Category: Company News

At the 8th CIIE, ABB Electrification showcased a comprehensive suite of intelligent distribution technologies shaped specifically for the challenges of China’s fast-evolving power ecosystem. As renewable energy penetration continues to climb, power grids must become smarter, more adaptive, and more resilient. ABB’s latest innovations reflect the company’s global leadership in electrification and its commitment to enabling China’s carbon-neutral transition.

SSC600: Next-Generation AI Prediction for Power System Reliability

ABB’s newly launched SSC600 predictive platform utilizes high-frequency sensing combined with real-time digital simulation to build a proactive distribution management framework.

Key capabilities include:

• 4kHz full-power data acquisition

• Seven-day forward failure risk forecasting

• 95% accuracy rate for predictive warnings

• Real-time disturbance detection and dynamic risk mapping

This means that power system operators can identify emerging risks long before they cause outages, enabling smarter maintenance decisions and more stable operation under renewable fluctuations.

Emax 3: Reinventing Protection for High-Reliability Power Users

The SACE Emax 3 low-voltage air circuit breaker supports:

• Data centers with rapidly escalating AI computing loads

• Advanced manufacturing facilities with strict uptime requirements

• Industrial campuses demanding high power quality

Its intelligent sensing algorithms support predictive lifecycle management, reducing downtime and guarding critical assets with unprecedented precision. More importantly, its SL2-grade network security makes it suitable for highly digitized and interconnected infrastructure environments.

AI as the Brain of Future Power Systems

ABB’s philosophy is clear: The new power system must not only be electrified but also intelligently driven by AI.

Luo Hui from ABB Electrification elaborated:
“Traditional grids lack nuanced load control and cannot adapt to new patterns of renewable generation. AI transforms power systems from static infrastructure into an intelligent organism capable of learning, optimizing, and active risk prevention.”

Applications expand across multiple domains:

• Smart temperature-adaptive HVAC load prediction

• Dynamic EV charging management

• Renewable-driven load reshaping

• Demand-side response with minimal human intervention

The result is a self-optimizing micro-ecosystem that raises energy efficiency and reduces capital expenditures for industrial users.

Microgrid Empowerment: Strengthening the Building Blocks of the New Power System

China’s renewable energy boom requires strong local absorption capability. Many regions face challenges in stabilizing PV or wind outputs at the campus or industrial-park level. ABB aims precisely at this bottleneck.

The company deploys:

• Load mechanism models based on decades of global industrial expertise

• Precise renewable generation prediction

• Localized AI-driven load dispatch

• Integrated storage optimization

This creates a stable “internal circulation” microgrid that supports the larger utility grid while maximizing green consumption.

Toward an Era of Intelligent, Carbon-Neutral Distribution

ABB’s innovations are key enablers of:

• Zero-carbon factories

• Intelligent industrial parks

• Resilient digital infrastructure

• Next-generation building-level energy systems

As China accelerates energy digitalization, ABB’s solutions will continue to serve as the backbone of high-efficiency, low-carbon energy ecosystems.

The rise of intelligent manufacturing and AI technologies is reshaping industrial operations. Manual inspection—once a standard practice—now struggles with increasing risks, growing workloads, and the need for real-time data. Intelligent inspection robots have thus become essential for industries seeking higher safety, lower operational cost, and improved efficiency.

NORCO has launched a comprehensive solution built around the BIS-6670L modular AI computer, providing strong computing support for robot perception, analysis, and decision-making.

01. Why Intelligent Inspection Robots Are Becoming Essential

High-Risk Environments

Power stations, chemical plants, and mining sites expose human workers to electric hazards, gas leaks, or extreme temperatures.

Rising Labor Costs

Continuous 24/7 inspection is expensive and often impractical using manpower alone.

Demand for Real-time Data and Analysis

Modern operations depend on instant insights—something robots equipped with edge AI can deliver.

Need for Standardization

Robots perform inspection with consistent precision, reducing human error.

02. NORCO’s Intelligent Inspection Robot Solution

NORCO’s solution provides:

• High-performance embedded AI computing

• Multi-sensor fusion capability

• Robust communication and storage support

• Industrial-grade protection

• Modular design for flexible deployment

At the heart of this architecture lies the BIS-6670L, engineered to handle heavy workloads in challenging industrial settings.

03. BIS-6670L: The Core Embedded AI Platform Behind Modern Inspection Robots

(1) AI Performance for Real-time On-site Analytics

The Alder Lake-N CPU delivers efficient computing for defect detection, temperature analysis, image recognition, and environmental data interpretation.

(2) Extensive Interface Options

BIS-6670L supports a wide range of peripherals:

• HD cameras

• Thermal imaging modules

• Gas sensors

• Lidar

• Motor controllers

All enabled through Ethernet, USB, serial ports, GPIO, CAN, and M.2 expansion.

(3) Industrial-grade Reliability

The system maintains stable operation under:

• -20°C to 70°C

• Dust, moisture, and vibration

• Strong electromagnetic interference

• Continuous long-term operation

(4) Compact Design for Robotic Integration

The small form factor allows seamless installation inside robot chassis.

04. Real-world Use Cases

Power Substations

Robots perform meter reading, hot-spot detection, thermal analysis, and nighttime patrolling with real-time reporting.

Petrochemical Plants

Robots identify gas leaks, monitor pipelines, and detect abnormal temperatures in explosive or corrosive atmospheres.

Smart Factories

Robots scan machinery conditions, detect vibrations and anomalies, and assist with automated O&M cycles.

Mining Environments

Robots identify underground hazards, monitor air quality, detect cracks, and capture thermal anomalies.

