Majors Launch New Products and Platforms at Automate 2026

Key Takeaways

• Automate 2026 in Chicago featured major announcements from industry leaders in industrial automation
• Schneider Electric launched a new platform for open software-defined automation to increase market share
• The Association for Advancing Automation announced the Joseph F. Engleberger Awards for lifetime achievement in automation
• Winners of the awards included Hiroshi Fujiwara and Robert Little

Introduction to Automate 2026

The recent Automate 2026 event in Chicago was a hub for innovation and announcements from major players in the industrial automation sector. As in previous years, the event saw significant launches and reveals from industry leaders.

Schneider Electric's New Platform

Schneider Electric announced a new platform for open software-defined automation, a strategic move to consolidate its market share in an environment where software is increasingly portable across different hardware systems. This development is expected to enhance the company's competitiveness in the industrial automation market.

Association for Advancing Automation Awards

The Association for Advancing Automation also made a significant announcement at the event, revealing the winners of the Joseph F. Engleberger Awards for lifetime achievement in automation. This year's awards recognized the contributions of Hiroshi Fujiwara and Robert Little to the field of automation.

Comparison of Automation Platforms

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The announcements at Automate 2026 highlight the ongoing evolution of the industrial automation sector, with a focus on software-defined automation and open platforms. As the industry continues to shift towards more flexible and portable solutions, companies like Schneider Electric are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Bottom Line

The Automate 2026 event in Chicago showcased the latest innovations and advancements in industrial automation, with major players like Schneider Electric launching new platforms and products to stay ahead of the curve. With the increasing demand for software-defined automation and open platforms, the industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by technological advancements and strategic investments.