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Shanghai, China – October 27, 2025 — Emerson (NYSE: EMR), a global leader in industrial automation and software, announced its sponsorship of the 2025 NAMUR China Annual Conference, which will be held in Shanghai from October 29 to 30. The event will bring together more than 200 industry executives, technical experts, and automation solution providers to share insights on industrial artificial intelligence, automation architecture, and autonomous operations.

As a key platform organized by the International Users Association for Automation in Process Industries (NAMUR), the conference aims to promote collaboration between automation technology providers and industry users. By participating, Emerson will demonstrate innovative automation solutions and provide practical experience in advancing digital transformation in the process industry.

Focusing on Smart Operations: Emerson Highlights Industrial AI Innovations

During the conference, Duncan Schleiss, Vice President of Process Systems and Solutions at Emerson, will deliver a keynote titled “Towards Autonomous Operations: Industrial AI-Driven Automation.” The speech will cover how Emerson’s strategy aligns with NAMUR’s open standards and smart operation concepts, as well as the role of next-generation automation architectures in unlocking data value and enhancing plant agility.

“Industrial enterprises are at a pivotal stage of digital transformation. Emerson combines artificial intelligence with process control technologies to help customers create more resilient, sustainable, and intelligent operations,” said Schleiss.

Xiaolong Dai, Head of the NAMUR China Core Group and Chief Manager of Automation Functions at Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co., Ltd., emphasized the value of collaboration:

“The NAMUR China Annual Conference connects industry leaders to explore automation innovations and practical applications. Emerson’s participation brings international perspectives and cutting-edge technical insights to the event.”

Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP): Making Autonomous Operations Real

A highlight of Emerson’s participation is its Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP), designed to integrate traditional automation systems with modern digital technologies.
Built on software-defined control (SDC), industrial AI, and zero-trust cybersecurity, EOP provides a flexible and scalable digital infrastructure for the process industry. It enables end-to-end data integration and intelligent decision-making, spanning production management, asset optimization, energy efficiency, and operational safety.

Wang Yifeng, President of Emerson China, said,

“Manufacturers face complex operational challenges and sustainability goals. Emerson’s industrial AI combines advanced algorithms with EOP capabilities to deliver autonomous operation solutions, predictive maintenance, and overall optimization, helping enterprises achieve higher efficiency and sustainability.”

On-Site Demonstrations: Cutting-Edge Automation Technologies

At the conference, Emerson will showcase a range of advanced technologies:

• NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) and Modular Type Package (MTP) for flexible and modular automation systems;

• AMS asset management and machinery health software with FDI integration to improve equipment availability;

• Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) technology for enhanced field instrument connectivity and secure data access;

• AI-driven remote autonomous operation solutions;

• Next-generation DeltaV™ Distributed Control System and Bluetooth-enabled HART communication instruments for efficient data collection and field operation.

These demonstrations highlight Emerson’s leadership in automation innovation and its commitment to helping enterprises implement digital transformation and intelligent operations.

Industry Impact: Driving Digitalization and Sustainability

The NAMUR China Annual Conference serves not only as a platform for technical exchange but also as a catalyst for industrial digitalization. Emerson’s solutions enable companies to optimize production, energy use, and equipment management while meeting sustainability objectives.

Dai commented,

“Automation technology improves operational efficiency and equips the industry with smart solutions to tackle complex challenges. Emerson’s participation demonstrates how a global leader empowers China’s process industries through technology.”

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Intelligent Autonomous Operations

Emerson continues to invest in research and innovation, leading the industry toward autonomous operations. The company envisions a future where AI-driven insights and self-learning capabilities allow factories to optimize, predict, and make autonomous decisions for safer, more efficient, and sustainable operations.

“We aim to work with NAMUR and industry partners to build an intelligent operations ecosystem, connecting Chinese process industries with global best practices and driving digital, sustainable, and intelligent factories,” said Wang Yifeng.

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. The company leverages innovation and reliability to support customers in digital transformation, production efficiency, and sustainable development.

The $5.4 billion deal combines ABB’s industrial robotics expertise with SoftBank’s AI vision, pushing the future of intelligent machines forward.

Zurich / Tokyo — October 8, 2025 — Robotics and artificial intelligence are merging faster than ever. SoftBank Group announced it will acquire ABB Group’s robotics division for $5.375 billion, marking a turning point in industrial technology.