05. Conclusion

NORCO’s BIS-6670L provides the essential computing backbone for intelligent inspection robots. As industrial digitalization accelerates, the BIS-6670L will play a crucial role in creating safer, more efficient, and more intelligent maintenance systems.

Beckhoff has introduced TwinCAT PLC++, a new-generation PLC technology that significantly upgrades both the development environment and Runtime performance. The system keeps the core advantages of TwinCAT—seamless integration, compatibility, and openness—while moving automation software toward a smarter and more efficient future. With a redesigned architecture and advanced compiler technology, TwinCAT PLC++ brings noticeable performance gains. It also comes with a major highlight: the full integration of the intelligent chatbot TwinCAT CoAgent, which transforms the development experience.

TwinCAT PLC++ delivers a major boost in execution speed. The Runtime processes the same control code 1.5 times faster than previous TwinCAT PLC versions. The new compiler pushes optimization even further. It shortens code execution time and can raise overall system performance by up to 300%. This improvement comes from deep architectural enhancements. TwinCAT PLC++ offers a more unified structure that allows functions to work together more efficiently. At the same time, it supports the direct integration of TwinCAT CoAgent. Developers can now generate both text-based and graphical code with the help of this intelligent assistant.

TwinCAT CoAgent adds advanced AI capabilities to the TwinCAT environment. It provides precise coding suggestions and smart optimization tips. It can also generate complete technical documentation automatically. Developers only need to review and approve the content before adding it to their projects. CoAgent can access Beckhoff’s technical documents directly, allowing developers to quickly understand functions, commands, and configuration steps. It also helps build easy-to-use HMI controls. Designing user interfaces becomes faster, clearer, and more intuitive.

The chatbot can even create I/O topologies through natural-language interaction. Users can rename terminal modules or configure new I/O devices simply by chatting with CoAgent. Future versions will support automated parameter adjustments and offer a smart assistant that recommends optimal settings for each device. These upgrades will speed up I/O configuration and make the process far more flexible. Developers will be able to meet the needs of a wide range of applications without manual trial-and-error steps. In this sense, TwinCAT CoAgent acts as a true personal digital assistant, reshaping the workflow of automation software development.

TwinCAT PLC++ represents the latest evolution in PLC technology. It enhances development efficiency, increases Runtime performance, and integrates a powerful AI-based chatbot to support developers at every stage of their work.

Beckhoff, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Verl, Germany, is a global leader in automation technology. For decades, the company has played a key role in defining industry standards and advancing new technologies. Its product portfolio includes industrial PCs, I/O and fieldbus components, drive technology, automation software, cabinet-free control solutions, and industrial vision systems. These products can be used independently or integrated into a complete control system suitable for industries ranging from semiconductors and photovoltaics to robotics, CNC machinery, automotive manufacturing, packaging, logistics, and smart buildings.

Beckhoff entered the Chinese market in 1997. Its China headquarters is located in Shanghai’s Northern High-Tech Industrial Park. The company employs around 350 people in China and has offices in more than 30 major cities. Its technologies are widely used in manufacturing, renewable energy, electronics, transportation equipment, and other fields. EtherCAT, the real-time industrial Ethernet technology promoted by Beckhoff, became a recommended national standard in China in 2014 and is included in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s guidelines on intelligent manufacturing standards.

As a technology-driven company, Beckhoff is widely known as an “innovation engine” in the automation industry. Its PC-based control technology features strong openness and supports all mainstream industrial communication protocols. It merges IT, internet technologies, and automation into a unified platform, helping industries achieve the goals of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing. The introduction of TwinCAT PLC++ again demonstrates Beckhoff’s commitment to pushing automation software toward a smarter and more efficient future.

Through local collaboration and digital innovation, Schneider Electric is creating a resilient and eco-friendly industrial network across China.

From Manufacturing to Industrial Ecosystems

The industrial landscape in China is undergoing a paradigm shift—from individual manufacturing excellence to collaborative, ecosystem-driven growth.
At the 8th CIIE, Schneider Electric showcased not only its latest automation technologies but also its philosophy of “co-innovation and shared success.”

“Future industries thrive on open collaboration,” said Ding Xiaohong.
“Only by building interconnected ecosystems can we achieve sustainable growth in a digital and low-carbon world.”

Cross-Sector Collaboration for Shared Value

During the Expo, Schneider Electric signed multiple cooperation agreements covering energy, chemicals, water treatment, shipping, and consumer goods sectors.

1.In process industries, partnerships with Qiangsi Digital and Delixin Technology aim to integrate safety systems, energy management, and automation for smarter production.
2.In chemical materials, collaboration with Arkema (China) focuses on developing low-carbon, digital factories.
3.In water treatment, cooperation with Litree leverages Schneider’s full-stack automation solutions—from SCADA and HMI to power components—delivering real, measurable value to global clients.

4.In shipbuilding, Schneider Electric and Blue Future Marine are co-developing digital ship design and electrical systems to advance intelligent marine solutions.
Meanwhile, partnerships with Yanjing Brewery, Jieshun, and Dayi Engineering demonstrate Schneider’s ability to connect traditional industries with modern digital ecosystems.

Sustainability Embedded in Innovation

Schneider Electric’s industrial philosophy combines digital efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Its automation and energy management solutions aim to help manufacturers reduce carbon emissions while maintaining productivity.

For instance, the Altivar 340 drives and Lexium servo systems not only enhance precision but also minimize power losses.
In shipbuilding, smart electrification allows for real-time energy monitoring, while in consumer goods, intelligent packaging lines powered by Schneider systems achieve both cost and energy efficiency.

The goal is clear: transform industrial growth into sustainable growth.

