies sooner, saving time and money. The improvements in connections between sensor data, machineto-machine communications and automation technologies, provide machinelearning technologies with more accurate data to optimise and streamline industrial processes. We expect to see many more physical protocols available from leaders in industrial Ethernet standards for automation technology, such as Profinet and Modbus, along with open, scalable Ethernet-based networks such as Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). Advances in protocols will continue to reduce complexity and cost, enabling sensors and communication devices to go beyond existing borders. n Safety-integrated automation It is easy to scale up operations quickly due to the return-on-investment of getting machines up and running. However, the gains made by scaling rapidly can disappear if there are any safety impacts on the workforce. The practice of integrating safety equipment alongside the rest of the automation system in real time, not after the fact, is a growth area we are excited to support. n High-mix, low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing The industry seems poised to have a full-circle moment with trendflexible modular systems. The system that fell out of favour when Henry Ford was trying to balance his automobile assembly lines, is now supported by adopting increased amounts of automation. Recent advances in industrial automation can offer quality customisation and numerous configurations more efficiently and effectively, without the strain of a specialised, dedicated workforce. n Digital twins The integration of simulation-driven design with machine learning and data analytics allows engineers to test, refine and perfect designs before they are physically realised or when they are in operation and positioned, to benefit from continuous optimisation. Digital twins can significantly improve design quality, cost and even safety and cybersecurity. At DigiKey, we are using digital twins to monitor the flow in our product distribution centre. Simulated design around packaging, orders and distribution gives the team insights into where hiccups might be occurring so we can reduce bottlenecks and boost performance in real time. The growing demand for smart automation is not slowing down. Across industry, there is heightened interest in ecommerce distribution partners such as DigiKey. Engineers, designers and manufacturers are increasingly opting to shop for automation products and cuttingedge technologies from frictionless Web sites that have everything they need, along with delivery in as little as 24 hours. The future of industrial automation is not just smart, but is agile and safe. We are committed to bridging the gap between innovation and execution, making it easier for customers to automate smarter, faster and safer. n With every Automatio It is the place whe The SPS showcas y new facet. ounds. on ast , tise unfolds, networks gr ere exper ses it all and has been the home of au ow and ideas are inspired. utomation since 1990. uto Bringing A For those who wa tise diversity, exper ogether Bringing t oLife omation t o stay one step ahead. ant t e, and ingenuity. start-ups to global players and driving ough g progress thr automation world of Unfold the omation industrial aut ion for ibition h international exh the 34t , GERMANY NUREMBERG 25 – 27.11.2025 Discover more
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