Category: Company News

The convergence of industrial automation and space exploration is redefining mission design and execution. ABB’s recent announcement that it will develop an infrared spectrometer for Canada’s Lunar Utility Rover demonstrates how industrial technologies can extend into deep space. The instrument will analyze lunar soil composition, showing how proven engineering solutions can unlock new exploration possibilities.

Industrial Technology Enters Space

Historically, space instruments have been highly customized, low-volume, and expensive. ABB’s approach reflects a new trend: leveraging mature industrial technologies that prioritize reliability, scalability, and efficiency.

The ALExIS spectrometer is built on FTIR technology validated in demanding industrial environments. Instead of reinventing the wheel, ABB adapts and enhances a proven solution for lunar deployment, ensuring both performance and resilience.

Data-Driven Lunar Exploration

Traditional lunar missions often rely on sample return for analysis—a process that is slow and costly. In contrast, in-situ spectroscopic analysis allows the rover to collect chemical data in real time, across multiple terrains.

This approach provides scientists with a comprehensive view of lunar geology, while supporting practical decisions such as resource mapping and selecting sites for future exploration or habitat construction.

Extending Technology Beyond the Moon

ABB’s ambitions are not limited to lunar missions. The company has explored adapting methane detection technologies for Mars, to track potential biosignatures in the planet’s thin atmosphere.

The ALExIS project validates ABB’s spectroscopic technologies for extreme planetary environments, paving the way for broader applications in deep space exploration.

Industrial Innovation Shapes Space Exploration

ABB’s participation in the Lunar Utility Rover project reflects a larger shift in the space industry. Industrial technology companies are increasingly entering the sector, offering cost-effective, high-performance solutions alongside traditional aerospace methods.

For ABB, this initiative is a demonstration of its innovation strategy, showing how industrial technologies can create value in emerging space markets.

Looking Ahead

As lunar exploration evolves from research-focused missions to practical utilization, the demand for robust analytical instruments will grow. The successful deployment of ALExIS could become a model for future lunar and planetary missions.

ABB’s collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency represents more than a single project—it signals a new era where industrial expertise meets deep space exploration.

Road construction sites are among the most demanding work environments in the industrial world. High traffic volumes, confined spaces, multiple machines operating simultaneously, and extreme environmental conditions combine to create a constant risk scenario.

For operators of heavy tandem rollers, safety depends not only on experience but also on the reliability of the machine systems that support them. Recognizing this reality, BOMAG has fundamentally redefined how collision prevention should work in modern road construction equipment.

The Invisible Burden on Machine Operators

Operating a tandem roller requires sustained concentration over long shifts. In addition to guiding the machine with high precision, operators must monitor numerous process parameters while remaining alert to changes in their surroundings.

Scientific studies have shown that prolonged exposure to noise, heat, and visual stress significantly reduces reaction times. These effects often go unnoticed until a critical situation occurs.

Why Traditional Camera Systems Fall Short

Camera-based assistance systems have long been considered standard safety equipment. However, real-world use has revealed their limitations. Visual systems are vulnerable to environmental disturbances and require constant attention from the operator.

Frequent warnings, especially in complex construction scenarios, can lead to alarm fatigue—reducing rather than enhancing safety.

BOMAG therefore asked a fundamental question: What if the machine itself could recognize danger and act autonomously?

From Research to Series Production

The collaboration between BOMAG and SICK began as early as 2019, when both companies explored automation concepts for road construction machinery. The ROBOMAG research project, presented at BAUMA, demonstrated the potential of LiDAR-based perception for autonomous operation.

Building on this foundation, Emergency Brake Assist was developed as a production-ready safety system for heavy tandem rollers.

Understanding Risk Through Intelligent Algorithms

Emergency Brake Assist does not simply detect obstacles—it interprets risk. By combining LiDAR data with machine dynamics, the system predicts the roller’s future path and evaluates whether an obstacle is truly dangerous.

Only when a real collision risk exists does the system intervene by applying adaptive braking. This intelligent selectivity ensures high operator acceptance and minimal disruption to work processes.