Resilient Supply Chains through Digital Ecosystems

At the “Sustainable Value Chain Transformation” forum, Schneider Electric executives emphasized that data connectivity and ecosystem collaboration are the foundation of supply chain resilience.

“Digitalization is not just about efficiency—it’s about creating sustainable networks,” said Tang Rong.
By integrating software, hardware, and services into a unified digital architecture, Schneider Electric enables partners to build flexible, low-carbon, and intelligent supply chains.

Co-Creating the Future of Industry

From signing cooperation agreements to demonstrating next-generation technologies, Schneider Electric continues to play a pivotal role in shaping China’s industrial evolution.
Its long-term strategy—rooted in local innovation, global collaboration, and sustainability—is helping China’s manufacturing ecosystem grow stronger and greener.

As Schneider Electric envisions, the industrial future will not be built by isolated players but by connected ecosystems that combine intelligence, efficiency, and sustainability.

onsemi’s Vertical GaN Technology Signals a New Phase in High-Voltage Power Electronics

As global demand for electricity accelerates under the weight of AI computing, large-scale cloud infrastructure, electric vehicles, next-generation renewable energy systems, and industrial automation, semiconductor manufacturer onsemi has introduced what it calls one of the most disruptive power technologies of the decade: vertical GaN (vGaN) power devices.

Unlike today’s mainstream GaN devices based on lateral structures and grown on silicon or sapphire substrates, onsemi’s new devices are GaN-on-GaN, allowing current to flow vertically through the semiconductor instead of horizontally along the surface. The company claims this architectural shift enables far higher voltage capability, faster switching, drastically lower energy loss, and dramatically smaller system footprint.

According to onsemi executives, the technology is already sampling in 700-volt and 1200-volt device classes, with a roadmap extending to even higher voltages targeting markets where silicon carbide (SiC) and superjunction MOSFETs are currently dominant.

“Vertical GaN is not just an incremental improvement—it’s a fundamental reset of what high-voltage power semiconductors can deliver,”
said Dinesh Ramanathan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at onsemi.
“As electrification and AI reshape industrial and consumer landscapes, every watt saved translates into lower cost, longer runtime, and more sustainable technology ecosystems.”

Energy Demand from AI and Electrification Is Surging Faster Than the Grid Can Adapt

A decade ago, concerns about energy consumption in computing largely centered on mobile devices and cloud workloads. But with the rapid rise of GPU-based AI training clusters, hyperscale data centers are now consuming as much power as mid-sized cities.

• By 2030, global data centers may require over 1,000 terawatt-hours annually, according to IEA forecasts — more than the entire electricity consumption of Japan today.

• A single AI server can draw 8× more power than a conventional cloud server.

• Next-generation EV platforms require 800-volt architectures, pushing semiconductor voltage and thermal limits.

In parallel, renewable infrastructure is scaling faster than expected:

• More than 50% of global new electricity capacity now comes from solar and wind.

• Grid-scale energy storage (ESS) is growing 30%+ annually, requiring high-efficiency bidirectional conversion.

Across all of these domains, power efficiency has shifted from a cost metric to a strategic bottleneck — and that is the context in which onsemi is introducing vGaN.

Why Vertical GaN Is Different from Conventional GaN

Today’s commercial GaN power devices are primarily lateral GaN grown on silicon substrates, which limits voltage handling capability and requires complex packaging to manage heat. By contrast, onsemi’s GaN-on-GaN vertical structure offers several engineering advantages:

Because GaN is used as both the active layer and substrate, thermal resistance is lower, heat spreads faster, and avalanche reliability improves, solving the biggest weakness of surface GaN devices.

Potential Impact Across Seven High-Power Sectors

onsemi has stated that vGaN is not meant to compete with existing lateral GaN in consumer chargers or small power supplies. Instead, it is positioned for applications where kilowatt- to megawatt-scale efficiency gains deliver direct economic or performance impact.

✅ 1. AI Data Centers

• Enables higher-efficiency 800V DC-DC converters

• Can reduce capacitor & inductor volume by ~50%

• Higher switching frequency means fewer components, lower BOM cost

• Improves rack-level power density, delaying need for new power rooms

✅ 2. Electric Vehicles

• Shrinks drivetrain inverter size by 30–50%

• Improves efficiency, extending EV range per kWh

• Reduces cooling system mass, allowing lighter battery packs

✅ 3. Fast-Charging Infrastructure

• Enables compact 350kW+ ultra-fast chargers

• Replaces SiC in designs requiring extreme switching speeds

• Improves uptime because of lower thermal stress

✅ 4. Renewable Energy Inverters

• Allows higher voltage string in solar / wind systems

• Cuts conversion losses, improving LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy)

• Smaller magnetics → lower installation weight, faster deployment

✅ 5. Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

• Optimizes bidirectional converters for microgrids

• Raises round-trip efficiency in long-duration BESS

• Reduces cabinet volume in containerized energy storage

✅ 6. Industrial Automation & Robotics

• Smaller, cooler servo drives

• Enables thinner, lighter robotic actuators

• More reliable operation in high-duty-cycle factories

✅ 7. Aerospace & Defense

• High tolerance to radiation and extreme thermal conditions

• Lighter power supplies for avionics, satellites, and electrified aircraft

• High-speed switching improves power-to-weight ratio — a mission-critical metric

130+ Patents and Full Vertical Integration in the U.S.

The technology was developed at onsemi’s Syracuse, New York R&D and manufacturing facility, which the company has been expanding as part of U.S.-based semiconductor supply chain initiatives.
According to internal disclosures:

• vGaN platform already includes 130+ issued and pending patents

• Covers device architecture, epitaxy, packaging, wafer processing, and system topology

• First engineering samples are being evaluated by “top-tier automotive, cloud compute, and renewable OEMs”

The company did not publicly disclose names, but analysts expect early adopters to include Tier-1 EV inverter suppliers and hyperscale cloud operators pursuing liquid-cooled AI power racks.

