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The rise of intelligent manufacturing and AI technologies is reshaping industrial operations. Manual inspection—once a standard practice—now struggles with increasing risks, growing workloads, and the need for real-time data. Intelligent inspection robots have thus become essential for industries seeking higher safety, lower operational cost, and improved efficiency.

NORCO has launched a comprehensive solution built around the BIS-6670L modular AI computer, providing strong computing support for robot perception, analysis, and decision-making.

01. Why Intelligent Inspection Robots Are Becoming Essential

High-Risk Environments

Power stations, chemical plants, and mining sites expose human workers to electric hazards, gas leaks, or extreme temperatures.

Rising Labor Costs

Continuous 24/7 inspection is expensive and often impractical using manpower alone.

Demand for Real-time Data and Analysis

Modern operations depend on instant insights—something robots equipped with edge AI can deliver.

Need for Standardization

Robots perform inspection with consistent precision, reducing human error.

02. NORCO’s Intelligent Inspection Robot Solution

NORCO’s solution provides:

• High-performance embedded AI computing

• Multi-sensor fusion capability

• Robust communication and storage support

• Industrial-grade protection

• Modular design for flexible deployment

At the heart of this architecture lies the BIS-6670L, engineered to handle heavy workloads in challenging industrial settings.

03. BIS-6670L: The Core Embedded AI Platform Behind Modern Inspection Robots

(1) AI Performance for Real-time On-site Analytics

The Alder Lake-N CPU delivers efficient computing for defect detection, temperature analysis, image recognition, and environmental data interpretation.

(2) Extensive Interface Options

BIS-6670L supports a wide range of peripherals:

• HD cameras

• Thermal imaging modules

• Gas sensors

• Lidar

• Motor controllers

All enabled through Ethernet, USB, serial ports, GPIO, CAN, and M.2 expansion.

(3) Industrial-grade Reliability

The system maintains stable operation under:

• -20°C to 70°C

• Dust, moisture, and vibration

• Strong electromagnetic interference

• Continuous long-term operation

(4) Compact Design for Robotic Integration

The small form factor allows seamless installation inside robot chassis.

04. Real-world Use Cases

Power Substations

Robots perform meter reading, hot-spot detection, thermal analysis, and nighttime patrolling with real-time reporting.

Petrochemical Plants

Robots identify gas leaks, monitor pipelines, and detect abnormal temperatures in explosive or corrosive atmospheres.

Smart Factories

Robots scan machinery conditions, detect vibrations and anomalies, and assist with automated O&M cycles.

Mining Environments

Robots identify underground hazards, monitor air quality, detect cracks, and capture thermal anomalies.

05. Conclusion

NORCO’s BIS-6670L provides the essential computing backbone for intelligent inspection robots. As industrial digitalization accelerates, the BIS-6670L will play a crucial role in creating safer, more efficient, and more intelligent maintenance systems.

As manufacturing industries increasingly pursue higher flexibility, intelligence, and digitalization, industrial control software is entering a critical stage of reinvention. Beckhoff Automation has officially launched its next-generation platform TwinCAT PLC++, integrating the AI-powered TwinCAT CoAgent directly into the core engineering workflow. This marks a historic shift from traditional control logic to AI-assisted engineering.

TwinCAT PLC++ represents not only enhanced PLC capabilities but a redefined lifecycle for industrial systems—from design and development to deployment and optimization.

Comprehensive Upgrade: Faster Runtime and More Flexible Architecture

1. Runtime Performance Improved by 1.5×

Through architecture redesign, TwinCAT PLC++ achieves faster execution cycles, reduced latency, and smoother task processing.

2. Compiler Optimization up to 3× Performance

The new compiler introduces:

• Enhanced semantic analysis

• Smarter optimization strategies

• Streamlined code generation

These improvements benefit complex motion control, high-frequency sampling tasks, and multi-tasking industrial systems.

3. Deep System Integration

TwinCAT PLC++ enables tighter coupling among motion control, communication, visualization, and add-on features. It supports both graphical and textual engineering methods, ensuring maximum flexibility for complicated automation projects.

TwinCAT CoAgent: AI Redefines Control Engineering

TwinCAT CoAgent is the first conversational AI agent embedded directly in an industrial PLC platform.

1. AI-Based Code Generation

CoAgent can instantly transform natural language instructions into ready-to-run PLC code. It also:

• Analyzes existing projects

• Provides optimization suggestions

• Generates professional documentation

• Converts code into readable engineering logic

2. Automated I/O and HMI Configuration

The system can automatically:

• Build I/O topology

• Name terminal modules

• Configure parameters

• Generate HMI widgets and interactable controls

Future versions will introduce autonomous parameter tuning and intelligent optimization recommendations.