Certified Safety and Practical Reliability

The system complies with EN ISO 13849-1 and achieves Performance Level b (PLb). It has also undergone extensive testing according to GS-BAU-70 requirements, confirming its reliability under real construction site conditions.

Collaboration as a Success Factor

Close cooperation between BOMAG and SICK played a decisive role in the project’s success. Continuous feedback from field tests enabled rapid optimization, including the development of software filters to handle steam and spray interference.

A New Safety Paradigm

Emergency Brake Assist represents more than a technical upgrade—it marks a shift from reactive to proactive safety. Instead of relying solely on operator vigilance, the machine actively contributes to accident prevention.

With its introduction on the BW 154 AP-5 and BW 174 AP-5 models, BOMAG has set a new benchmark for safety in road construction machinery.

As the global electric vehicle (EV) industry rapidly expands, industrial automation and smart manufacturing are becoming key drivers for improving production efficiency and ensuring product quality. ABB, a leading industrial automation company, has recently deployed its advanced robotic painting solutions at Audi’s Changchun New Energy Vehicle (NEV) factory in China, marking a major step toward fully automated and intelligent EV production. This collaboration highlights ABB’s technical expertise in automotive painting and provides a replicable model for high-efficiency manufacturing.

Audi’s Changchun factory is the company’s first dedicated EV production facility in China. The plant’s painting workshop features 47 ABB robots, including IRB 5500, IRB 5350, and IRB 6700 series, integrated with ABB’s latest high-transfer-efficiency atomizer RB1000i-S and the Digital Painting Suite analytics platform. This comprehensive system enables full automation of the painting process, covering everything from cleaning and basecoat application to clearcoat spraying and surface inspection. Han Chen, ABB Group Senior Vice President and President of Robotics in China, commented, “Combining intelligent robots with digital platforms allows us to deliver complete automated painting solutions that enhance production efficiency while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs.”

Precision Spraying Enhances Product Quality

At the core of the painting workflow, IRB 5500 seven-axis robots work in tandem with the RB1000i-S atomizer to achieve high-precision coatings. The atomizer improves transfer efficiency by approximately 15% while reducing paint waste by nearly 50%. This ensures efficient use of materials, cost reduction, and reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions—an environmentally sustainable approach.

Zhao Huan, head of the Painting Project at Audi FAW Manufacturing, explained, “ABB’s automated painting system enables precise coating application, significantly improving production line efficiency. Tasks that previously required multiple operators are now fully automated, reaching 100% line automation while maintaining consistent quality standards. At the same time, workers are protected from hazardous exposure, improving overall safety.”

The IRB 5350 and 6700 series robots perform automated pre-treatment operations for hoods, doors, and trunks, as well as robotic cleaning tasks, ensuring seamless workflow integration. Robots precisely control spray paths, angles, and paint volumes, achieving high-quality finishes and consistency across all vehicles.

Space Optimization and Flexible Deployment

To accommodate the compact factory layout, ABB’s system employs a “Stop-go” operation mode, allowing interior spray processes to be completed within a single station. This design reduces floor space usage by approximately 25% compared to conventional setups. The IRB 5500 robots can be floor-mounted or wall-mounted, offering greater flexibility and coverage. The compact and efficient layout not only increases production capacity but also allows for future scalability.

Digital Enablement and Predictive Maintenance

The Digital Painting Suite serves as the digital backbone of the system. The platform provides real-time monitoring, data collection, and predictive maintenance, enabling operators to address potential issues before they lead to downtime. This data-driven approach reduces maintenance costs, extends equipment life, and improves production reliability.

The platform also monitors critical parameters such as coating thickness, orange peel, and color consistency. By analyzing these metrics, management can adjust production parameters in real time, optimizing workflow and maximizing efficiency across the entire line.

Driving Green Manufacturing

Although this article emphasizes technology and efficiency, ABB’s solution also supports environmentally sustainable manufacturing. High-transfer-efficiency atomizers, precise spraying, and automated operations reduce material waste and VOC emissions. Coupled with digital monitoring and predictive maintenance, energy consumption and resource use are optimized. These measures support Audi’s “Mission: Zero” initiative, promoting decarbonization and sustainable production practices.