The sale, expected to close in mid to late 2026, highlights how AI is transforming manufacturing. ABB’s robotics expertise meets SoftBank’s AI capabilities, creating a platform for cognitive automation and the next generation of intelligent robots.

From Industrial Robots to AI-Powered Machines

ABB’s robotics division has been a global leader in automation, supporting industries from automotive manufacturing to electronics assembly. With 7,000 employees worldwide and $2.3 billion in 2024 revenue, ABB Robotics has set high standards for precision and reliability.

Now, SoftBank will take the unit into a new dimension: robots that think, learn, and adapt.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing,” said ABB CEO Morten Wierod. “By combining SoftBank’s AI ecosystem with ABB’s robotics hardware, we can create machines that operate intelligently and autonomously.”

SoftBank’s Physical AI Vision

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has long championed Physical AI — intelligence that exists in the real world, not just in the cloud.

“We are moving beyond traditional AI,” Son said. “ABB Robotics allows us to merge mechanical precision with cognitive intelligence. Together, we can create autonomous machines that learn, adapt, and collaborate with humans.”

SoftBank already invests in machine learning platforms, semiconductor design, and AI-driven robotics. ABB brings industrial-grade hardware and decades of engineering experience. Together, they aim to build next-generation intelligent automation systems.

How the Acquisition Benefits Both Companies

ABB benefits by focusing on core areas like electrification, process automation, and digital energy. The sale will bring $5.3 billion in net cash and around $2.4 billion in pre-tax gains, allowing ABB to invest in R&D and strategic growth.

“This is a win-win,” said Peter Voser, ABB Chairman. “SoftBank is the ideal home for our robotics business. ABB can concentrate on sustainable automation while SoftBank drives AI-powered innovation.”

The robotics business will be reported as a discontinued operation starting in Q4 2025. ABB’s Machine Automation unit (B&R) will integrate into its Process Automation division, simplifying operations while maintaining service continuity for customers.

A Glimpse Into Cognitive Automation

SoftBank plans to combine ABB’s hardware with its AI capabilities to create robots that perceive, learn, and act autonomously. These machines could:

• Detect anomalies before they occur

• Reconfigure production lines dynamically

• Collaborate safely with human workers

“Industrial robots will evolve from task executors to cognitive partners,” said Dr. Hiro Tanaka, professor at the University of Tokyo. “SoftBank and ABB are driving the industry toward this reality.”

By leveraging cloud AI, multiple robots could share knowledge and learn collectively, boosting efficiency across factories and warehouses. This networked intelligence could also improve predictive maintenance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance safety.

The Industry Context

The deal reflects a global trend: AI is reshaping the industrial robotics market. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), AI-enabled automation could account for a significant share of the projected $150 billion robotics market by 2030.

Companies worldwide are racing to embed AI into robotics. Startups, tech giants, and industrial firms aim to develop machines that learn continuously, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. SoftBank’s acquisition puts it at the forefront of this transformation.

“They’re not buying robots; they’re buying the intelligence layer that will define the next decade,” said Laura Chen, senior analyst at IDC Asia Pacific.

ABB’s Continued Leadership in Automation

ABB’s focus on electrification, process automation, and sustainability remains strong. The company employs over 110,000 people globally and operates in more than 100 countries.

“ABB’s mission is unchanged,” said Voser. “We’re helping industries operate efficiently and sustainably. The future of automation isn’t just machines — it’s intelligent, interconnected ecosystems.”

The divestment frees up capital to invest in digital energy management, smart grids, and AI-enabled industrial solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

SoftBank’s New Robotics Ecosystem

SoftBank plans to expand ABB’s research footprint with AI and robotics labs in Tokyo, Zurich, and Boston. These centers will focus on integrating machine learning, perception algorithms, and cloud intelligence into industrial robots.

“Our goal is to create robots that understand context and collaborate with humans,” said SoftBank CTO Naoki Sato. “ABB’s expertise accelerates that mission.”

The new AI-robotics stack combines three layers:

1. Hardware intelligence — ABB’s actuators, sensors, and motion controls

2. Cognitive intelligence — SoftBank’s AI models and neural networks

3. Operational intelligence — Cloud connectivity for real-time optimization

This stack enables robots to self-optimize across factories, warehouses, and even healthcare facilities.

