ABB attended the 29th Annual ARC Industry Leadership Forum 2025, where key industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security. The conference, held in Orlando, Florida, February 10-13, explored how digital technologies are shaping the future of industrial operations and sustainability, offering a glimpse into the strategies leading companies are using to stay ahead in the industrial AI era..
“AI is revolutionizing industrial operations — breaking down silos, accelerating the path to autonomy, and guiding both legacy and new customers through digital transformation, and ABB is at the forefront of these advancements,” said Gino Hernandez, Head of Global Digital Business, ABB Energy Industries, who was part of a panel discussion on AI’s role in industrial automation and the journey toward autonomous operations.
AI’s role in industrial digitalization
A major theme during the four-day event was the growing integration of AI into industrial technologies. Solutions like ABB AbilityTM Energy Management and Optimization - OPTIMAX® are breaking down silos between applications, such as Advanced Process Control (APC), energy management and carbon intensity tracking. Historically, these systems operated independently, but AI is now enabling easy integration to optimize operations.
Furthermore, ABB’s AI-driven applications, including ABB Ability™ Genix APM and process performance tools are enabling digital transformation at a fast pace and lower cost. “AI is already embedded within these solutions, linking them to drive efficiency and operational excellence, which helps industries outrun leaner and cleaner,” said Hernandez.
The path to autonomous operations
One of the key questions raised during the event was: How far are we from fully autonomous industrial operations? AI-powered applications are accelerating progress, and as industries work to bridge knowledge gaps, the pace of automation will continue to increase. “ABB has the foundational building blocks already in place, and we are well on the way to achieving our ultimate goal of providing our customers the building blocks for autonomy,” added Hernandez.
However, digital transformation is not just about implementing technology — it requires business process transformation. Companies must train their workforce to work differently, and ABB is actively supporting this through consulting and structured digital roadmaps tailored to each customer’s vision and existing infrastructure.
Overcoming challenges for brownfield sites
Industries with older infrastructure face unique challenges in digital transformation. Many legacy assets are decades old — some exceeding 75 years — and were not originally designed for modern automation. ABB’s approach to modernization emphasizes evolution rather than disruptive migration. This helps industries to gradually take advantage of the latest technology and modernize at their own pace, ensuring a smooth and low risk transition. Modernizing the automation systems will bring the following benefits:
- Data accessibility – Ensuring that the right operational data is available for digital applications
- Data quality – Improving data integrity to enhance decision-making
- Secure system connectivity – Establishing advanced, secure connections for digital applications
Conversely, companies starting from a “clean slate” are taking a different approach. Some have prioritized digital infrastructure from the outset, laying a foundation that enables agility and responsiveness to market changes. ABB has been instrumental in helping such customers build a digital-first strategy.
Cyber security and industry standards
ABB also contributed to discussions on cyber security, emphasizing the importance of security-by-design. Robert Putman, Global Manager, ABB Cyber Security Services, highlighted how security must be integrated into the architecture and product design from the beginning, rather than retrofitted later. This proactive approach ensures resilience against evolving cyber threats.
The forum also explored the role of industry standards — not as bureaucratic checkboxes, but as accessible roadmaps that help organizations implement best practices. “A key concern raised was the upcoming European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), potentially adding new compliance challenges for multinational conglomerates. While details are still emerging, ABB is actively monitoring these regulatory developments to ensure compliance and continued leadership in industrial cyber security,” said Putman.
ABB’s vision for the future of automation
In addition to participating in panel discussions, ABB showcased its automation vision at a dedicated booth at the ARC Forum. Attendees had the opportunity to explore ABB’s latest innovations in industrial automation, digital transformation and asset management solutions. ABB experts were on hand to discuss how these innovations are helping businesses navigate the evolving industrial landscape, reinforcing ABB’s commitment to shaping the future of automation.
ABB’s presence at ARC underscored its commitment to driving industrial digital transformation through AI, integrated solutions and robust cyber security measures. “Whether addressing the automation needs of brownfield sites or pioneering new digital paradigms, ABB continues to be a trusted partner in helping companies navigate the evolving industrial landscape,” said Luis Duran, ABB Global Initiatives and Strategy Manager for Distributed Control Systems.
As digital transformation accelerates, ABB remains at the forefront — connecting applications, empowering customers and shaping the future of autonomous operations.
