Top 10 Automation Companies Transforming Technology in 2022
As industries worldwide continue to embrace technological advancements, the landscape of industrial automation is rapidly evolving. In 2022, several companies have stood out in transforming technology through innovative automation solutions. This article highlights the top 10 automation companies that are not only leading but also shaping the future of automated manufacturing and processes.
Key Takeaways
- ABB leads with advanced robotics and automation solutions, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Siemens focuses on digital innovations and smart factory solutions, integrating IoT and AI.
- Schneider Electric champions energy-efficient systems and sustainable automation practices.
- Honeywell excels in integrating advanced data analytics to improve automation reliability.
- Yokogawa Electric offers cutting-edge solutions tailored to precision and real-time control.
1. ABB
Leading technology company, ABB energises the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation, and motion portfolio, ABB drives its customers’ performance to new levels. With a presence in over 100 countries, ABB is pivotal in industries such as automotive, data centres, mining, and smart cities. The company not only manufactures robotics but also provides digitally connected and enabled industrial equipment.
ABB has been recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies, with 105,600 employees globally. In 2021, it was named by Clarivate, a leader in analytics, highlighting its continuous push for innovation in industrial automation. ABB’s commitment to R&D and breakthrough innovations has allowed it to hold a significant share of the global industrial automation market since its launch in 1988.
Financial Overview
- Revenue: US$31 billion
- Net Profit (2020): $5.146 billion
- Market Forecast: The market for autonomous mobile robots is expected to grow by 20% annually, reaching US$9.5 billion by 2026.
ABB’s acquisition of robotics-start-up Sevensense, which develops AI systems that enhance the capabilities of factory robots, underscores its strategy to lead in next-generation industrial technology.
2. Siemens
Siemens stands as a pioneer in infrastructure and energy solutions, focusing on automation and software for various industries. With a commitment to creating more resource-efficient factories and resilient supply chains, Siemens also excels in smarter buildings and grids, cleaner transportation, and advanced healthcare systems. The company’s approach to automation, particularly through its Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) system, ensures seamless interaction of all components, driving digital transformation forward.
Key Financials and Structure
- CEO/President: Dr. Roland Busch
- Revenue (2020): US$20bn
- Employees (2020): 293,000
- Net Income (2020): €4.2 billion
- Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
Siemens’s commitment to technological breakthroughs in automation not only enhances its product offerings but also significantly impacts the industries it serves, transforming the everyday for billions of people globally.
3. Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation systems, is renowned for its comprehensive solutions that span from hardware to software. The company’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency is evident in its goal to bridge progress and sustainability for all. With a revenue of US$36bn, Schneider Electric leverages automation control systems and a variety of industrial automation solutions to enhance system lifecycles.
Key Figures and Locations
- Chairman & CEO: Jean-Pascal Tricoire
- Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France
- Global Presence: 560 office locations across 117 countries
- Workforce: 135,000 employees
- Financials (2020): €25.2 bn in revenues, €2.1 bn net income
Schneider Electric’s approach to digital transformation involves integrating world-leading process and energy technologies. This integration spans from end-point to cloud, encompassing products, controls, software, and services, thereby accelerating the journey to next generation sustainable industry.
4. Honeywell
Honeywell International Inc. is a prominent player in the automation industry, known for its extensive range of products and services across various sectors including aerospace, home and building technologies, and safety solutions. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Honeywell employs over 110,000 workers globally. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its AI-enabled software solutions designed to enhance asset management and reduce unplanned downtime, particularly in aerospace manufacturing.
Honeywell’s automation division, Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS), is at the forefront of delivering automation control systems that cater to industries like oil and gas, refining, and chemicals. HPS plays a vital role from project design to engineering, ensuring operations are safe, reliable, and efficient.
In 2022, Honeywell Robotics has been recognized for its advancements in integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into traditional distribution centers, transforming them into smart infrastructures. This initiative not only boosts efficiency but also sets new standards in the automation landscape.
5. Yokogawa Electric
Yokogawa Electric Corporation, a leader in industrial automation and test and measurement solutions, excels in delivering field-proven operational efficiency, safety, quality, and reliability. The company integrates superior technology with comprehensive engineering services, project management, and maintenance. Yokogawa’s OpreX brand symbolizes the excellence in technology and solutions developed through the co-creation of value with its customers.
Yokogawa offers advanced smart control systems, including PLC (programmable logic controller), DCS (distributed control system), and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition), which are pivotal in facilitating seamless automation processes.
Key Statistics:
- Employees: 17,715
- Global Presence: 118 companies and 84 subsidiaries in 61 countries
Innovations in Industrial Automation:
- Development and implementation of OpreX brand solutions
- Advanced smart control systems for enhanced automation
6. Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric, a core company of the Japanese multinational Mitsubishi Group, is a global leader in electrical and electronics manufacturing. The company, headquartered in Tokyo, employs 145,650 individuals and plays a significant role in the international automation market with its innovative products, including smart automation solutions.
