The industrial landscape reached a significant milestone on February 9, 2026. Schneider Electric launched EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA) at a major event in Orlando. This system represents the industry’s first open, software-defined Distributed Control System (DCS). It aims to modernize how hybrid and process industries manage their operations. For years, proprietary hardware has locked operators into rigid ecosystems. However, this new release signals a shift toward flexibility and digital-first architectures.
The Smart Production Solutions (SPS) fair in Nuremberg recently showcased a transformative shift in the global industrial sector. After a volatile period, the industry is entering a new era of intelligence and connectivity. This report analyzes the pivotal trends that will define factory automation and control systems throughout 2026.