Summary

ABB’s robotic painting solutions at Audi’s Changchun NEV factory demonstrate the company’s strong capabilities in smart manufacturing and automotive automation. By deploying IRB 5500, 5350, and 6700 series robots equipped with the RB1000i-S atomizer and integrated with the Digital Painting Suite, the factory achieves full-process automation, space optimization, enhanced production efficiency, and environmentally friendly operations.

This project not only streamlines Audi’s EV production workflow but also provides a replicable model for the automotive industry, illustrating how automation, digitalization, and sustainability can be combined effectively. As the EV market continues to grow globally, ABB’s technology will remain a critical enabler of safe, high-efficiency, and environmentally responsible production.

As China’s dual-carbon goals continue to advance, the rapid expansion of renewable energy is reshaping the structure of traditional power systems. High-penetration renewable energy brings unprecedented challenges: How can intermittent power sources become controllable and dispatchable? How can the grid acquire the ability to “predict risks before they occur”?

At the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), ABB Electrification showcased a forward-looking answer. The company officially launched its SSC600 Power System Failure Prediction Platform, marking a milestone in applying “AI + Power” to accelerate the transformation of next-generation power systems. With enhanced intelligence, digital capabilities, and real-time analytics, ABB aims to build a truly resilient, efficient, and self-optimizing power ecosystem for China’s energy transition.

A Smart Distribution Framework Covering All Scenarios

Among ABB’s newly released solutions, two technologies drew particular attention:

• SSC600 Failure Prediction Platform

• SACE Emax 3 low-voltage air circuit breaker, the world’s first to obtain SL2 network security certification

These innovations reflect ABB’s response to rising grid complexity.
The SSC600 platform transforms conventional distribution networks into an active configuration platform for source-grid-load-storage resources. By digitizing and collecting full-power parameters at 4kHz frequency, the system forms a real-time disturbance monitoring architecture capable of forecasting the probability of power system failures up to seven days in advance, with 95% accuracy. This significantly strengthens the operational safety of power distribution networks.

Meanwhile, the Emax 3 circuit breaker is designed for data centers and advanced manufacturing scenarios with high reliability and high-power consumption demands. Integrating sensing technology with intelligent algorithms, it enables predictive maintenance and provides essential protection for critical infrastructure.

ABB China Electrification’s Vice President Luo Hui explained:
“Industrial customers and large-scale energy users urgently need solutions for smart grids, microgrids, and renewable energy integration. With AI-enhanced high-frequency detection and intelligent regulation, our platform supports more efficient local consumption of renewable power—especially in zero-carbon industrial parks.”

AI + Power: From Simple On/Off to Intelligent System Optimization

As modern power grids shift from the traditional “generation–transmission–distribution–consumption” one-way structure to a multi-dimensional interactive model, software-defined power systems have become a new trend. ABB’s “AI + Power” concept positions AI not as an auxiliary tool but as a core decision-maker for future power deployment.

Luo Hui emphasized the major value of AI:
Traditional grids only accomplish simple switch operations, lacking advanced load management. The introduction of AI transforms the grid into an adaptive, learning, self-optimizing system.

For example:

• AI models analyze air-conditioning loads based on factors like occupancy and outdoor temperature.

• EV chargers adjust power according to renewable generation and consumption patterns across a campus.

• System-wide optimization ensures the best balance between efficiency and cost.

“This process is seamless and becomes more accurate over time,” Luo Hui added. “It not only reduces construction and wiring costs but also shifts grid operation from passively reacting to failures to proactively preventing risks.”

Building Micro-Level Energy Resilience: Solving the “Last Mile Problem”

As China accelerates renewable integration, the challenge is no longer just generating clean energy—but ensuring that it can be consumed locally without burdening the main grid.

ABB focuses directly on this “last mile” challenge.

