Latest News & Updates

Rockwell Automation Names Emmanuel Guilhamon New Vice President of Sustainability

Emmanuel Guilhamon was named Rockwell Automation, vice president, sustainability, effective July 1.

In this role, Guilhamon is responsible for developing, leading, and executing Rockwell’s global sustainability strategy that is focused on delivering three outcomes: sustainable customers, a sustainable company, and sustainable communities.

He leads the corporate sustainability team, which provides thought leadership and works with internal and external partners to align on and deliver the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments and to facilitate the development of solutions that help manufacturers achieve their sustainability goals.

Rockwell Automation Announces New Chief Financial Officer

Rockwell Automation announced that Christian Rothe will join the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer. He will report to Rockwell Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Blake Moret.

Rothe brings with him a broad background of executive leadership, finance, strategic planning, operations, and corporate development experience. He joins Rockwell after spending 13 years at Graco Inc., an industrial company specializing in the development and manufacturing of fluid-handling systems and products. Rothe served as chief financial officer and treasurer at Graco from 2015 through 2018 before moving into roles leading Graco’s global business divisions. He is currently the president, Global Industrial Division. Prior to Graco, Rothe worked at Gardner Denver in finance and strategic development roles.

Learn more here.

Cisco and Rockwell Automation to Accelerate Digital Transformation of the Asia Pacific Industrial Market

Cisco, a worldwide leader in networking and security, and Rockwell Automation, announced a collaboration to propel digital transformation of the industrial market in the Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China region. The announcement was made as the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the same.

Cisco and Rockwell Automation provide technologies and services that enable manufacturers to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and ensure the security of their industrial networks. This collaboration will see the two companies coming together to facilitate the implementation of advanced automation solutions, such as connected factories and industrial IoT, while also addressing the unique challenges and requirements of manufacturing environments.

Learn more here.

Chairman & CEO Blake Moret, in exclusive conversation with CNBC TV 18 India

Rockwell Automation, a leading global provider of industrial automation solutions, is further expanding its footprint in India with the inauguration of a new facility in Chennai. This addition complements its existing facility in Pune, strengthening its presence in one of the fastest-growing markets for automation technologies.

The Chennai facility, primarily focused on the semiconductor industry, marks the first phase of Rockwell's expansion in the region, with more developments anticipated. The facility is set to be operational by early 2025 and is on a fast track for completion.

Watch the full interview - CNBCTV18 interview.

Rockwell Automation Revolutionizes Safety with Launch of Logix SIS

Rockwell Automation builds on its industry-leading safety technology portfolio with the launch of Logix SIS, a cutting-edge safety instrumented system (SIS) designed to address the evolving needs of modern industrial environments.

The introduction of the Logix SIS provides a modern and integrated safety solution, offering both SIL 2 and SIL 3 certifications for enhanced process and hybrid safety. Logix SIS provides all components of a safety instrumented system including the process logic-solver and I/O. The system is engineered to provide high availability with proven Rockwell Automation hardware leveraging the latest 1756 controller, FLEX 5000® I/O platform and Studio 5000 Logix Designer® application for a truly integrated user experience.

More details here.

New Panel-mount, High-power VFD Option Simplifies Installation, Increases Productivity

Industrial companies can simplify installation, increase productivity and maximize uptime with Allen-Bradley® PowerFlex® 755TS frame 7A drives with TotalFORCE® technology. PowerFlex 755TS six-pulse drives provide more power in a smaller footprint and allow companies—especially with heavy industry applications—to get the most out of space and investments.

The PowerFlex 755TS frame 7A low voltage drive expands the power range up to 500 Hp (355 kW) and provides a new panel-mount solution for high horsepower applications. It's 75% smaller than floor mount alternatives, making it easier to install and meet premium footprint requirements.

Learn more here.

Connected Worker Solution from Plex, by Rockwell Automation, Addresses Labor Crisis in Manufacturing

Rockwell Automation announced the launch of its connected worker solution from Plex, by Rockwell Automation. These industry-leading capabilities were developed to help users enhance productivity, quality, and safety on the shop floor.

