Most manufacturers looking at software-defined automation ask the wrong question first. The question is not "should we replace our hardware PLCs with virtual ones?" At Siemens, the S7-1500 virtual PLC and the hardware PLC share the…
Software-defined automation moves control logic from dedicated PLCs onto industrial PCs and standard server hardware, while the physical equipment, inputs/outputs, drives, and motors, stays on the shop floor. Engineering changes too, from predefined toolchains with fixed…
Manufacturing has shifted into a phase of scaled execution. Today, leaders build autonomous systems that contextualize, secure, and act on data in real time. Based on insights from industry leaders at previous editions of IIoT World…
In 2026, the industrial sector has reached a critical turning point where "High Tech" meets "High Touch." According to the latest member survey from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), 41% of manufacturers are prioritizing AI Vision systems in their 2026…
In the fast-paced world of industrial automation, manufacturers face a brutal dilemma. On one hand, the market moves at breakneck speed, demanding agility and new digital capabilities. On the other hand, plants are filled with assets…
As the conversation shifts from Industry 4.0 to 5.0, one problem remains unsolved: most industrial environments are running on legacy infrastructure. Machines last decades. Control systems are often 30 years old. But the demands placed on…
Many manufacturers invest heavily in new technology yet still struggle to close the competitiveness gap with industry leaders. The reasons are rarely obvious; they hide in organizational silos, legacy system architectures, workforce skill deficits, and fragmented…
Circular manufacturing, the practice of designing products and production systems to eliminate waste, extend asset life, and recover materials at end of use, is moving from aspirational concept to operational imperative. Regulatory pressure, raw material volatility,…
At HANNOVER MESSE 2025, Schneider Electric isn’t just showcasing products — it’s introducing a new mindset for how industries operate, adapt, and evolve. With a spotlight on open software-defined automation and industrial AI, Schneider Electric’s presence at Hall 11, Stand C52, reflects…
The convergence of artificial intelligence, open automation platforms, and sustainability mandates is reshaping how manufacturers design, operate, and optimize production systems. In this guide, IIoT World explores the practical pathways connecting AI-driven decision-making to measurable environmental…