The company builds mechanism-based AI models for:

• Renewable energy generation (PV, wind)

• Typical industrial loads

• Building-level and campus-level microgrid operations

Through accurate forecasting and intelligent dispatch, source-load matching becomes significantly more efficient. With energy storage acting as a buffer, microgrids achieve a stable internal cycle, reducing grid stress and improving renewable consumption rates.

Driving the Future of Intelligent Energy Systems

With China’s upcoming “16th Five-Year Plan,” the development of a new energy system will accelerate. ABB’s “AI + Power” solutions will play a vital role in:

• Smart industrial parks

• High-resilience data centers

• Zero-carbon campuses

• Flexible “PV + Storage + DC” building energy systems

Behind these visible transformations is ABB’s deep technical accumulation and its understanding of user needs. By embedding intelligence into every level of the power system, ABB is helping build an efficient, green, and robust future energy infrastructure powered by invisible yet powerful innovation.

A major manufacturing plant in East China once suffered a production halt caused by an unnoticed motor overheating issue. Traditional manual inspection proved insufficient, and the resulting downtime caused heavy financial losses. After adopting intelligent inspection robots powered by NORCO’s BIS-6670L, the factory detected similar anomalies 24 hours in advance, preventing shutdown and ensuring operational continuity.

This real-world case reflects a broader truth: intelligent inspection robots are becoming a transformative force in industrial operations.

01. Long-standing Challenges of Manual Inspection

Industrial sites often suffer from:

• Dangerous environments (high voltage, toxic gas, heat, dust)

• Large coverage areas requiring extensive manpower

• Massive sensor and image data needing real-time analysis

• High precision requirements for fault prediction

• Continuous 24-hour monitoring needs

These challenges are driving industries to adopt robots capable of intelligent, uninterrupted inspection.

02. NORCO Provides the “Central Nervous System” for Inspection Robots

NORCO offers a purpose-built hardware and software foundation for inspection robots. This includes AI computing, multi-sensor integration, communication control, and industrial-grade reliability.

03. BIS-6670L: In-depth Analysis of Its Core Strengths

(1) AI Computing Power

• Alder Lake-N97/N100 processors

• Supports lightweight AI models

• Real-time processing of thermal images, videos, sensor data

(2) Outstanding Connectivity

Supports devices including:

• Thermal cameras

• Industrial cameras

• LiDAR sensors

• Microphone arrays

• Gas sensors

• Motor control modules

With:

• 4× Gigabit Ethernet

• 12× USB ports

• 6× serial ports

• GPIO, CAN

• M.2 for 5G / WiFi

(3) Industrial-Grade Stability

Engineered for the harshest environments:

• -20°C to 70°C

• Fanless cooling

• Shock and vibration resistance

• Dust and moisture protection

• EMI shielding

• Redundant module options

(4) High-Bandwidth Memory & Flexible Storage

• DDR5 4800MHz

• M.2 2280 SSD

• SATA3.0 expansion

Ideal for high-volume video and thermal data processing.

(5) Compact and Lightweight

Compact design supports deep integration into robot bodies without space burden.

04. Three Typical Industry Scenarios

Power Grid

Robots perform thermal detection, fault identification, smart night patrol, and meter reading.

Petrochemical

Robots detect gas leaks, monitor pressure and temperature, and inspect pipes with high precision.

Mining

Robots handle inspections in dusty, humid, or vibration-heavy zones, ensuring personnel safety.

05. BIS-6670L: Beyond Hardware, Creating Industrial Value

The BIS-6670L brings:

• Higher operational safety

• Reduced labor costs

• Lower equipment failure rates

• Real-time predictive maintenance

• More accurate and reliable data support

It forms the cornerstone of intelligent inspection systems across different industries.

Conclusion

Intelligent inspection robots are redefining modern industrial operations, improving uptime, safety, and data-driven decision-making. With its cutting-edge computing architecture, NORCO’s BIS-6670L provides the technological backbone needed for this transformation, empowering a new era of intelligent industrial inspection.

Driven by national carbon-reduction goals and growing demand for smart manufacturing, industrial enterprises are undergoing a critical transformation from conventional maintenance approaches to digital, predictive operations. However, many factories still face long-standing issues such as aging low-voltage distribution equipment, difficulty detecting hidden risks, and a lack of visibility into energy usage and power quality.