Industry Analysts: vGaN Could Reshape the SiC vs GaN Landscape

For the past five years, the race to replace silicon in high-power applications has largely centered on silicon carbide (SiC), now widely used in EV inverters and solar inverters. Vertical GaN introduces what analysts call a third path:

“If onsemi reaches volume scaling, vertical GaN may offer the switching speed of GaN with the voltage headroom of SiC, which would be highly disruptive,”
said Mark Fitzgerald, Yole Intelligence Senior Analyst.
“The question is not whether the physics work — they clearly do — but how fast the cost curve drops with high-volume wafers.”

Omdia projects the wide-bandgap power semiconductor market to exceed $12 billion by 2030, with GaN and SiC both growing >30% CAGR. A viable 1200-volt GaN device could shift billions in future design wins.

Technology Challenges and Roadmap

Even with strong performance advantages, vGaN faces several technical and industrial hurdles:

onsemi has confirmed that its first automotive-grade vGaN platform will enter reliability testing in 2025, with full mass production expected between 2026–2027, aligned with next-gen EV platform cycles.

A Turning Point in Power Electronics?

The introduction of vertical GaN arrives at a critical moment: AI workloads, transportation electrification, renewable grids, and storage all depend on breakthroughs in power efficiency, not just compute performance.

The industry has spent decades increasing transistor density and cloud bandwidth, but global infrastructure is now hitting energy ceilings before performance ceilings.

“We are moving into a world where power electronics, not processors, determine the limits of innovation,”
said Ramanathan.
“The future of AI, mobility, and sustainability is directly tied to how efficiently we move electrons.”

For now, onsemi’s vertical GaN technology remains in its early deployment phase — but if adoption follows the trajectory of GaN chargers or SiC in EVs, the company may have positioned itself at the front of the next decade-long materials transition in power semiconductors.

Conclusion

Vertical GaN may represent one of the most consequential advancements in high-voltage power switching since the commercialization of SiC MOSFETs. With its combination of ultra-high voltage capability, megahertz-class switching, reduced thermal load, and compact system integration, the technology is poised to impact the largest electrification markets of the 2030s — from AI supercomputing farms to electric aircraft powertrains.

If onsemi successfully industrializes the platform at competitive cost, the power electronics sector may witness a reshaping not just of component choice, but of infrastructure scaling economics — where power density becomes the new Moore’s Law.

The Next Leap in Power Electronics Has Arrived

From electric vehicles and grid-scale storage to hyperscale AI compute clusters, today’s most power-intensive systems are rapidly outgrowing the limits of traditional silicon-based components. Even lateral GaN devices—once considered the frontier of efficiency—are hitting voltage and thermal ceilings.
Into this gap steps Vertical GaN (vGaN), a new class of power device that does not merely upgrade GaN technology but redefines how electrons travel through a power semiconductor.

With its official release of GaN-on-GaN vertical devices, onsemi has positioned itself at the center of what analysts now describe as the next $10-billion transition in power electronics.

Why Vertical Structure Is the Breakthrough

Traditional GaN devices conduct power laterally across the surface of the semiconductor layer, which limits scalability when voltage, current, or heat rise. Vertical GaN reverses this structure:
1✔ Current flows through the thickness of the device
2✔ Electric field spreads vertically, not across the surface
3✔ Breakdown voltage scales with thickness, not chip area

This shift enables multi-kilovolt capability, ultra-fast switching and extremely compact designs without sacrificing thermal or reliability margins.

The Technology Foundation: What “GaN-on-GaN” Really Means

Unlike GaN-on-silicon or GaN-on-sapphire, vGaN is grown directly on native GaN substrates. That single change impacts everything:

This is what enables claims such as “50% lower energy loss, 2–3× higher power density, and half-size passive components.”
It’s not marketing hype—it’s physics.

From R&D to Real Deployment: What onsemi Has Actually Delivered

While many semiconductor companies showcase vertical GaN in academic papers or R&D prototypes, onsemi is one of the first to:

1✅ Develop full wafer-level fabrication in-house
2✅ Secure more than 130 global patents across process + packaging + system use
3✅ Begin sampling 700V and 1200V parts to early customers
4✅ Target not consumer electronics but industrial, automotive, data center, aerospace grade power blocks

The company is not just introducing a new transistor—it is rolling out an ecosystem shift, including drivers, reference designs and thermal models for system integrators.

Why the Industry Needs This Breakthrough Now

It’s not a coincidence that vertical GaN arrives at the same moment the world is facing a massive energy-to-computation conversion problem.

1⚡ Data centers are scaling to 100+ MW sites

ChatGPT-level AI inference clusters require entire substations to power a single data hall.
The cost bottleneck is no longer GPUs—it is power conversion and heat.

2⚡ EVs are moving from 400V to 800V and 1000V platforms

The switch to high-voltage drivetrains demands components beyond silicon IGBTs and lateral GaN.

3.⚡ Renewable power conversion is hitting stability walls

Solar and wind inverters must handle >1500V DC strings and extreme temperatures.

4⚡ Storage and microgrids require bidirectional high-frequency power blocks

Legacy silicon adds weight, cost, and energy waste—making storage economics worse.

In all four cases, the constraint is not generation—it is conversion.

Vertical GaN is designed precisely for this gap.