Manufacturers face a perfect storm of challenges: a dwindling workforce, knowledge gaps, and a skills shortage. A recent survey of manufacturers found that attracting employees with desired skillsets is their leading internal obstacle, while the skilled worker shortage is among the top five external obstacles. The new connected worker solution addresses this challenge by providing advanced digital tools to retain, attract, and reskill workers. It empowers them with real-time guidance, visual aids, and multimedia content, enhancing comprehension and reducing errors on the job. By streamlining the number of applications manufacturers need, the solution also reduces total cost of ownership, time to value, and cybersecurity risk.

The new capabilities are directly embedded within Plex’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES), providing a single source for optimizing manufacturing productivity without the need for multiple subscriptions. The solution also benefits from the broader Rockwell Automation portfolio through its hardware and software offerings, as well as its world-class partnerships.

More details here.

Updated FactoryTalk PharmaSuite Rolls Out “Game Changing” Upgrading Capabilities among Other Key Enhancements

Rockwell Automation makes it easier to upgrade over multiple versions of FactoryTalk® PharmaSuite® than ever before. With the addition of the high-performance Generic Upgrade Engine that is part of the release of FactoryTalk PharmaSuite 11.02.00, manufacturers can upgrade systems faster, minimizing the downtime required to reap the benefits of the latest software updates.

This latest release also features an improved User Audit Trail experience to help ensure regulatory compliance and traceability by giving manufacturers quick access to a comprehensive, tamper-proof record of system actions. Additionally, FactoryTalk PharmaSuite 11.02.00 includes updates to its Cold Chain Tracking functionality, which enables manufacturers to track thermo-sensitive material to preserve quality and reduce wasted product and offers the best available state of cyber hardening.

Learn more about the leading MES solution developed specifically for the Life Sciences industry.

New Study Finds Labor Challenges Outrank Economic Growth Concerns Among Life Sciences Manufacturers

The results from the 9th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report: Life Sciences Edition are out. The global study encompasses the responses of 111 leaders from life sciences manufacturers across 15 of the leading manufacturing countries.

This year’s report spotlights the evolution of the life sciences industry, with an emphasis on leveraging emerging technologies to minimize risks, manage supply chains, and enhance workforce potential. Life sciences leaders recognize that sustaining growth and innovation necessitates a highly skilled workforce, highlighting the vital need for consistent and substantial investment in workforce development.

Key findings include:

• Workforce issues are listed as the top external obstacle for life sciences manufacturers in 2024, ahead of inflation and economic growth.
  
• 96% of life sciences manufacturers are using or evaluating smart manufacturing technologies in 2024.
• Technology investments increased to 31% of the operating budget.

Learn more on the findings here.

ROKLive Surabaya 2024 Showcases the Future of Industrial Operations

Rockwell Automation hosted its ROKLive Southeast Asia event in Surabaya, Indonesia, on August 7. With the theme 'Discover What's Possible' – the event showcased the latest innovations in industrial technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud-based manufacturing execution systems (MES), and cybersecurity, while putting the spotlight on the future of industrial operations.

The event featured engaging presentations, customer experience sharing, technology updates, industry-focus discussions, and an interactive expo featuring the latest innovations from Rockwell Automation and members of its PartnerNetwork™. Sustainability, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies in digital transformation were among the key points of discussion in the sessions.

The manufacturing sector is vital to Indonesia's social and economic development. Today, it is the largest GDP contributor and dominates the export landscape. The Indonesian government has launched Making Indonesia 4.0, a roadmap to prepare for the digital industrial era. It targets seven key manufacturing sectors: food and beverage, textiles and clothing, automotive, chemicals, electronics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors account for 70% of industrial GDP, 65% of industrial exports, and employ 60% of the industrial workforce, ensuring a comprehensive approach to digital readiness and competitiveness.

Read more here.

Rockwell opens Tinkering Lab for girl students in Pune

A state-of-the-art STEM Tinkering Lab, known as Robo Shiksha Kendra, has been inaugurated by Rockwell Automation at Hujurpaga Girls School in Pune. This initiative is an important step towards strengthening our ongoing commitment to support STEM education amongst girls.