The Broader Impact

Analysts say the acquisition sets a new benchmark for industrial AI integration. Companies like Siemens, FANUC, and Yaskawa are also embedding AI into robots, but SoftBank’s approach could accelerate cognitive robotics adoption globally.

“This is a shift from automation to intelligence,” said Kevin Wu, robotics VC. “ABB and SoftBank are building robots that learn across networks, not just follow programmed instructions.”

The collaboration may also influence global supply chains, logistics, and smart manufacturing ecosystems. By merging AI and robotics, SoftBank is creating a blueprint for future industrial competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

As the deal progresses, the ABB–SoftBank partnership could redefine what industrial robots can do. With AI cognition at the core, machines will predict, adapt, and make decisions, transforming how factories operate.

“We’re entering the cognitive era of manufacturing,” said Dr. Tanaka. “ABB and SoftBank are not just improving efficiency — they’re changing the fundamental role of machines in society.”

For ABB, the sale is a chance to concentrate on sustainable automation and digital infrastructure. For SoftBank, it’s a gateway to building the world’s first AI-driven industrial ecosystem.

Conclusion

The $5.4 billion deal is more than a corporate transaction — it’s a signal that intelligent automation is here. The combination of ABB’s industrial expertise and SoftBank’s AI capabilities could transform manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more.

“We are building robots that think, learn, and collaborate,” said Son. “This is the next phase of industrial progress.”

The ABB–SoftBank partnership underscores a simple truth: the future of robotics is intelligence plus action, not just mechanics.

Policy Tailwinds Meet Technological Breakthrough: ABB’s VSM Integrated Drive Pries Open a Multi-Billion Dollar Water Efficiency Retrofit Market

Introduction:
China’s water sector stands at a historic crossroads. On one side is the pressure to save energy and reduce consumption under the “Dual Carbon” goals and the need to update aging infrastructure. On the other is a strong tailwind of national policy support and substantial financial backing. A massive market opportunity has formed. In this context, ABB’s recent launch of the LV Titanium VSM integrated drive, with its standout features of “plug-and-play” and “high efficiency,” arrives as a timely “key leverage point” to pry open this multi-billion dollar market. It is not just a product but a “golden key” helping water utilities, integrators, and government departments accurately seize policy opportunities, efficiently complete equipment updates, and achieve a win-win situation for both economic and environmental benefits.

I. Policy Tailwinds: Charting a Clear Market Roadmap with Financial Assurance

Any large-scale infrastructure upgrade requires guidance and impetus from top-level design. The Chinese government’s resolve regarding urban renewal and municipal equipment updates has drawn a clear and urgent roadmap for the water industry.

1. Top-Level Directive: The 2020 “Guidance from the General Office of the State Council on Comprehensively Promoting the Renovation of Old Urban Residential Communities”明确 (clarified) the task of basically completing the renovation of old urban communities built before the end of 2000 by the end of the “14th Five-Year Plan” period (end of 2025). Water supply facilities, as basic renovation content, are a priority and a mandatory item.

2. Action Plan: The “Implementation Plan for Promoting the Renewal of Building and Municipal Infrastructure Equipment” issued this March provides a more specific and rigid timetable—by 2027, update and renovate water supply, drainage, and other equipment that does not meet current energy conservation, environmental protection, and safety standards. This sets a clear countdown for the entire industry.

3. Financial Escort: Policies are not just documents; they are accompanied by special fund support and tax incentives. This means that water companies and project implementers can receive substantial financial subsidies for equipment updates, significantly lowering the investment threshold and financial pressure. This series of measures sends a strong and clear signal: energy-saving renovations in the water industry have changed from an “option” to a “mandatory task,” and policy has swept away market obstacles and paved the way.

II. Market Pain Points: The “Persistent Problems” of Traditional Retrofits

Although policy direction is clear, the traditional retrofit path faced by implementers is full of challenges, especially in the numerous, space-constrained, and demanding non-stop construction environments of old residential secondary water supply pump rooms:

• Space Constraints: Many old pump rooms are (narrow), making it difficult to accommodate new frequency control cabinets and large traditional motor units.

• Complex Installation: Traditional split solutions require complex electrical wiring, system integration, and commissioning, needing professional engineers on site, resulting in long工期 (construction periods) and high labor costs.