To help enterprises overcome these challenges, ABB has launched a complete Low-Voltage Digital Upgrade Solution, supported by the PowerCare Worry-Free Operations Platform. This solution provides an end-to-end system that strengthens equipment protection, enhances operational visibility, and establishes a future-proof predictive maintenance ecosystem.

Traditional Maintenance Reaches Its Limits as Industrial Complexity Continues to Grow

In traditional facilities, maintenance heavily depends on manual inspections and scattered analog indicators. Without digital tools, operations teams often struggle to capture early warning signs of degradation, temperature abnormalities, or electrical instability. Locating a fault may require extensive manual troubleshooting, increasing downtime and maintenance labor costs.

Moreover, energy management remains a major blind spot for many companies. With no accurate, real-time measurement or consumption transparency, optimization becomes difficult. As energy prices continue rising globally, enterprises urgently need the ability to pinpoint inefficiencies and implement targeted efficiency strategies.

In this context, digital and intelligent maintenance has become a strategic necessity rather than an optional upgrade. ABB’s low-voltage digital upgrade solution directly responds to these industry-wide needs.

ABB’s Four Major Digital Upgrade Components: Modernizing Maintenance at Every Level

The upgrade solution focuses on the full operational lifecycle—from monitoring and protection to control and diagnostics. It is designed for flexible, low-disruption deployment across existing facilities.

1. Digital Trip Unit Upgrade: The First Step Toward Smart Protection

Legacy thermal-magnetic trip units often struggle to meet modern requirements for precision and response. ABB’s digital replacement provides advanced protection without altering the main circuit breaker structure.

Benefits include:

• Complete electrical data acquisition

• Advanced, adjustable protection curves

• Higher precision in tripping and fault analysis

• Improved reliability and reduced unplanned downtime

This upgrade modernizes existing equipment without expensive or time-consuming overhauls.

2. Critical Temperature Monitoring: Detecting Thermal Risks Before Failures Occur

Electrical faults are frequently preceded by abnormal temperature changes at key points such as busbars and cable terminations. ABB’s temperature monitoring solution uses sensors that collect real-time data around the clock.

It provides:

• Temperature trend tracking

• Automated alarms for overheating

• Early detection of insulation aging or loose connections

• Preventive intervention before equipment damage occurs

Continuous monitoring helps safeguard assets and extend equipment life.

3. Intelligent Feeder Management: Bringing Energy Transparency to the Forefront

The intelligent feeder drawer integrates seamlessly into existing switchgear structures and allows rapid, on-site replacement.

Upgraded users gain:

• 0.5-class metering accuracy

• Visibility of harmonics, imbalance, leakage current, and other power-quality indicators

• Real-time digital dashboards without manual measurement

• Strong data support for energy optimization

This empowers enterprises to identify inefficiencies and eliminate unnecessary energy costs.

4. Smart Motor Management: Comprehensive Monitoring and Protection in One Module

Motors are essential to industrial operations—and often the most prone to faults. ABB’s smart motor management unit combines real-time monitoring, advanced protection, and intelligent control.

Key functions include:

• 14 start-up types suitable for various industrial applications

• 12 independent protection mechanisms such as overload, locked rotor, phase loss, and unbalance

• Millisecond-level fault response

• Visualized operational insights for optimized maintenance strategy

This delivers greater production stability and significantly reduces motor-related downtime.

PowerCare: Building a Predictive, Data-Driven Operational Ecosystem

All four upgrade modules integrate with the ABB PowerCare Worry-Free Operations Platform, establishing a closed-loop ecosystem that improves reliability and reduces costs.

PowerCare offers:

• Real-time equipment monitoring

• Health scoring and diagnostics

• Predictive maintenance algorithms

• Energy efficiency analysis

• Dedicated service managers providing customized support

Enterprises can transition from reactive maintenance to a proactive and intelligent operational strategy, improving both safety and efficiency.

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.

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.