Apart from providing infrastructure, the comprehensive program aims at equipping teachers and students with the necessary skills and knowledge. This holistic approach ensures that the STEM Tinkering Lab's impact goes far beyond its physical presence, nurturing a generation of innovators and problem solvers. To date, Rockwell Automation has sponsored and promoted a total of 12 Tinkering Labs across India.

For more information, visit here.

New Study Finds Workforce Challenges Emerge as a Top Concern Among CPG Manufacturers

Global study reveals critical workforce issues, rising technology budgets, and evolving strategic priorities for CPG manufacturers.

Rockwell Automation announced the results of the 9th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing Report: CPG Edition.” The global study encompasses the responses of 158 leaders from CPG manufacturers, inclusive of home and personal care, as well as food and beverage manufacturers, across 17 of the leading manufacturing countries.

This year’s report highlights the evolution of the CPG industry, specifically about utilizing emerging technologies to maximize workforce potential, improve forward planning and minimize risk. CPG leaders acknowledge that neglecting to adapt to the industry's transformation can stifle growth and competitiveness, especially considering that the manufacturing sector could see up to 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030 if current workforce challenges are not addressed.

Key findings include:

• Workforce issues, inflation and the energy crisis are the top external obstacles for CPG manufacturers in 2024.
• 86% of CPG manufacturers are using or evaluating smart manufacturing technology in 2024.
• Technology investments increased 26% year-over-year, from 21% to 27% of the operating budget.

Learn more about the findings here.

Rockwell Makes Electric Vehicle Industry More Sustainable

Electric vehicles (EVs) use four times more copper than conventional vehicles. The Resolution Copper Project has enough copper to manufacture almost 220 million EVs, or about half the global supply, by 2040. At 1.3 miles underground, getting to that copper safely and sustainably is the top priority for the Resolution Copper Project.

This project is a joint venture between mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP. These companies identified a copper deposit in the southeastern U.S. large enough to potentially to supply nearly 25% of US copper demand.

Rockwell Automation has a variety of options to help customers achieve sustainability goals— from visibility into current state to hardware that reduces energy use to software that identifies opportunities for optimization.

Learn more about how Rockwell is helping Resolution Copper achieve substantial energy savings and increased system efficiency.

Making Drilling More Efficient for New Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage Facilities

With help from Rockwell Automation, Italian drilling-rig specialist Drillmec is using data-driven and precision automation for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.

Drillmec’s innovative storage technologies make drilling entry points for new carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) facilities faster, easier, safer, and more cost effective. This initiative underpins Drillmec’s drive to develop solutions that draw on its drilling and rig expertise to reduce emissions and achieve environmental goals.

Drillmec’s technology, relying on Rockwell’s PowerFlex® AC drives, is able to be more precise and targeted when creating entry points for drilling. This extra efficiency helps to lower the barrier to entry for new CCUS facilities. This not only helps to lower costsl it has the potential to significantly lower emissions related to a range of industrial and domestic uses. As well as providing technology, Rockwell has been working closely with Drillmec to optimize the drilling workflow for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.

Learn more about the initiative.

Sweetch Energy and Rockwell Automation Optimize Unique Zero-Carbon Electricity Generation Technology

French renewables startup Sweetch Energy will rely on extensive domain expertise and global presence from Rockwell Automation (to help scale its osmotic power generation technology.

Osmotic energy is naturally generated by the difference in salinity between freshwater and seawater. The INOD (Ionic Nano Osmotic Diffusion) technology developed by Sweetch Energy is the first technology of its kind to be marketed on an industrial scale.

Using Rockwell’s turnkey process control platform and visualization technology, Sweetch Energy will optimize its unique zero-carbon electricity generation technology in its first osmotic demonstrator plant at the Barcarin lock in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, France. The company plans to deploy several osmotic stations at the mouth of the Rhône to harness natural osmotic energy. These stations will represent up to 500 MW of carbon-free electricity production capacity, capable of supplying more than 1.5 million people – the equivalent to the population of cities such as Marseille and its surrounding areas, Barcelona, Amsterdam, or Montreal.

More information can be found here.