• Efficiency Bottlenecks: Even after replacing a single high-efficiency motor or adding a VFD, overall efficiency gains often fall short of expectations due to system matching issues, failing to maximize energy savings and policy subsidies.

• Lack of Intelligence: Traditional equipment struggles to connect to smart water platforms, unable to achieve data collection and remote management, falling behind the industry’s digital transformation trend.

These pain points severely hinder the rapid realization of policy dividends and the effective release of market demand.

III. The VSM Integrated Drive: A Market-Ready Solution for Precise Breakthroughs

The design philosophy of the ABB VSM integrated drive seems tailor-made to solve the above market pain points, and its value is infinitely magnified by the policy tailwinds.

• Solving the Space Problem: Its compact integrated design, with a volume more than two frame sizes smaller than traditional solutions, allows for “direct replacement” on the original motor base, requiring no pump room expansion—perfectly solving the most (thorny) space issue in old community renovations.

• Simplifying Installation, Seizing the Policy Window: “Plug-and-Play” is its biggest selling point. The device is fully commissioned ex-factory, requiring only simple piping and power connections on-site, drastically shortening installation time (from days to hours) and reducing the need for highly skilled labor. This allows project implementers to respond quickly, deploy in bulk, complete more renovation tasks efficiently within the policy window, and quickly achieve scale benefits.

• Ensuring Energy Savings, Maximizing ROI: The VSM unit, through system-level efficient integration, guarantees a hardcore 30% overall efficiency improvement. This means users can stably achieve expected electricity savings and clearly calculate carbon reduction, making it easier to apply for and obtain government subsidies and tax incentives based on actual efficiency. A clear return on investment model (e.g., RMB 12,600 saved annually for a 7.5kW pump) simplifies decision-making.

• Built-in Digital DNA, Embracing a Smart Future: Standard communication interfaces make it a natural entry point for smart water. The renovated pump station is no longer an information island; its operational data can be directly uploaded to the management platform, laying the foundation for remote monitoring, intelligent dispatch, early warning, and predictive maintenance, meeting policy requirements for intelligent upgrades.

IV. Ecological Win-Win: Reshaping Value Distribution in the Industry Chain

The emergence of the VSM integrated drive is also changing the ecosystem of the water efficiency retrofit market. Water utilities gain a tool for cost reduction and efficiency gain; government agencies see a path to efficiently achieve policy goals; for engineering integrators and installers, it意味着 (means) an optimization of their business model—they can free themselves from tedious system integration and debugging work, focus more on market development, project management, and customer service, undertake more projects with lower cost and risk, and improve profit margins and sustainability.

Conclusion:
The launch of the ABB LV Titanium VSM integrated drive is a perfect alignment of technological product and market timing. It accurately captures and responds to the huge market demand generated under strong water policy drivers, using highly targeted product features to solve the core obstacles to规模化推广 (large-scale promotion). It is evolving from a technological product into a market tool, a key vehicle helping all participants seize policy dividends and achieve commercial and social value. Its market success will belong not only to ABB but to the entire ecosystem that seizes this historic opportunity for water efficiency renovation. A green transformation guided by government, driven by technology, and responded to by the market is quietly taking root and sprouting in countless pump rooms across the country through such innovative products.

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1,500 non-invasive sensors to boost energy efficiency and support decarbonization in global shipping*

Strategic Partnership Formed
eMarine and ABB have announced a major collaboration to deploy advanced temperature sensors in maritime fleets. ABB will supply 1,500 NINVA™ non-invasive sensors, all designed for marine environments. eMarine will integrate these into its energy management systems. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and support sustainability goals.

Addressing Sustainable Shipping Challenges
The maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact. Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging. This partnership provides operators with advanced tools for precise energy monitoring and system optimization. Furthermore, it enables real-time management of vessel systems, which promotes fuel efficiency and emission reduction.

Technical Innovation of NINVA Sensors
NINVA sensors use a unique non-invasive design. They clamp externally onto pipes, which simplifies installation and avoids leaks. Since they endure extreme vibrations and marine conditions, they deliver accurate temperature data. This reliability is crucial for optimal system operation.

System Integration and Benefits
The sensors monitor temperatures in essential systems like heat recovery and cooling circuits. Using this data, operators can adjust settings to improve efficiency. Therefore, they can lower fuel use and reduce emissions. Experts believe this technology will lead to major energy savings and help meet global standards.