3. Integrated Technical Knowledgebase

CoAgent accesses Beckhoff’s documentation, enabling engineers to obtain real-time configuration guidance without searching manually.

Beckhoff: A Global Pioneer in Industrial Automation

With a history dating back to 1980, Beckhoff maintains a strong reputation for engineering excellence. Its technology portfolio spans:

• Industrial PCs

• Fieldbus and I/O modules

• Drive systems

• Industrial vision

• Automation software

• Cabinet-free control systems

Beckhoff operates in 75 countries with over 40 subsidiaries. In China, the company has grown since 1997 and now maintains offices in more than 30 major cities.

Its breakthrough technology EtherCAT became a Chinese national recommended standard in 2014.

A New Industrial Era: Software-Defined, AI-Empowered Manufacturing

TwinCAT PLC++ embodies the future of industrial automation, where control systems evolve from logic execution units into intelligent, collaborative, AI-enhanced platforms.

In future smart factories:

• AI will generate and optimize PLC code

• I/O systems will self-configure

• HMI interfaces will be AI-generated

• System diagnostics will be automatic

• Production lines will adapt dynamically

TwinCAT PLC++ is not just an iteration—it is a strategic leap toward intelligent, software-defined manufacturing.

At the 8th China International Import Expo, Schneider Electric unveiled its latest breakthroughs in AI-driven automation and open platform integration.

A New Era of Intelligent Manufacturing

China’s industrial transformation is moving rapidly from “manufacturing scale” to “quality and intelligence.”
Smart automation, AI decision-making, and open digital platforms are becoming the engines of a new industrial revolution.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is taking a front-row seat in this transformation, turning global innovation into localized smart manufacturing solutions for China.

At this year’s CIIE, Schneider Electric’s booth became a window into the future of factories—showcasing edge computing, AI integration, flexible manufacturing, and digital energy management.

The Power of Intelligent Technology

The star attraction was the Modicon Edge I/O NTS system, a distributed platform enabling real-time data processing at the network edge.
Its modular and protocol-agnostic design allows seamless integration with diverse automation systems, reducing latency while improving precision in industrial control.

Another highlight was the locally designed “Golden Quartet” motion control suite, created specifically for Chinese manufacturers.
This combination of controllers, drives, motors, and human-machine interfaces shortens cycle time by 30% and supports multi-industry adaptability—from packaging to electronics to logistics.

The AI-powered Flipping Machine, driven by the EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert (EAE) open automation platform, further demonstrated the convergence of automation and artificial intelligence.
It showed how machine learning can enhance real-time inspection, adaptive production, and predictive maintenance across complex assembly lines.

Digital Cooperation and Ecosystem Expansion

Schneider Electric understands that true industrial transformation depends on collaboration.
Through its growing ecosystem, the company is partnering with local innovators to co-create value.

For instance, in cooperation with Qiangsi Digital Technology, Schneider Electric integrates automation and safety systems with advanced asset management to optimize process industry performance.
Its partnership with Arkema China focuses on building digital, low-carbon chemical plants, setting a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, Schneider Electric works with engineering firms like Jieshun and Dayi to deploy ProLeiT process control and MES digital platforms, advancing digital transformation at scale.

AI and Green Manufacturing: A Perfect Pair

AI in manufacturing is not only about intelligence—it’s about sustainability.
Schneider Electric applies AI-based energy optimization algorithms that can reduce industrial energy consumption by 10–15% without affecting output.
This directly supports China’s “dual carbon” goals, turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.

Products like the Altivar 340 variable speed drive demonstrate this synergy by optimizing motor torque and minimizing energy waste.
When combined with digital twins and analytics, manufacturers can continuously monitor and improve performance in real time.

Smart Manufacturing, the Chinese Way

“Digitalization is a system-wide evolution, not a single event,” said Ding Xiaohong.
Through its China Hub strategy, Schneider Electric integrates R&D, local production, and partner collaboration to deliver solutions designed by China, for China.

As AI, big data, and automation continue to converge, Schneider Electric’s open platforms will remain at the heart of industrial transformation.
From intelligent control systems to cloud-based energy management, the company is paving the way for a more efficient, greener, and smarter industrial future.

The Next Leap in Power Electronics Has Arrived

From electric vehicles and grid-scale storage to hyperscale AI compute clusters, today’s most power-intensive systems are rapidly outgrowing the limits of traditional silicon-based components. Even lateral GaN devices—once considered the frontier of efficiency—are hitting voltage and thermal ceilings.
Into this gap steps Vertical GaN (vGaN), a new class of power device that does not merely upgrade GaN technology but redefines how electrons travel through a power semiconductor.

