Scott Wooldridge President, Asia-Pacific of Rockwell Automation highlights how Asian countries like China and India, emerging as a global leader in automation, with growth in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles and life sciences.
In an exclusive interaction with ETAuto at Automation Fair, Anaheim, California, Scott discussed the evolving role of technology in manufacturing, including digital twins, AI-driven decision-making, collaborative robots (cobots), and autonomous operations.
He said that there is a need for reskilling the workforce, centralised control systems, and the role of innovation in improving efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in smart factories.
The conversation also gave insights on Rockwell Automation’s strategic acquisitions, investments in mobile robotics and cloud-based solutions, and its vision for the future of industrial automation.
Excerpt:
Q: What is your perspective on generative AI for both hardware and software, and where does the Asia-Pacific market stand in the global industrial revolution?
The technology landscape has become more equalised across regions. Adoption rates for newer technologies are comparable globally. Over the past few years, industries like semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, and advanced machinery have grown significantly in Asia. Even when factories are located in North America or Europe, the designs often originate from Asia, showcasing strong adoption within the region.
Q: Would you say Asia is leading in this space?
Yes, the trend toward designing and developing advanced machinery in Asia reflects a natural evolution. AI is transforming the automation lifecycle—from simulating and emulating plant designs to configuring control system codes. Historically, control system configurations have remained static, but AI is automating core processes like HMI code generation and system testing, providing smarter and faster decision-making capabilities.
Q: How does AI enhance decision-making in manufacturing, especially regarding operational efficiency and cyber protection?
AI’s integration allows machines to make decisions autonomously. Improved computing power and embedded AI engines enable real-time monitoring and adaptation. For instance, inline quality control systems can detect and address issues during production, avoiding costly batch rework. AI engines optimise processes in real-time, reducing downtime and ensuring seamless operation without manual intervention.
Q: With digital twins and remote capabilities, can plants be managed remotely?
Remote control and monitoring have been possible for years, but their adoption increased during COVID-19. Digital twins enhance this by providing simulated insights, though real-time control remains local. For instance, unmanned control rooms in Australia manage multiple mining sites remotely, highlighting the efficiency of centralised systems.
Q: How will AI and robotics adoption impact manpower in manufacturing?
Centralised systems will reduce the need for on-site personnel, but plants will require a technically skilled workforce for maintenance. There’s a shift toward blended roles where operators are also trained in maintenance. The workforce will be smaller but more skilled, focusing on automation and control systems.
Q: What trends do you see for AI and robotics adoption in the next 2-3 years?
Based on our State of the Smart Manufacturing Report, AI and collaborative robots (cobots) are top investment areas. Customers are eager to adopt these solutions, and our acquisitions, like Clearpath (for autonomous mobile robots), reflect this trend. While automation visions have existed for decades, recent advancements make it easier to integrate AI engines and deploy cost-effective solutions.
Q: How do you foresee workforce reskilling to align with this transformation?
Reskilling will focus on blending operator and maintenance roles. Existing automation professionals will need training in newer technologies. The main bottleneck is scaling up the skilled workforce to meet demand, but people recognise this shift as an exciting opportunity. The core skill sets are already present; they just need to be adapted to modern tools.
Q: How do new technologies like AI and generative AI contribute to cost efficiency and sustainability in factories?
The impact varies by industry. For example, in automotive manufacturing, AI-powered autonomous vehicles replace forklift drivers, leading to significant cost savings. Inline AI can improve productivity by 20-25%, primarily through better quality control. Machines now adjust parameters automatically, reducing waste and downtime, ensuring sustainable operations.
Q: What’s the current state of manufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region, and what does the future hold?
Asia is the largest market for automation and controls, accounting for 52% of global manufacturing output. This is expected to grow to 56% by 2032. While China remains the largest manufacturing hub, we’re seeing rapid growth in Southeast Asia and India. India, in particular, is poised to double its manufacturing output over the next decade, resembling China’s growth trajectory in the 1990s.
Q: Can India compete with China in manufacturing?
India has a large population and a growing consumer base, which provides inherent advantages. Its cost-sensitive market fosters innovation, making Indian solutions competitive globally. Similar to China, India’s manufacturing sector will grow as wealth and consumer demand increase. With strategic investments, India has the potential to rival China in the long term.
Q: Which sectors will lead in automation and robotics adoption in the next 3-5 years?
Semiconductor manufacturing, driven by AI’s demand for computing power, will lead. Electric vehicles and batteries, despite some slowing, are expected to accelerate again. Life sciences, particularly in India, will also grow as automation ensures compliance and reduces manual errors.
Q: What market growth do you anticipate for automation in Asia over the next few years?
The automation market in Asia is projected to grow at a 5% annual rate. We aim to exceed this by offering innovative solutions that address customer needs. While the growth isn’t exponential, it’s consistent and promising.
Q: Companies like Motherson Sumi have expanded by increasing their components per car. Is Rockwell adopting a similar strategy in factories?
Absolutely. Over the past few years, we have acquired companies to expand our capabilities. For example, we integrated cloud-based solutions like Plex and Fix, as well as mobile robotics from AutoX. Our focus remains on industrial automation, where we see significant growth potential. By staying within the factory’s “four walls,” we’ve been able to innovate and scale successfully.
Q: Any plans for future acquisitions?
We constantly evaluate opportunities that align with market trends and complement our portfolio. Recent acquisitions in cloud-based solutions and mobile robotics have proven successful. Our focus now is scaling these investments and ensuring their full potential is realised.
We are doubling down on mobile robotics, AI, and autonomous operations. While we have made significant investments, we need to scale them further before diversifying. Our goal is to make these solutions industry leaders and maximise their impact.
