Industry 4.0 stories

AI is helping industrial leaders move beyond reactive fixes as new asset performance tools cut downtime, cost and risk across critical operations.

SAP rolls out agentic AI for factories, linking planning, production and logistics as it showcases live demonstrations at Hannover Messe 2026.

Emerson deepens its cybersecurity push with OPSWAT, adding OT patch management to the Ovation platform as utilities face rising attack pressure.

Schneider Electric and Microsoft say their Azure AI-powered industrial copilot can cut engineering time, speed plant changes and streamline automation.

TeamViewer bolsters industrial remote access with a Bechtle-built gateway and AI maintenance tools for factories running older equipment.

Manufacturing was the most targeted sector for ransomware in 2025, as Check Point counted 1,466 attacks worldwide amid rising supply chain exposure.

Siemens says its new direct current protection kit could cut peak power demand and cabling needs as data centres and factories test cleaner electrical designs.

Rockwell's Plex wins Major Player status in six IDC MarketScape reports as AI-enabled ERP and finance tools gain ground among manufacturers.

Loftware unveils Connect platform to link trading partners and standardise product identification across global supply chains.

viAct moves into Australia with Vision AI tools aimed at helping construction, mining and logistics operators spot hazards before incidents occur.

Peacock Bros' RFID rollout lets a global records company find tagged boxes with one worker, replacing forklift searches across Australia and New Zealand.

GreyOrange's new GreyMatter Foundry simulator lets warehouse operators test automation, labour and layout scenarios before spending capital.

Chief executives' calls in Q1 2026 were dominated by AI, but references to Iran surged as boardrooms weighed war risks and supply chain exposure.

Affirmo's Lip Sing Tay says AI can unlock smarter real-time location tracking, as the Singapore firm targets tougher IoT use cases.

Argon & Co promotes four partners as it doubles down on AI, data and operational change across manufacturing, procurement and capital investment.

Radix has set out a Houston industrial AI event for 2026, aiming to help energy and manufacturing leaders turn pilots into operational gains.

Tech Mahindra and ParkourSC deepen AI supply chain tie-up to target pharma and cold chain customers across global markets.

AEM Networks widens its test kit as AI-driven bandwidth, latency and audit pressures push the Singapore unit beyond cable certification into fibre and RF.

Syspro appoints Chief Revenue Officer Leanne Taylor as Chief Executive Officer in a planned handover, as Jaco Maritz moves to a board role.

Australia robotics investment could add AUD $201 billion to GDP by 2040, with ACIL Allen modelling pointing to higher wages and 128,900 jobs a year.