Milwaukee, May 28, 2025 / PRNEWSWIRE / – The world’s largest industrial automation and digital transformation company Rockwell automation(Rockwell Automation, Inc., …
Rockwell Automation Stepping Up: Interview with Industry Expert Dr. Anya Sharma on Digital Conversion and the Future of Automation
Time.news: Dr.Sharma, thanks for joining us today. News recently broke about Rockwell Automation claiming the title of the world’s largest industrial automation and digital transformation company. What are your initial thoughts on this growth?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Thanks for having me. Frankly,it’s not entirely surprising. Rockwell Automation has been a consistent force in the industrial automation space for years. Their continued investment in digital transformation technologies, coupled with their established global reach, positioned them well for this kind of growth. This proclamation simply acknowledges what many industry insiders have already known for some time.
Time.news: For our readers who might not be as familiar, can you break down why this suppose ‘largest status’ matters? What are the real-world implications of a single company reaching this scale in industrial automation?
Dr. Anya Sharma: It matters for a few reasons. Firstly,it signals a deepening commitment to automation across industries. Businesses are increasingly looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance resilience, which often translates to investment in automation solutions. Rockwell’s growth reflects this trend. Secondly, it could perhaps lead to faster innovation. A larger company typically has more resources for research and development, potentially accelerating the development of new technologies and solutions in areas like AI-powered automation and predictive maintenance. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it signifies a shift in the competitive landscape. Other players in the industrial automation market will undoubtedly be reassessing their strategies in light of this news, which could ultimately benefit customers through increased competition and a wider choice of solutions.
Time.news: Let’s delve a bit deeper into the core of what Rockwell Automation offers: industrial automation and digital transformation. Can you explain the connection between those two concepts?
dr. Anya Sharma: absolutely. Industrial automation is focused on using technology to automate tasks and processes within manufacturing and other industrial settings. Think robots assembling cars, or sophisticated control systems managing chemical plants. Digital transformation, in this context, is about leveraging data and digital technologies to optimize those automated processes and create new business models. Such as, using sensors to collect data from automated equipment, analyzing that data to predict potential failures, and preemptively scheduling maintenance – that’s digital transformation enhancing industrial automation.This is what leads to the ‘smart factories’ we often hear about.
Time.news: What specific technologies or services are you seeing Rockwell Automation focusing on that are notably noteworthy?
Dr. Anya Sharma: While I don’t have insider knowledge of their specific roadmap, publicly available information points to a strong emphasis on cloud-based solutions, advanced analytics, and industrial cybersecurity. These are all crucial areas for ensuring the long-term success and security of industrial automation deployments. The ability to securely connect industrial equipment to the cloud for remote monitoring and management is a game-changer. Also, the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into training and maintenance applications is becoming increasingly important, which I anticipate Rockwell exploring further.
Time.news: For businesses considering investing in automation and digital transformation, what practical advice would you offer based on Rockwell’s growth and the overall industry trends?
Dr. Anya Sharma: my advice would be threefold: First, clearly define your business goals and identify the specific pain points you’re trying to address with automation. Don’t just automate for the sake of it; focus on areas where automation can deliver the greatest return on investment. Start with a pilot project to test your assumptions and refine your approach. Secondly, prioritize data security and cybersecurity from the outset. As your operations become more connected, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Invest in robust security measures and train your employees on cybersecurity best practices. don’t underestimate the importance of workforce development. Automation will inevitably change the skills that are in demand. Invest in training and upskilling your workforce to prepare them for the jobs of the future. You need to retrain current employees and have a clear plan to hire new ones.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insightful perspective on this important development in the field of industrial automation and digital transformation.
Dr. Anya Sharma: My pleasure. Thanks for having me.