Key Technical Advantages of onsemi vGaN

✅ Up to 50% reduction in switching and conduction loss
✅ Operation at >1 MHz switching without thermal runaway
✅ Device size up to 3× smaller for same voltage/current rating
✅ Enables 2× smaller inductors and capacitors
✅ Built-in robustness against avalanche, surge and cosmic radiation
✅ Ideal for multi-kW to MW-scale conversion systems

One of the least discussed—but most important—advantages:
📌 Because passive components shrink dramatically at higher switching frequencies, vGaN reduces total system cost, not just device-level power loss.

Application Impact by Sector

A common theme is emerging across industries:
→ vGaN replaces big, hot, slow power stages with compact, cool, fast ones.

Competitive Positioning: Where vGaN Fits in the Market Map

The wide-bandgap power market is no longer a single race—it is now segmented:

Vertical GaN attacks exactly the zone where SiC is gaining momentum, but with:

• Higher switching speed

• Lower system size

• Lower passive BOM

• Better thermal density

onsemi is not replacing SiC—it is competing above and below it simultaneously.

The Manufacturing Story: Why Location Matters

Unlike other GaN vendors relying on outsourced wafer fabs, onsemi’s vGaN platform is:

🏭 Designed and manufactured in Syracuse, New York
🔬 Built on proprietary crystal and epitaxy processes
📜 Protected by more than 130 patents across multiple regions
🚗 Targeted for automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q)

This means two things:

1. Secure supply chain for U.S. and EU markets

2. Faster scalability and reliability certification — a major advantage in EV and defense markets

Conclusion

Just as SiC reshaped EV drivetrains and power modules over the last decade, vertical GaN is now positioned to disrupt the next wave of electrification—where size, weight, thermal load, and switching speed matter as much as voltage rating.

The transition is already underway:

• AI power racks are demanding higher density

• Automakers are migrating to >800V platforms

• Energy systems are scaling past silicon limits

• Aerospace is eliminating every unnecessary gram

The semiconductor that wins this decade won’t just be fast or efficient, but small, cool, scalable, and voltage-capable.

And that is the problem vertical GaN was engineered to solve.

Shanghai, China – October 27, 2025 — As digitalization and smart manufacturing reshape the industrial landscape, global automation and software leader Emerson (NYSE: EMR) announced its participation as a key sponsor at the 2025 NAMUR China Annual Conference, scheduled for October 29–30 in Shanghai. The event will gather over 200 experts, executives, and technology providers to exchange insights on process industry automation and intelligent operations.

Conference Opening: Gathering Industry Leaders to Discuss Automation

The NAMUR China Annual Conference, organized by the International Users Association for Automation in Process Industries (NAMUR), has become one of Asia’s most influential professional events in industrial automation. With the theme “Intelligent Operations and Sustainable Development,” the conference provides a platform for sharing advanced technologies and practical experiences.

Xiaolong Dai, Head of the NAMUR China Core Group and Chief Manager of Automation Functions at Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co., Ltd., stated:

“The NAMUR China Annual Conference serves as a bridge for industry collaboration, promoting technological innovation and best practices. We are delighted to have Emerson’s support, and we look forward to exploring pathways for smart and autonomous operations together.”

Keynotes and technical sessions will cover automation architecture, industrial AI applications, asset management, and data security, providing actionable insights for process industries.

Emerson Highlights: Industrial AI and Autonomous Operation Technologies

During the conference, Duncan Schleiss, Vice President of Process Systems and Solutions at Emerson, delivered a keynote titled “Industrial AI-Driven Automation: The Path to Autonomous Operations.” He shared Emerson’s latest strategies and innovations in intelligent automation, emphasizing the integration of industrial AI with next-generation automation architectures.

“With increasing demands for safety, efficiency, and sustainability, industrial intelligence and autonomous operations are becoming critical. Emerson’s solutions turn data into actionable insights, enhancing plant performance and operational resilience,” said Schleiss.

Emerson’s Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP) is a major focus at the event. Built on software-defined control, industrial AI, and zero-trust cybersecurity, the platform integrates traditional automation systems with modern digital technologies. It enables end-to-end data integration, predictive analytics, and intelligent decision-making across production, energy, and safety domains.

Wang Yifeng, President of Emerson China, emphasized:

“Manufacturers require intelligent systems that are both reliable and flexible. Emerson’s EOP platform, coupled with AI, delivers autonomous operation capabilities, predictive maintenance, and overall plant optimization, driving higher productivity and sustainability.”

Industry Significance: Advancing Digitalization and Sustainability

The NAMUR China Annual Conference not only facilitates technical knowledge sharing but also serves as a catalyst for digital transformation across the process industry. Emerson’s solutions allow companies to optimize production, energy management, and equipment performance while meeting sustainability objectives.

Dai remarked:

“Automation technology enhances operational efficiency and provides smart solutions for complex challenges. Emerson’s involvement demonstrates how a global leader empowers process industries in China through innovative technology.”

On-site demonstrations include:

• NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) and Modular Type Package (MTP) automation systems;

• AMS asset management and machinery health software for FDI-enabled integration;

• Ethernet-APL technology for advanced field instrument connectivity;

• AI-driven remote autonomous operation solutions;

• DeltaV™ Distributed Control System and Bluetooth-enabled HART instruments.

These exhibits highlight Emerson’s commitment to enabling digital transformation and intelligent operations in the process industry.

Future Outlook: A New Era of Intelligent Autonomous Operations

Emerson continues to invest in research and innovation to lead the industry toward autonomous operations. The company envisions a future where AI-driven insights and self-learning capabilities allow factories to optimize processes, predict issues, and make autonomous decisions for safer, more efficient, and sustainable operations.

