Rockwell Automation is accelerating its transition from a traditional hardware supplier into a software-led industrial intelligence provider, embedding artificial intelligence, autonomous robotics, and cloud-native software directly into the core control layers of global manufacturing. The industrial technology giant detailed these developments during its second-quarter fiscal year 2026 reporting, outlining how software-defined systems are restructuring operational architecture across mission-critical sectors.
At the core of this strategy is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence models into industrial control platforms. By leveraging modern, cloud-native development environments, Rockwell has compressed software update cycles, allowing newly developed artificial intelligence tools to reach plant floors within months of market release.
This acceleration in software performance is driving demand for hardware platforms capable of executing high-density industrial workloads. Rockwell noted double-digit growth in its Logix programmable logic controller platform, driven largely by deployments in compute-intensive environments. In a notable installation, systems integrator ATS Automation selected Rockwell’s Logix platform to replace commercial controls at a new artificial intelligence data center in Texas, establishing the operational stability and precision required for high-density processing infrastructure.
In physical manufacturing, Rockwell is expanding autonomous robotics through its Production Logistics portfolio. Vehicle manufacturer Subaru of Indiana Automotive integrated OTTO autonomous mobile robots into its assembly lines, replacing legacy automated guided vehicles and manual forklifts. Controlled by centralized fleet management software, these mobile units dynamically adapt transport routes to optimize material flow and assembly line efficiency.
In aerospace and mission-critical operations, Rockwell provided ground control systems, digital engineering, and safety platforms for NASA’s Artemis II mission, managing real-time data execution for the first crewed lunar flight in more than five decades.
In heavy industry, energy technology developers chose Rockwell to deliver an end-to-end automation platform for a greenfield facility in China, marking the company's first complete system deployment across a full battery manufacturing line. Mining corporation BHP partnered with Rockwell to develop next-generation autonomous mining operations using artificial intelligence, while energy firm Petrobras engaged the company to supply integrated automation services across multiple floating production storage and offloading vessels in Brazil’s offshore field.
Strategic Infrastructure across Asia-Pacific
Rockwell is executing a focused expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, where manufacturers face severe labor constraints, rising energy costs, and complex supply chain requirements.
In Singapore, the company operationalized a dedicated regional Security Operations Center to provide continuous threat monitoring and managed operational technology security. Singapore also serves as the site for Rockwell’s Smart Manufacturing Hub, which was recently named to the World Economic Forum Global Lighthouse Network for its internal integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twin technology.
In Indonesia, Rockwell hosted approximately 400 regional industrial executives, systems integrators, and government officials at ROKLive Jakarta. The summit showcased practical applications of edge intelligence, process analytics, and automated energy tracking designed for Southeast Asian industrial plants.
In the Philippines, Rockwell maintains a direct operational presence through Rockwell Automation (Philippines) Inc. in Taguig City, working alongside authorized distribution partners such as PT Cerna Corporation and Mheco Inc. The company supplies control architectures, motor drives, safety systems, and predictive maintenance software to local food and beverage manufacturers, electronics fabricators, and heavy utility operations. Through these local channels, Rockwell is extending its global smart manufacturing architecture to domestic industrial facilities, enabling local producers to adopt the same automated workflows and artificial intelligence tools used across its global footprint. – RGBT