Leadership Insights
Ola Persson, CEO of eMarine, said: “Our mission is to provide effective decarbonization tools. Adding ABB’s NINVA sensors helps us deliver precise insights to clients.”

Dr. Guruprasad Sosale of ABB commented: “The maritime sector is a new application for NINVA. We are excited to support the industry’s sustainability journey with robust solutions.”

ABB’s Global Role
ABB is a pioneering technology company with over a century of innovation. Its automation and electrification solutions help industries worldwide enhance productivity and environmental performance.

Conclusion and Future Outlook
Strategic collaborations like this address critical environmental challenges. As decarbonization continues, NINVA sensors will provide shipping companies with necessary tools. Ultimately, this effort supports a more sustainable future for global shipping.

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A Landmark Tunnel with Unique Power Challenges

ABB’s Tailored Solution: The Backbone of Reliable Power

Design Built for “Zero Outage”

Tough Performance for Harsh Conditions

Modular Design: A Key Innovation

More Adaptive Features

Partner Feedback: Efficiency and Flexibility

ABB’s Vision for Infrastructure

A Proven Record in Major Projects

8K Shines in Film and Sports

8K Improves Healthcare Greatly

Traditional Storage Can’t Keep Up with 8K

Longsys’ Custom Storage for 8K

8K’s Growth Needs Better Storage

Anchoring Dual Carbon Goals: Leading Industry Transformation with Sustainable Practices

02 Scenario-Based Innovation: Unlocking Full-Process Industrial Needs

One-Story Integrated Scenario System for Full Product Portfolio

LNG Processing Scenario Simulation System

Fermentation Monitoring Scenario Simulation System

Tank Farm Metering System

Quantitative Loading/Unloading Vehicle System

Digital Platform Solution

• OmniCore™ controller motion demo: The new OmniCore controller works with three IRB 1300 robots. They complete difficult tasks with fragile glass cups—path accuracy within 0.6mm and speed up to 1600mm/s. Compared to old models, it is 25% faster and uses 20% less energy, proving new tech balances precision and speed.
• “Follow me” AI solution: Using AI algorithms, robots can record operators’ tool movements. They convert these into their own programs to quickly finish grinding debugging. It skips traditional programming steps, suitable for small-batch, multi-variety production and lowering automation barriers for SMEs.
• PoWa collaborative robot display: A new product under “Lingyu Huazhang”, it is flexible in welding and loading/unloading. It combines industrial-grade speed, collaborative safety and lightweight design advantages.

AI and Strategic Partnerships Pave the Collaborative Path Forward

Global “Lighthouse Factory” recognition remains elusive for China’s domestic life sciences firms. Currently, all three Chinese life sciences Lighthouses belong to multinationals. Breaking this pattern requires overcoming major hurdles:

Key Challenges Include:

Navigating complex GMP/GxP regulations.

Managing intricate bioprocessing and sterile manufacturing.

Funding large-scale digital transformation.

Bridging the IT/OT/life sciences talent gap.

Three Forces Enable Progress:

Policy Acceleration:
China’s *Pharmaceutical Industry Digitalization Plan (2025-2030)* explicitly promotes AI across the value chain.

AI as the Essential Engine:
86% of new Lighthouse use cases utilize AI. Therefore, domestic firms must embed AI in core areas like visual inspection and predictive maintenance to demonstrate measurable impact (e.g., 30% energy reduction).

Lighthouse Ripple Effects:
Successful factories elevate entire ecosystems:

Boost R&D innovation through digital twins/AI.

Strengthen supply chain transparency and resilience.

Advance sustainability goals (e.g., Schneider’s Wuxi Sustainable Lighthouse).

Importantly, multinational successes in China (e.g., 82% productivity gains) provide local learning opportunities.

The Partner Imperative:
Experienced enablers like Schneider Electric accelerate the journey:

Dual Expertise: Operates 7 global Lighthouses while deeply understanding life sciences compliance.

End-to-End Guidance: Delivers strategy planning, technology integration (BMS/MES/AI), and Lighthouse application support.

Value-First Approach: Focuses on solving specific pain points – like cutting defect rates or shortening delivery times – rather than technology overload.

Consequently, collaboration is vital. Through strategic AI adoption, policy alignment, and expert partnerships, China’s domestic life sciences sector is poised to illuminate its own Lighthouse success stories, driving industry-wide advancement.

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