The modern smart factory represents a major shift in industrial automation.
Unlike earlier digital waves, today’s transformation tightly connects software intelligence with physical production.
As a result, factory automation now integrates embedded systems, AI, robotics, and real-time data into one adaptive ecosystem.
The food manufacturing sector faces persistent labor shortages, rising costs, and quality instability.
Therefore, industrial automation has shifted from an efficiency option to a survival strategy.
Factory automation, control systems, and AI-driven robotics now play a central operational role.
Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania has taken a major step toward advanced shipbuilding. By adopting robotic welding, the yard moves from manual-intensive processes to industrial automation. This shift addresses efficiency demands and the global shortage of skilled welders. Moreover, automation improves consistency in large-scale vessel manufacturing.
India stands at a decisive moment in its manufacturing journey. Industrial automation, supported by AI and digital technologies, will define the country’s long-term competitiveness. According to industry assessments, advanced manufacturing can significantly expand India’s manufacturing GDP by 2047. However, progress will remain limited without faster technology adoption.
Modern manufacturing discussions often focus on AI, IIoT, and autonomous systems.
However, many factories still depend on proven legacy automation components to keep production stable.
When managed correctly, older PLCs, drives, and control systems remain valuable strategic assets rather than technical debt.
The industrial automation and power electronics sectors are poised for significant growth in 2026. With a global industrial automation market expected to reach US$158 billion (AU$346 billion), and power electronics forecast to hit US$40 billion (AU$88 billion), the rapid evolution of these technologies is reshaping industries worldwide. In Australia, key sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and renewable energy are leading this transformation, driven by advancements in AI, power semiconductors like SiC and GaN, and the growing demand for more efficient and sustainable systems.
