The industrial automation market is one of the fastest growing technology sectors in the world. Changing market requirements, an increasing focus on sustainability and the progressive digitization of processes are contributing to its rapid growth.
In this context, industry leaders who shape trends and innovate are of particular importance. The analysis prepared by ARC Advisory Group, one of the most reputable research institutions in the automation sector, provides a comprehensive picture of the market and identifies the key players dominating the field.
Leader and chase group
What does the aforementioned study tell us? Where to look for the biggest players? Who sets the tone for the industry and determines the direction in which the industry is heading? The leader invariably remains Siemens, whose annual turnover counted in billions of dollars was exactly 16.62. The company has been at the top of all lists in the context of the automation market for years, but this should come as no surprise. It is Siemens that has placed the greatest emphasis on the development of the so-called digital twins, the TIA platform (Totally Integrated Automation) or bet on advanced data analysis based on the MindSphere platform, which enables a whole host of entrepreneurs to optimize production processes in real time.
The slice of the pie carved by Siemens is the largest, but right behind it are companies whose market shares are also impressive. Just behind the leader is Emerson, whose region of operation is mainly the energy sector. The Saint Louis-based giant boasts a turnover of 15.6 billion, which puts it in second place globally, and first if you look only at the US market.
The well-established position is, according to the aforementioned report, the aftermath of the company's purchase of National Instuments. However, this was not the only acquisition and reshuffling that took place among automation suppliers over the past several months. Indeed, ABB, third on the list with $11.99 billion in turnover, acquired Swedish AI startup Viking Analytics, which also expanded its field of influence.
Emphasis on new technologies
What is of great importance in the automation industry today is continuous development. Pressure to introduce artificial intelligence solutions and new technologies. This is of particular importance at a time when progress in these fields is rushing at break-neck speed and practically every subsequent week brings us some news.
It's no wonder, then, that more suppliers are expanding their facilities, betting on extensive data analytics and investing in the skills of their employees. After all, it's enough to sleep through the moment in one of these aspects to fall behind the competition.
- Companies must bet on innovation. They need to bet on new solutions and keep track of what is happening in the market all the time. If they don't adapt and miss the moment to change, it may turn out that at the end of all accounts they will have to do it anyway, but then these changes and adaptation will already be forced by the market and customers,” Floris Provoost, who works behind some of the world's biggest brands, said in an interview with Automation Trader.
The driving force
Who else do we find in the top “ten”? In fourth place is Schneinder Electric, followed by brands such as Rockwell Automation, Fortvie, Amatek EIG, Endress+Hauser, Festo and Phoenix Contact.
So it's clear as day that the leaders of the automation industry are playing a key role in shaping the future of the industry, thanks to their investments in research and development. Their technologies not only support manufacturing efficiency, but also contribute to the more sustainable and safer operation of industrial plants around the world.
ARC Advisory Group's analysis underscores that these companies are driving innovations that will revolutionize global industry in the coming years. The industrial automation market, although dominated by a few giants, is therefore characterized by intense competition and dynamic growth. Industry leaders such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation and ABB, thanks to their innovation and global reach, are setting the directions that will determine the development of the industry in the coming years.
