From Automation to Autonomy: What’s Next

Automation has long been a cornerstone of industrial operations, enabling your business to streamline processes, reduce costs and improve efficiency. 

Examples of automation are all around us, like automated storage and retrieval systems helping warehouses run more seamlessly, and buildings that use automation systems to help manage energy, security and occupant comfort. 

The next frontier: autonomy, where systems can make decisions and suggestions based on conditions in the environment, whether that means adapting to a machinery malfunction, adjusting to an unexpected resource shortage or another unforeseen issue.  

What is the technology trifecta?

The technology trifecta of Cloud, 5G and AI is allowing processes to work more efficiently, assets to work harder and people to work smarter. 

Take a company that operates several connected warehouses. Here’s how the technology trifecta helps:

• Cloud platforms allow data and AI to be accessed from anywhere. This enables warehouse operations managers to remotely monitor and manage their warehouse processes – whether they’re on a flight or at an offsite meeting.

• 5G networks mean faster-than-ever data transmission speeds compared to previous generations. Faster connection is key for AI applications in industrial environments, whether it’s powering autonomous robots or devices that perform predictive maintenance – essentially, always-on, remote monitoring of asset health to help prevent downtime.   

• The cloud then processes this data using AI models to provide real-time insights and actions, such as that a conveyor belt may need to be repaired in the next week due to slower-than-usual speeds.

The technology trifecta: Empowering employees & enabling autonomy

These advancements go beyond processes and systems by empowering employees to make smarter decisions and solve challenges with confidence. For example, AI tools can help capture “generational knowledge” so that tasks that once required years of expertise are now supported by systems that guide employees step-by-step. Less experienced workers can rely on these insights to keep operations running smoothly.

Thanks to Cloud connectivity, this real-time intelligence is instantly accessible across all sites, so managers and frontline workers can stay aligned on key data and updates. Meanwhile, 5G’s fast speeds and low latency ensure insights arrive in time to address potential issues – whether it’s in a single facility or across multiple locations – effectively streamlining workforce collaboration and training.

Innovations in automation signal a significant shift taking place across industries. Progress happens step-by-step, with each level creating the foundation for the next.

Read More: Get our Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur’s perspective on the technology trifecta and shift from automation to autonomy in his recent Fortune piece.

Of course, transformation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Partnerships and collaboration among technology providers, integrators and end users play an important role in translating the trifecta into tailored solutions.  

The industrial sector is at an inflection point to adopt more advanced systems and tools to drive needed production outcomes and build more resilient operations. The technology trifecta helps every day be your best day of production and every worker operate like an expert. 

Find out more about the solutions that are making the path to autonomous operations a reality.