With its official release of GaN-on-GaN vertical devices, onsemi has positioned itself at the center of what analysts now describe as the next $10-billion transition in power electronics.

Why Vertical Structure Is the Breakthrough

Traditional GaN devices conduct power laterally across the surface of the semiconductor layer, which limits scalability when voltage, current, or heat rise. Vertical GaN reverses this structure:
1✔ Current flows through the thickness of the device
2✔ Electric field spreads vertically, not across the surface
3✔ Breakdown voltage scales with thickness, not chip area

This shift enables multi-kilovolt capability, ultra-fast switching and extremely compact designs without sacrificing thermal or reliability margins.

The Technology Foundation: What “GaN-on-GaN” Really Means

Unlike GaN-on-silicon or GaN-on-sapphire, vGaN is grown directly on native GaN substrates. That single change impacts everything:

This is what enables claims such as “50% lower energy loss, 2–3× higher power density, and half-size passive components.”
It’s not marketing hype—it’s physics.

From R&D to Real Deployment: What onsemi Has Actually Delivered

While many semiconductor companies showcase vertical GaN in academic papers or R&D prototypes, onsemi is one of the first to:

1✅ Develop full wafer-level fabrication in-house
2✅ Secure more than 130 global patents across process + packaging + system use
3✅ Begin sampling 700V and 1200V parts to early customers
4✅ Target not consumer electronics but industrial, automotive, data center, aerospace grade power blocks

The company is not just introducing a new transistor—it is rolling out an ecosystem shift, including drivers, reference designs and thermal models for system integrators.

Why the Industry Needs This Breakthrough Now

It’s not a coincidence that vertical GaN arrives at the same moment the world is facing a massive energy-to-computation conversion problem.

1⚡ Data centers are scaling to 100+ MW sites

ChatGPT-level AI inference clusters require entire substations to power a single data hall.
The cost bottleneck is no longer GPUs—it is power conversion and heat.

2⚡ EVs are moving from 400V to 800V and 1000V platforms

The switch to high-voltage drivetrains demands components beyond silicon IGBTs and lateral GaN.

3.⚡ Renewable power conversion is hitting stability walls

Solar and wind inverters must handle >1500V DC strings and extreme temperatures.

4⚡ Storage and microgrids require bidirectional high-frequency power blocks

Legacy silicon adds weight, cost, and energy waste—making storage economics worse.

In all four cases, the constraint is not generation—it is conversion.

Vertical GaN is designed precisely for this gap.

Key Technical Advantages of onsemi vGaN

✅ Up to 50% reduction in switching and conduction loss
✅ Operation at >1 MHz switching without thermal runaway
✅ Device size up to 3× smaller for same voltage/current rating
✅ Enables 2× smaller inductors and capacitors
✅ Built-in robustness against avalanche, surge and cosmic radiation
✅ Ideal for multi-kW to MW-scale conversion systems

One of the least discussed—but most important—advantages:
📌 Because passive components shrink dramatically at higher switching frequencies, vGaN reduces total system cost, not just device-level power loss.

Application Impact by Sector

A common theme is emerging across industries:
→ vGaN replaces big, hot, slow power stages with compact, cool, fast ones.

Competitive Positioning: Where vGaN Fits in the Market Map

The wide-bandgap power market is no longer a single race—it is now segmented:

Vertical GaN attacks exactly the zone where SiC is gaining momentum, but with:

• Higher switching speed

• Lower system size

• Lower passive BOM

• Better thermal density

onsemi is not replacing SiC—it is competing above and below it simultaneously.

The Manufacturing Story: Why Location Matters

Unlike other GaN vendors relying on outsourced wafer fabs, onsemi’s vGaN platform is:

🏭 Designed and manufactured in Syracuse, New York
🔬 Built on proprietary crystal and epitaxy processes
📜 Protected by more than 130 patents across multiple regions
🚗 Targeted for automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q)

This means two things:

1. Secure supply chain for U.S. and EU markets

2. Faster scalability and reliability certification — a major advantage in EV and defense markets

Conclusion

Just as SiC reshaped EV drivetrains and power modules over the last decade, vertical GaN is now positioned to disrupt the next wave of electrification—where size, weight, thermal load, and switching speed matter as much as voltage rating.

The transition is already underway:

• AI power racks are demanding higher density

• Automakers are migrating to >800V platforms

• Energy systems are scaling past silicon limits

• Aerospace is eliminating every unnecessary gram

The semiconductor that wins this decade won’t just be fast or efficient, but small, cool, scalable, and voltage-capable.