“We aim to collaborate with NAMUR and industry partners to build an intelligent operations ecosystem, connecting China’s process industries with global best practices and driving digital, sustainable, and smart factories,” said Wang Yifeng.

The 2025 NAMUR China Annual Conference provides Emerson an ideal platform to showcase innovations, share knowledge, and highlight its strategic vision for autonomous and AI-driven process industry operations worldwide.

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global industrial technology and software company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. With expertise in smart devices, control systems, and industrial software, Emerson delivers automation solutions and operational excellence services worldwide. Emerson combines innovation, reliability, and sustainability to help enterprises achieve digital transformation, enhance production efficiency, and meet long-term development goals.

The $5.4 billion deal combines ABB’s industrial robotics expertise with SoftBank’s AI vision, pushing the future of intelligent machines forward.

Zurich / Tokyo — October 8, 2025 — Robotics and artificial intelligence are merging faster than ever. SoftBank Group announced it will acquire ABB Group’s robotics division for $5.375 billion, marking a turning point in industrial technology.

The sale, expected to close in mid to late 2026, highlights how AI is transforming manufacturing. ABB’s robotics expertise meets SoftBank’s AI capabilities, creating a platform for cognitive automation and the next generation of intelligent robots.

From Industrial Robots to AI-Powered Machines

ABB’s robotics division has been a global leader in automation, supporting industries from automotive manufacturing to electronics assembly. With 7,000 employees worldwide and $2.3 billion in 2024 revenue, ABB Robotics has set high standards for precision and reliability.

Now, SoftBank will take the unit into a new dimension: robots that think, learn, and adapt.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing,” said ABB CEO Morten Wierod. “By combining SoftBank’s AI ecosystem with ABB’s robotics hardware, we can create machines that operate intelligently and autonomously.”

SoftBank’s Physical AI Vision

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has long championed Physical AI — intelligence that exists in the real world, not just in the cloud.

“We are moving beyond traditional AI,” Son said. “ABB Robotics allows us to merge mechanical precision with cognitive intelligence. Together, we can create autonomous machines that learn, adapt, and collaborate with humans.”

SoftBank already invests in machine learning platforms, semiconductor design, and AI-driven robotics. ABB brings industrial-grade hardware and decades of engineering experience. Together, they aim to build next-generation intelligent automation systems.

How the Acquisition Benefits Both Companies

ABB benefits by focusing on core areas like electrification, process automation, and digital energy. The sale will bring $5.3 billion in net cash and around $2.4 billion in pre-tax gains, allowing ABB to invest in R&D and strategic growth.

“This is a win-win,” said Peter Voser, ABB Chairman. “SoftBank is the ideal home for our robotics business. ABB can concentrate on sustainable automation while SoftBank drives AI-powered innovation.”

The robotics business will be reported as a discontinued operation starting in Q4 2025. ABB’s Machine Automation unit (B&R) will integrate into its Process Automation division, simplifying operations while maintaining service continuity for customers.

A Glimpse Into Cognitive Automation

SoftBank plans to combine ABB’s hardware with its AI capabilities to create robots that perceive, learn, and act autonomously. These machines could:

• Detect anomalies before they occur

• Reconfigure production lines dynamically

• Collaborate safely with human workers

“Industrial robots will evolve from task executors to cognitive partners,” said Dr. Hiro Tanaka, professor at the University of Tokyo. “SoftBank and ABB are driving the industry toward this reality.”

By leveraging cloud AI, multiple robots could share knowledge and learn collectively, boosting efficiency across factories and warehouses. This networked intelligence could also improve predictive maintenance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance safety.

The Industry Context

The deal reflects a global trend: AI is reshaping the industrial robotics market. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), AI-enabled automation could account for a significant share of the projected $150 billion robotics market by 2030.

Companies worldwide are racing to embed AI into robotics. Startups, tech giants, and industrial firms aim to develop machines that learn continuously, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. SoftBank’s acquisition puts it at the forefront of this transformation.

“They’re not buying robots; they’re buying the intelligence layer that will define the next decade,” said Laura Chen, senior analyst at IDC Asia Pacific.

ABB’s Continued Leadership in Automation

ABB’s focus on electrification, process automation, and sustainability remains strong. The company employs over 110,000 people globally and operates in more than 100 countries.

“ABB’s mission is unchanged,” said Voser. “We’re helping industries operate efficiently and sustainably. The future of automation isn’t just machines — it’s intelligent, interconnected ecosystems.”

The divestment frees up capital to invest in digital energy management, smart grids, and AI-enabled industrial solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

SoftBank’s New Robotics Ecosystem

SoftBank plans to expand ABB’s research footprint with AI and robotics labs in Tokyo, Zurich, and Boston. These centers will focus on integrating machine learning, perception algorithms, and cloud intelligence into industrial robots.

“Our goal is to create robots that understand context and collaborate with humans,” said SoftBank CTO Naoki Sato. “ABB’s expertise accelerates that mission.”

The new AI-robotics stack combines three layers:

1. Hardware intelligence — ABB’s actuators, sensors, and motion controls

2. Cognitive intelligence — SoftBank’s AI models and neural networks

3. Operational intelligence — Cloud connectivity for real-time optimization

This stack enables robots to self-optimize across factories, warehouses, and even healthcare facilities.

The Broader Impact

Analysts say the acquisition sets a new benchmark for industrial AI integration. Companies like Siemens, FANUC, and Yaskawa are also embedding AI into robots, but SoftBank’s approach could accelerate cognitive robotics adoption globally.

“This is a shift from automation to intelligence,” said Kevin Wu, robotics VC. “ABB and SoftBank are building robots that learn across networks, not just follow programmed instructions.”