Mitsubishi Electric utilizes its advanced engineering techniques to provide reliable Factory Automation (FA) solutions, looking towards the next generation of manufacturing. The company’s extensive range of automation and processing technologies includes controllers, drive products, power distribution and control products, electrical discharge machines, electron beam machines, laser processing machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots.
Among the top automation companies, Mitsubishi Electric develops industrial robots with intelligent capabilities such as force sensing and three-dimensional (3D) vision. These robots are designed to operate in collaborative environments, delivering best-in-class accuracy and speed for both challenging and simple applications.
Key Innovations:
- Force sensing
- 3D vision
In FY 2020, Mitsubishi Electric reported a net profit of 193.1 billion yen, marking it as one of the top automation companies to work for in 2022.
7. AVEVA
AVEVA stands out in the industrial automation software sector with its tightly-secure industrial cloud platform which facilitates enhanced collaboration between customers and suppliers. The company leverages AI-enriched insights to help businesses optimize operations and boost sustainability. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AVEVA supports a global customer base with its extensive network of 6,400 employees and 5,000 partners. In 2022, AVEVA reported a revenue of US$1bn, underscoring its significant role in the industry amidst supply chain disruptions and technological advancements.
8. SAP
SAP, a leader in enterprise software, has been at the forefront of automation technology with its SAP Intelligent RPA. This tool, launched in 2018, enables both seasoned and citizen developers to create intelligent bots that automate repetitive manual processes. SAP’s Intelligent RPA is particularly effective in streamlining operations across supply chain, data management, and sales order management.
In addition to its RPA solutions, SAP is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices. The company’s software supports the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, which enhance machinery efficiency and factory operations. This commitment helps manufacturers reduce emissions and meet evolving customer expectations.
Key Financials
| Year | Revenue (US$) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 33bn |
SAP’s strategic partnerships, like with FC Bayern Munich using SAP SuccessFactors, and expanded collaborations with companies such as IBM, highlight its role in driving technological efficiency and scalability across various industries.
9. Omron
Founded in 1933, Omron has established itself as a leader in industrial automation, providing innovative solutions and advanced technologies. The company’s core technology, ‘Sensing & Control + Think’, enables it to manufacture a wide range of controls equipment and electronic components. Omron’s influence extends globally, with products and services available in over 130 countries. The company also plays a significant role in social systems and healthcare sectors.
Revenue
- Annual Revenue: US$6 billion
Omron’s extensive reach and commitment to innovation make it a key player in the automation industry, supporting a diverse range of industries worldwide.
10. Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation stands as a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. The company connects the imaginations of people with the potential of technology, aiming to expand what is humanly possible and make the world more productive and sustainable. Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation specializes in both the hardware and software necessary to control and monitor automated industrial processes.
Key Facts:
- CEO/Chairman: Blake Moret
- Revenue: US$9bn
Rockwell Automation’s control systems are designed to allow real-time monitoring, which helps streamline operations and minimize downtime. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its approach to tackling modern challenges like supply chain disruptions and the integration of new technologies to maintain quality and profitable growth.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the top 10 automation companies transforming technology in 2022, it’s evident that these industry leaders are not just shaping the future of manufacturing but are also pivotal in driving the global economy towards more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent industrial operations. From leveraging AI and IoT to pioneering robust RPA solutions, these companies are at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that businesses can thrive in an increasingly digital and automated world. Their contributions are crucial in navigating the challenges of modern industries and will likely set the standards for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is industrial automation?
Industrial automation involves the use of control systems, such as computers or robots, and information technologies for handling different processes and machinery in an industry to replace a human being. It is done to increase productivity and reduce costs.
Why are automation companies important in 2022?
Automation companies are crucial in 2022 due to the increasing need for efficiency, productivity, and scalability in manufacturing processes, driven by advancements in technology and the demand for smarter, faster production methods.
How do automation companies impact the manufacturing sector?
Automation companies provide innovative solutions that improve the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of manufacturing processes. This leads to reduced operational costs, improved quality, and faster time-to-market for products.
What are some common technologies used in industrial automation?
Common technologies used in industrial automation include robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. These technologies help in optimizing operations and enhancing production capabilities.
Can automation help in reducing operational costs?
Yes, automation can significantly reduce operational costs by minimizing manual labor, reducing errors, enhancing production speed, and improving resource management, all of which contribute to cost efficiency and increased profitability.
What future trends are expected in industrial automation?
Future trends in industrial automation include increased adoption of AI and IoT, more focus on sustainable and green manufacturing practices, the integration of cyber-physical systems, and the use of advanced data analytics for predictive maintenance and operational insights.
