Industrial Autonomy (IA2IA) is Yokogawa’s framework for moving plants beyond predefined automation rules. Nick Clark, a Yokogawa representative, describes IA2IA as applying AI, robotics, and advanced integration so industrial systems identify issues, make adjustments, and keep running without waiting for human intervention, shifting operations from reactive problem management to continuous prevention.
Industrial automation has long been about predefined processes and protocols. Plants and systems follow strict rules, but when something changes or goes wrong, human operators step in. That intervention takes time, adds cost, and often interrupts operations.
Industrial autonomy is the next step. Clark explained that it’s about applying technologies like AI, robotics, and advanced integration so that systems can adapt in real time. Instead of waiting for human input, plants can identify issues, make adjustments, and keep running. The shift is from managing problems after they occur to preventing them in the first place.
The Technology Foundation
Autonomy isn’t just a concept. The foundation is already here in the form of digitalization, robotics, and artificial intelligence. These tools allow for tighter system integration, faster response, and better optimization. A digital twin can mirror physical assets, giving operators a clearer view of what’s happening and what might happen next. AI can highlight patterns humans might miss. Robotics can take on repetitive or high-risk tasks.
Why Does Industrial Autonomy Matter for Plants?
Industrial autonomy addresses four operational challenges that traditional automation cannot fully resolve: safety, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Nick Clark of Yokogawa identifies each as a concrete benefit of the IA2IA approach. Autonomous systems reduce the need for people to enter hazardous environments, cut downtime by responding faster than manual workflows allow, optimize resource consumption to support sustainability goals, and adapt quickly when operating conditions shift unexpectedly.
What Is the Human Role in Industrial Autonomy?
Industrial autonomy changes the human role rather than removing it. In the IA2IA model described by Yokogawa’s Nick Clark, operators move away from hands-on problem solving and toward strategy, oversight, and continuous improvement. Autonomous systems manage routine tasks and rapid adjustments, freeing people to focus on higher-value decisions that require judgment and context that AI and robotics cannot yet supply independently.
How Do Plants Progress Toward Full Autonomy?
The move toward industrial autonomy is a step-by-step journey, not a single transition. Yokogawa’s Nick Clark notes that different industries and individual plants are at different stages: some are already experimenting with autonomous capabilities, while others still rely on largely manual operations. Progress comes by layering new autonomy capabilities on top of existing automation infrastructure, building toward plants that adapt and improve continuously over time.
In short, IA2IA is Yokogawa’s roadmap to smarter, safer, and more resilient operations. The destination is not just automated plants, but truly autonomous ones that adapt and improve continuously.
This interview was recorded by Kevin O’Donovan, a member of IIoT World’s Board of Advisors.
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