Presenting the top ten vendors in the Smart Manufacturing space, companies that offer solutions with the potential to revolutionise the industrial landscape.

Smart manufacturing, an essential component of the Industry 4.0 ecosystem, is the use of integrated technologies to improve operational efficiency and productivity in manufacturing.

Smart manufacturing involves, but is not restricted to:

·         Connecting machines to the internet: Using the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to collect real-time data from sensors and machines

·         Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: To analyse data and provide insights for decision-making

·         Integrating physical and digital processes: To optimise supply chain functions

·         Automating internal processes: To improve quality and respond to trends

The goal of smart manufacturing is to improve operational performance, respond quickly to supply and demand fluctuations, identify opportunities for automation, and enhance decision-making. To that end, it makes use of advanced automation and robotics, digital twins, augmented/virtual/mixed reality, and now the platform that brings it all together, the industrial metaverse.

According to Brainy Insights, a market research company, the global smart manufacturing market was valued at USD 292.83 billion in 2023, and is growing at a CAGR of 15.18% from 2024 to 2033. The market is expected to reach USD 1,203.38 billion by 2033.

Industrial Automation presents a brief overview of the Top 10 vendors of smart manufacturing. The companies are listed in alphabetical order and not as per any other criteria like turnover or profitability.

1. ABB

ABB is a Swedish-Swiss company that operates in over 140 countries. ABB’s history in switchgear goes back more than a century, when ASEA started to manufacture the technology in the 1890s in Sweden. The company's core activities include: Power generation, transmission, and distribution; Industrial automation; and Robotics. Since the introduction of MNS (Managed Network Services), and the emergence of smart solutions in the 1990’s ABB has become the world’s leader in low voltage switchgear. As a global technology leader, ABB integrates smart manufacturing into its operations, producing electrical equipment like sensors and power converters.

2. Bosch

The Bosch Group (Robert Bosch GmbH traces its origins to 1886), is a global technology and services company that operates in over 60 countries. Bosch operates in four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The company offers a range of products and services, including original automotive equipment, sensors, semiconductors, powertrain, driver assistance systems, and cybersecurity solutions. Bosch aims to use technology to help shape trends such as automation, electrification, digitalisation, and sustainability by interconnecting smart machines and devices on the factory floor.

3. Danfoss

Founded in 1933 by Mads Clausen, Danfoss is a family-owned company that designs and manufactures energy-efficient technologies and solutions. Danfoss offers a range of products and services, including: Power Solutions – systems for mobile and industrial hydraulics, fluid conveyance, electrification, and software; Climate Solutions – energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions; and Drives – a global leader in energy efficiency. Danfoss prioritises research and development to explore emerging technologies, and uses smart manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity and minimise environmental impact.

4. FANUC

A global leader in robotics, CNC systems, and ROBO MACHINES, FANUC was founded in 1956 in Japan and is a part of Fujitsu. The name FANUC is an acronym for Fuji Automatic Numerical Control, as the company began by developing numerical control (NC) and servo systems. Today, the company uses smart manufacturing technologies to improve productivity and streamline industrial processes. FANUC is renowned for its articulated, delta, and collaborative robots, designed to enhance speed and precision.  FANUC offers maintenance and service support for its products for as long as customers use them.

5. General Electric Company

General Electric Company (GE) is a US-based multinational corporation that was founded in 1892 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. It was formed by the merger of the Edison General Electric Company and the Thomson-Houston Electric Company. GE has four major divisions: GE Power, GE Renewable Energy, GE Aviation, and GE Healthcare. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including: aircraft engines and systems; healthcare systems and pharmaceutical diagnostics; power generation; oil and gas production equipment; medical imaging; financing; and industrial products.

6. Honeywell

Honeywell International Inc., is a US-based Fortune 500 company that manufactures and invents technologies for safety, security, and energy. The company operates in four main areas: Aerospace, Building automation, Performance materials and technologies (PMT) and Safety and productivity solutions (SPS). The company makes a wide range of products, including building controls, electronic switches and motors, alarms, industrial automation systems, microelectronics, medical instruments, and more. By combining automation and data analytics, it continues to innovate in smart manufacturing.

7. Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, based in Japan, is one of the world's leading names in the manufacture and sales of electrical and electronic products and systems used in a broad range of fields and applications. The company is engaged in diverse businesses that include: public utility systems, energy systems, defense & space systems, factory automation systems, automotive equipment, building systems, air conditioning systems & home products, information systems & network service, semiconductor & device. The company utilises smart machines and manufacturing technologies to optimise industrial processes.

8. Rockwell Automation

Headquartered in Milwaukee, USA, Rockwell Automation is the largest company in the world that is dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation. Its flagship Allen Bradley® and FactoryTalk® product brands are recognised for excellence across the globe. The company’s Connected Enterprise vision emphasizes the integration of industrial systems using IIoT and edge computing. Rockwell helps automotive leaders adopt new technologies while balancing quality and profitable growth. Rockwell Automation supports companies in its digital transformation journeys, enabling them to optimise operations and drive growth across various industries.

9. Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric, headquartered in Rueil Malmaison, Paris, France, boasts 180 plus years of history and innovation as the company traces its origins to 1836, during the first Industrial Revolution. The company utilises smart manufacturing to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. By using digital twin technology, it creates virtual models of physical assets, optimising production processes and reducing downtime. Schneider Electric focuses on cybersecurity, augmented reality, and cloud-based services to help manufacturers unlock the full potential of smart manufacturing and drive innovation.

10. Siemens

Siemens AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a global technology company that focuses on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. Siemens offers a range of products and services, including smart mobility solutions, decentralised energy systems, and automation and digitalisation for manufacturing and processes. Siemens has a worldwide presence with offices, warehouses, research and development facilities, and sales offices in almost every country. Renowned for its diverse electronics range, Siemens is at the forefront of smart manufacturing technologies. The company aims to lead the way in Industry 4.0 through innovative manufacturing solutions.

Conclusion

Smart manufacturing, a broad term that encompasses a variety of technologies, systems, and practices, has the potential to revolutionise the industrial landscape. Together, these technologies leverage data, machine learning, and AI to optimise production efficiency and performance. The result is hitherto unprecedented operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

The companies mentioned above have tried and tested these smart manufacturing technologies in their own operations and hence are offering something that is proven with all the benefits demonstrated in actual use. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

For a deeper dive into the dynamic world of Industrial Automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), explore our comprehensive collection of articles and news covering cutting-edge technologies, robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and the latest advancements in the Industrial Automation realm. Uncover valuable insights and stay abreast of industry trends by delving into the rest of our articles on Industrial Automation and RPA at www.industrialautomationindia.in