Automation Fair highlights AI & skills to drive factory future
Rockwell Automation has opened its annual Automation Fair in Chicago, bringing together more than 15,000 engineers, manufacturers and industry executives to examine the technologies reshaping the future of industrial operations.
Technology focus
This year's programme places particular emphasis on advancements in intelligent autonomous systems, industrial artificial intelligence, open system architecture and sophisticated analytics. These technologies are gaining traction in manufacturing environments searching for improved productivity, operational resilience and more environmentally sustainable processes.
Rockwell Automation is aiming to showcase the practical application of these trends across a broad swathe of sectors, providing demonstrations and technical sessions that highlight emerging solutions.
Event scale
The event comprises more than 140 interactive exhibits covering approximately 46,000 square metres, with hands-on demonstrations and guided tours intended to appeal to a cross-section of industry specialists. Over 275 technical sessions and 450 hours of practical training are available for participants, reflecting the growing demand for upskilling and reskilling as automation technologies evolve.
This breadth of learning opportunity is designed to address the rapid evolution of industry requirements, particularly as manufacturers expand the adoption of industrial AI and advanced data analysis across production facilities worldwide.
Southeast Asia trends
Manufacturers in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia are integrating artificial intelligence for purposes such as quality control, reliability improvement and energy optimisation. However, widespread adoption is tempered by factors such as the pace of digital infrastructure development, varying access to skilled personnel and the differing rates of regulatory adaptation.
Resilient supply chains have also become a pressing subject. Automation and digital technologies are being positioned as solutions to ongoing trade and geopolitical uncertainties in the region, as well as enabling compliance with emerging regulatory frameworks and performance standards.
Sectoral shifts
Interest in autonomous operations and open system architecture has been especially prominent in high-growth sectors such as data centres, semiconductor manufacturing and other high-technology industries. The expansion of these industries in Southeast Asia is placing additional emphasis on scalable, modular automation platforms that support local manufacturing requirements while permitting global integration.
At the same time, advanced analytics and industrial AI are being used to support predictive maintenance, energy efficiency and adaptive production lines. This is resulting in new workforce requirements as factories invest in digital skill development to keep pace with evolving technology demands.
Workforce challenges
Building an AI-ready workforce is an increasing priority for factories in Southeast Asia. Companies are introducing training aimed at both technical staff and operational managers, with the goal of embedding digital literacy from the shop floor to senior leadership. The focus is on ensuring operational competency and on attracting new talent to address both the current digital gap and anticipated future needs.
Factory leaders and training providers are responding to what they see as a long-term skills challenge, extending from technician qualifications through to specialised engineering and data analytics roles.
Leadership perspective
"Automation Fair is where ideas turn into action. We're all here with the same mission to create what's next - for our teams, our customers and the industries we serve," said Brian Hovey, Chief Marketing Officer, Rockwell Automation.