The collaboration may also influence global supply chains, logistics, and smart manufacturing ecosystems. By merging AI and robotics, SoftBank is creating a blueprint for future industrial competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

As the deal progresses, the ABB–SoftBank partnership could redefine what industrial robots can do. With AI cognition at the core, machines will predict, adapt, and make decisions, transforming how factories operate.

“We’re entering the cognitive era of manufacturing,” said Dr. Tanaka. “ABB and SoftBank are not just improving efficiency — they’re changing the fundamental role of machines in society.”

For ABB, the sale is a chance to concentrate on sustainable automation and digital infrastructure. For SoftBank, it’s a gateway to building the world’s first AI-driven industrial ecosystem.

Conclusion

The $5.4 billion deal is more than a corporate transaction — it’s a signal that intelligent automation is here. The combination of ABB’s industrial expertise and SoftBank’s AI capabilities could transform manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more.

“We are building robots that think, learn, and collaborate,” said Son. “This is the next phase of industrial progress.”

The ABB–SoftBank partnership underscores a simple truth: the future of robotics is intelligence plus action, not just mechanics.

Policy Tailwinds Meet Technological Breakthrough: ABB’s VSM Integrated Drive Pries Open a Multi-Billion Dollar Water Efficiency Retrofit Market

Introduction:
China’s water sector stands at a historic crossroads. On one side is the pressure to save energy and reduce consumption under the “Dual Carbon” goals and the need to update aging infrastructure. On the other is a strong tailwind of national policy support and substantial financial backing. A massive market opportunity has formed. In this context, ABB’s recent launch of the LV Titanium VSM integrated drive, with its standout features of “plug-and-play” and “high efficiency,” arrives as a timely “key leverage point” to pry open this multi-billion dollar market. It is not just a product but a “golden key” helping water utilities, integrators, and government departments accurately seize policy opportunities, efficiently complete equipment updates, and achieve a win-win situation for both economic and environmental benefits.

I. Policy Tailwinds: Charting a Clear Market Roadmap with Financial Assurance

Any large-scale infrastructure upgrade requires guidance and impetus from top-level design. The Chinese government’s resolve regarding urban renewal and municipal equipment updates has drawn a clear and urgent roadmap for the water industry.

1. Top-Level Directive: The 2020 “Guidance from the General Office of the State Council on Comprehensively Promoting the Renovation of Old Urban Residential Communities”明确 (clarified) the task of basically completing the renovation of old urban communities built before the end of 2000 by the end of the “14th Five-Year Plan” period (end of 2025). Water supply facilities, as basic renovation content, are a priority and a mandatory item.

2. Action Plan: The “Implementation Plan for Promoting the Renewal of Building and Municipal Infrastructure Equipment” issued this March provides a more specific and rigid timetable—by 2027, update and renovate water supply, drainage, and other equipment that does not meet current energy conservation, environmental protection, and safety standards. This sets a clear countdown for the entire industry.

3. Financial Escort: Policies are not just documents; they are accompanied by special fund support and tax incentives. This means that water companies and project implementers can receive substantial financial subsidies for equipment updates, significantly lowering the investment threshold and financial pressure. This series of measures sends a strong and clear signal: energy-saving renovations in the water industry have changed from an “option” to a “mandatory task,” and policy has swept away market obstacles and paved the way.

II. Market Pain Points: The “Persistent Problems” of Traditional Retrofits

Although policy direction is clear, the traditional retrofit path faced by implementers is full of challenges, especially in the numerous, space-constrained, and demanding non-stop construction environments of old residential secondary water supply pump rooms:

• Space Constraints: Many old pump rooms are狭小 (narrow), making it difficult to accommodate new frequency control cabinets and large traditional motor units.

• Complex Installation: Traditional split solutions require complex electrical wiring, system integration, and commissioning, needing professional engineers on site, resulting in long工期 (construction periods) and high labor costs.

• Efficiency Bottlenecks: Even after replacing a single high-efficiency motor or adding a VFD, overall efficiency gains often fall short of expectations due to system matching issues, failing to maximize energy savings and policy subsidies.

• Lack of Intelligence: Traditional equipment struggles to connect to smart water platforms, unable to achieve data collection and remote management, falling behind the industry’s digital transformation trend.

These pain points severely hinder the rapid realization of policy dividends and the effective release of market demand.

III. The VSM Integrated Drive: A Market-Ready Solution for Precise Breakthroughs

The design philosophy of the ABB VSM integrated drive seems tailor-made to solve the above market pain points, and its value is infinitely magnified by the policy tailwinds.

• Solving the Space Problem: Its compact integrated design, with a volume more than two frame sizes smaller than traditional solutions, allows for “direct replacement” on the original motor base, requiring no pump room expansion—perfectly solving the most (thorny) space issue in old community renovations.

• Simplifying Installation, Seizing the Policy Window: “Plug-and-Play” is its biggest selling point. The device is fully commissioned ex-factory, requiring only simple piping and power connections on-site, drastically shortening installation time (from days to hours) and reducing the need for highly skilled labor. This allows project implementers to respond quickly, deploy in bulk, complete more renovation tasks efficiently within the policy window, and quickly achieve scale benefits.

• Ensuring Energy Savings, Maximizing ROI: The VSM unit, through system-level efficient integration, guarantees a hardcore 30% overall efficiency improvement. This means users can stably achieve expected electricity savings and clearly calculate carbon reduction, making it easier to apply for and obtain government subsidies and tax incentives based on actual efficiency. A clear return on investment model (e.g., RMB 12,600 saved annually for a 7.5kW pump) simplifies decision-making.

