Emerson's Boundless Automation: Revolutionizing Industrial Operations with AI and Edge Technology
Emerson's "Boundless Automation" vision, launched two years ago, aims to reshape the landscape of industrial automation. This vision is based on a unified approach to automation, integrating field, edge, and cloud technologies. It emphasizes breaking down data silos, enabling seamless access to data from various departments, and optimizing operations across different functions. The vision's core promise is an integrated data fabric that enables better decision-making and improves efficiency across the entire enterprise, aligning with sustainability goals and operational competitiveness.
Key Developments and Milestones
In line with its vision, Emerson made several strategic moves, including the acquisition of Inmation and taking an equity stake in AspenTech. These investments signal the company's commitment to advancing industrial automation through digital transformation. A notable milestone is the release of the DeltaV Edge, a product that allows DeltaV data to flow into edge systems, creating digital twins for more dynamic control and analysis. The introduction of hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) has opened new possibilities in edge technology, enabling broader data sharing and integration across various platforms.
Generative AI and the Expertise Crisis in Industrial Automation
As industries face a shortage of skilled workers due to the retirement of experienced engineers, generative AI is becoming a valuable tool in filling the expertise gap. Emerson is leveraging AI to enhance customer support, product configuration, and operations. With AI-powered tools like interactive copilots and operations advisors, Emerson is shifting toward making automation systems more intuitive and adaptive. These tools will help operators make better decisions quickly, bridging the knowledge gap in an increasingly complex industrial environment.
Future Outlook: AI and Edge Computing
Looking ahead, Emerson's Boundless Automation vision is poised to further incorporate advanced technologies like generative AI and edge computing. The company plans to roll out more solutions where control functions can run directly on edge platforms, making operations more flexible and scalable. AI will continue to evolve, helping industrial users optimize plant performance, adapt to changing conditions, and improve safety. As the digital transformation accelerates, Emerson aims to stay at the forefront of integrating these cutting-edge technologies into the industrial space.
Conclusion: Transforming Automation for a New Era
Two years after Emerson unveiled its Boundless Automation vision, the company has made significant strides toward transforming industrial automation. With an integrated approach that combines field, edge, and cloud capabilities, Emerson is setting the stage for a more flexible, efficient, and sustainable future in industrial operations. The incorporation of generative AI and edge computing will further enhance Emerson's ability to address the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
