Automation Fair 2024, the annual automation tradeshow hosted each November by Rockwell Automation, wrapped up Thursday, November 21. For four days, industrial professionals from around the globe gathered in Anaheim, California, to explore innovations, meet exhibitors, network and learn from automation experts and influencers.

The event schedule featured exciting keynotes, informative summits and niche discussion sessions, in addition to an expo floor that buzzed with demonstrations from Rockwell Automation and numerous partners, showcasing everything from robotics and material handling automation to digital platforms and cybersecurity solutions.

All in all, it was a thrilling week at one of the leading events in the automation sector. And if it proved one thing, it's that there's always something new to learn in this quickly evolving industry.

Here's 5 things we learned this week at Automation Fair.

1. Artificial intelligence is going native

Automation Fair highlighted several AI-driven innovations, including VisionAI for machine vision in QC/QA, which uses machine learning instead of rule-based programming, and Studio5000 with Emulate3D simulation software, which optimizes workflows and allows engineers to program aspects of the industrial environment using natural language.

VisionAI conducting quality analysis on example specimens.

The GuardianAI platform enhances predictive maintenance without new sensors; for example, by interpreting signal integrity at the panel level or analyzing motor current for unusual behavior. AI-powered PLCs and MES platforms optimize control, production planning and scheduling, boosting throughput. Rockwell is also integrating edge AI into HMIs for real-time insights.

The objective here is to begin offering AI solutions in a table stakes capacity and improve access to these tools without major investments.

2. Working near robots is the new norm

Human-robot interactivity is closely safeguarded — and for good reason, as they can easily injure personnel who get too close. That means light curtains, physical barriers, personnel tracking and other hardware or software technologies are deployed to mitigate risks.

But especially in brownfield sites, it is difficult or impossible to designate human-only and robot-only work zones. Floor space may not be that adaptable. Humans sometimes need to address small issues or troubleshoot. Increased task flexibility means humans may need to reprogram or work on panels, HMIs or other nearby equipment.

The result is a significant growth in the collaborative robot, aka cobot, market. A growing number of robotic solutions are featuring adherence to cobot standards, which mandates technologies like force sensing, torque limiting and more. It also means improving technologies to recognize when a worker enters the path of an autonomous mobile robot — and how machine learning can also be applied here to learn new transit patterns based on historical datasets.

AMRs from OTTO robots identify a human has intersected their intended path.

3. Conveyance technologies see a new frontier

Robotic arms and AMRs might be more glamorous, but the fact remains that getting materials, workpieces and finished goods across a floor or facility is most often done with conveyor technologies, whether that is a traditional belt, tracked cart or other.

However, these systems are ripe for innovation and are adapting quickly. This is prominent in offerings from suppliers like Itoh Denki, who showcased their low voltage, belt-driven and nimble rollers, which can scale to support large payloads. By reducing the number of motors overall, as well as the voltage, such technologies are more energy efficient, safer to work on for employees and are more future-proofed for backup and renewable power sources.

Industrial facilities are also facing additional challenges from high-mix production sites — they must produce a wide variety of products, with each product often requiring different components, materials and steps. Flexible cart delivery systems, like FlexLink, can offer modular delivery of components and workpieces in many challenging environs.

4. Industrial network security is a priority — not everyone necessarily sees it that way

At press conferences, demonstrations and summits, a familiar theme was found — there is increasing targeting of manufacturing operations by cybercriminals. Factors contributing to these risks include the rise in connected devices, a lack of security expertise in operational technology (OT) users, evolving regulatory demands and environments where legacy technology is running obsolescent software.

Engineers rarely need to be convinced this is a concern, but C-suite executives, boards and insurers are sometimes hesitant to continually invest in cyber security hardening measures. It's a cultural and philosophical clash.

The presenters advocated for using structured frameworks, such as the NIST cybersecurity framework, to help manufacturers identify, protect, detect and respond to cyber threats. And also to develop unified internal messaging that reiterates that cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. Additionally, Rockwell’s VIRB platform, which provides a comprehensive view of assets and their vulnerabilities, enable manufacturers to focus on the highest risks.

5. Robots are for kids — not adults

Perhaps no one is as happy to see a robot spring into action than its adolescent architects. Automation Fair continues to offer formative experiences to aspiring engineers. In fact, the Fair's student demonstrations and exhibits are sometimes the most fun part.

This year featured builds from FIRST Robotics California, from their Lego League, Tech Challenge and Robotics Competition programs, and included the game Crescendo, where student teams must build robots that identify disks, pick them up off the floor, feed them to a launcher and shoot the discs at targets.