• Built-in Digital DNA, Embracing a Smart Future: Standard communication interfaces make it a natural entry point for smart water. The renovated pump station is no longer an information island; its operational data can be directly uploaded to the management platform, laying the foundation for remote monitoring, intelligent dispatch, early warning, and predictive maintenance, meeting policy requirements for intelligent upgrades.

IV. Ecological Win-Win: Reshaping Value Distribution in the Industry Chain

The emergence of the VSM integrated drive is also changing the ecosystem of the water efficiency retrofit market. Water utilities gain a tool for cost reduction and efficiency gain; government agencies see a path to efficiently achieve policy goals; for engineering integrators and installers, it意味着 (means) an optimization of their business model—they can free themselves from tedious system integration and debugging work, focus more on market development, project management, and customer service, undertake more projects with lower cost and risk, and improve profit margins and sustainability.

Conclusion:
The launch of the ABB LV Titanium VSM integrated drive is a perfect alignment of technological product and market timing. It accurately captures and responds to the huge market demand generated under strong water policy drivers, using highly targeted product features to solve the core obstacles to规模化推广 (large-scale promotion). It is evolving from a technological product into a market tool, a key vehicle helping all participants seize policy dividends and achieve commercial and social value. Its market success will belong not only to ABB but to the entire ecosystem that seizes this historic opportunity for water efficiency renovation. A green transformation guided by government, driven by technology, and responded to by the market is quietly taking root and sprouting in countless pump rooms across the country through such innovative products.

“Sales Manager：Jinny
Email: sales5@xrjdcs.com
WhatsApp/Moblie: +86 18250705533″

GE Vernova Expert Points to AI and Digital Twin-Driven “Prescriptive Maintenance” as the Next Frontier for the Industrial Internet

(Commentary) – Global manufacturing stands at a critical crossroads. On one side are increasingly complex production equipment, high operational costs, and fierce market competition. On the other is a historic opportunity brought by technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twins. In this transformation, Predictive Maintenance (PdM) is no longer an option but a strategic necessity.

At a recent industry summit, Mr. YU Siyuan, Solution Architecture Director, Asia Pacific at GE Vernova, outlined a clear vision for the future of industrial operations. He pointed out that the evolution of maintenance models can be divided into four stages:

1. Corrective Maintenance: Fix it after it breaks. Costly.

2. Preventive Maintenance: Maintain on a schedule, regardless of condition. Risks over- or under-maintenance.

3. Predictive Maintenance: Based on the actual condition of the asset, providing early warnings for precise intervention.

4. Prescriptive Maintenance: Not only predicts failures but also autonomously analyzes root causes and recommends or even automatically executes the optimal decision.

“The industry is moving from ‘predictive’ to ‘prescriptive’,” asserted Mr. Yu, “and the engine driving this change is industrial AI platforms like Proficy CSense.”

Beyond the Alert: The Strategic Value of PdM

The traditional value of PdM lies in avoiding unplanned downtime and reducing repair costs. But its strategic significance goes far beyond. It is increasingly becoming the data-driven decision-making hub for enterprises.

Through continuous asset health monitoring, the accumulated asset performance data becomes an invaluable digital asset. This data can be used to:

• Optimize Supply Chains: Accurately predict major equipment overhaul times, facilitating advanced parts preparation and reducing inventory costs.

• Improve Product Design: Analyze equipment failure modes to provide feedback for the reliability design of next-generation products.

• Innovate Business Models: Shift from “selling equipment” to “selling services,” such as offering guaranteed uptime contracts billed per operating hour, extending core competitiveness from manufacturing to services.

Technology Convergence: Cloud-Edge Synergy and Digital Twins Form the New Foundation

Mr. Yu emphasized Proficy CSense’s “up to the cloud, down to the edge” future strategy, which reflects two major industry tech trends: Cloud-Edge Synergy and Digital Twins.

“Up to the cloud” refers to leveraging the unlimited computing power of the cloud for deep mining of historical data, training complex models, and plant-wide energy management. “Down to the edge” means deploying lightweight analytical models at the edge to meet the stringent requirements of industrial sites for real-time performance, reliability, and data security.

Digital Twins are the bridge connecting cloud and edge, the physical and digital worlds. A high-fidelity digital twin of an asset can not only mirror its state in real-time but also use platforms like CSense for simulation and inference. For example, before executing a repair plan, it can be verified in the digital world first, ensuring success. This marks the transition of maintenance from “accurate prediction” to “intelligent decision-making.”

The Future Challenge: Organizational Change is Harder Than Technology

Although the technology is ready, full-scale deployment still faces challenges. The biggest obstacle is often not technical but human mindset and organizational processes.

Predictive maintenance requires breaking down departmental silos and achieving the deep integration of IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology). It changes the job responsibilities of maintenance personnel from hands-on repair to data analysis and insight interpretation. Companies need to invest in new skills training for employees and adjust performance evaluation systems to encourage proactive behavior based on predictions, rather than rewarding “firefighters.”

Conclusion: A Key Lever for Winning the New Industrial Era

Globally, competition in high-end manufacturing is intensifying. Cost advantages are giving way to efficiency, quality, and reliability advantages. Predictive maintenance, as one of the Industrial Internet applications that most directly generates economic benefits, is a key lever for seizing these new advantages.

For Chinese manufacturing, embracing predictive maintenance is no longer a question of “if” but “how fast” and “how deep.” Those who can first transform data into insight, insight into action, and action into profit will inevitably occupy the high ground in the new industrial revolution. The solutions brought by companies like GE Vernova provide a roadmap to the future, but the real journey requires each manufacturer to undertake with its own determination and wisdom.

“Sales Manager：Jinny
Email: sales5@xrjdcs.com
WhatsApp/Moblie: +86 18250705533″