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 same components and behave identically as a control layer. The real question is where a virtual PLC actually improves […]
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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 workflows to an open system where teams connect Siemens, third-party, and OEM tools through APIs and a package management […]
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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 Days or events/presentations we attended, the following technologies define the 2026 tech stack for industrial excellence.1. Agentic AI: Autonomous […]
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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 automation strategies. This makes vision technology the top emerging priority, outpacing both Large Language Models and humanoid robotics in […]
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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 that have been operating for decades.For years, the industry solution was the dreaded “rip and replace”, tearing out expensive […]
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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 manufacturing—greater flexibility, lower emissions, workforce shortages—are growing quickly.The question isn’t whether the technology exists. It’s how to implement change […]
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At Hannover Messe 2025, industrial competitiveness emerged as a dominant theme, sparking discussions beyond technology. While manufacturers continue to face rising complexity, the real constraints may not be what you expect.Barbara Frei, EVP of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, points to a combination of overlooked issues that quietly erode industrial performance: mindset, workforce readiness, and siloed […]
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At Hannover Messe 2025, Ali Haj Fraj, Senior Vice President of the Digital Factory at Schneider Electric, offers a compelling perspective on one of the most pressing industrial challenges: how to balance sustainability with global competitiveness. His answer? Don’t treat them as opposing forces. Instead, treat sustainability as a core driver of performance.Rethinking the Sustainability–Competitiveness Trade-OffToo often, […]
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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 a bold rethinking of industrial control in an increasingly connected and complex world.As manufacturers face rising pressure to digitize, […]
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Industrial operations are at a pivotal moment, where sustainability, autonomy, and efficiency are no longer optional but essential. Schneider Electric leads this transformation through software-defined automation, AI-driven solutions, and open systems. Andre Babineau explains how these technologies reshape manufacturing, making operations more flexible, sustainable, and future-proof.Decoupling Software from Hardware: The Shift to Open AutomationA key trend Babineau highlights […]
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