And that is the problem vertical GaN was engineered to solve.

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狭小 (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.

“Sales Manager : Jinny
Email : sales1@xrjdcs.com
Whatsapp/Mobile:+86 15359273791″

A real-world case study from the metallurgy industry reveals how predictive maintenance transforms downtime costs into a core competitive advantage.

(Dalian, China) – In the control room of a large metallurgical plant, a slight fluctuation in a curve on a large screen triggers a yellow warning signal. This is not a fault alarm, but a precise prophecy—the system predicts that an anomaly in anode temperature will occur in 72 hours, potentially rendering an entire batch of products substandard. Engineers adjust process parameters in advance, and a potential major quality incident, along with millions in economic losses, is silently averted.

This is not a science fiction scenario but a routine application of the Proficy CSense predictive maintenance platform from GE Vernova. At a recent industrial digital transformation seminar in Dalian, Mr. YU Siyuan, Solution Architecture Director, Asia Pacific at GE Vernova, unveiled the technology behind this “prophecy.”

From “Hearing” to “Understanding”: How Data Becomes Information
“The starting point of predictive maintenance is to make equipment ‘talk’. But more importantly, we must ‘understand’ what it is saying,” Mr. Yu stated. Equipment constantly generates vast amounts of data through sensors, but this data is noisy, isolated, and meaningless. The first job of Proficy CSense is to act as an “industrial translator.”

Its core technology lies in multi-source data fusion. The platform seamlessly integrates and consolidates heterogeneous data from GE Vernova’s Proficy Historian (real-time database), LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), MES (Manufacturing Execution System), and even third-party devices. This means an analytical model can simultaneously consider equipment vibration, temperature, process parameters, raw material composition, and even environmental data, building a comprehensive, context-rich view of asset health.

The Power of Algorithms: From Empiricism to Model-Driven
After obtaining high-quality data, how does one extract the faint signals that? This relies on advanced machine learning algorithms. Mr. Yu highlighted the application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in the metallurgy case study.

“Traditional threshold alarms are for a single variable, for example, triggering an alarm if temperature exceeds 100 degrees. But failures in complex equipment are often the result of multiple parameters,” he explained. “The PCA algorithm can extract the ‘principal components’ that best represent the system’s normal state from dozens or even hundreds of correlated variables. Once real-time operational data significantly deviates from this ‘normal model,’ the system immediately alerts, even if all individual variables are within their thresholds.”

This method, based on Multivariate Statistical Process Control (MSPC), greatly improves the accuracy and lead time of warnings. It no longer relies on the personal experience of veteran engineers but embeds expert knowledge into algorithmic models, making knowledge replicable and transferable.

The Path to Deployment: Modular Design Lowers the Barrier to AI Adoption
However, the most advanced algorithms are useless if they cannot be deployed. Another major advantage of Proficy CSense is its modular and low-code design philosophy.

Its platform consists of three main modules:

1. Architect: Provides a drag-and-drop visual programming interface, allowing process engineers to build and train analytical models graphically without writing complex code.

2. Troubleshooter: Used for model validation and simulation. Users can test models in a safe, offline environment before deploying them after confirming effectiveness.

3. Runtime + WebUI: Deploys validated models into the production environment for real-time monitoring, pushing alerts and insights to operations personnel through clear web dashboards.

This design breaks down barriers between data scientists and field engineers, putting modeling power directly into the hands of those who know the process best, dramatically accelerating the deployment cycle and ROI of predictive maintenance projects.

Conclusion: A New Philosophy of Operations
Proficy CSense represents more than just software; it signifies in operational philosophy. It transforms maintenance from an unavoidable cost into a value-added link in the core value chain. Through accurate prediction, companies not only save on repair costs and downtime losses but also optimize production processes, improve product quality, and reduce energy consumption.

When equipment truly begins to “talk,” and we learn to “listen,” the industrial world moves from passive response to active mastery. This is perhaps the most compelling chapter in the digital transformation story: using the precision of bits to safeguard the stable operation of the atomic world.

“Sales Manager : Jinny
Email : sales1@xrjdcs.com
Whatsapp/Mobile:+86 15359273791″

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.

“Sales Manager : Jinny
Email : sales1@xrjdcs.com
Whatsapp/Mobile:+86 15359273791″

SafePlus Ring Main Units Ensure Uninterrupted Power for China’s Largest-Diameter Undersea Shield Tunnel​

However, the stable operation of this “undersea giant” depends entirely on reliable power supply.

Faced with this complex challenge, ABB

From the design perspective, the solution is highly consistent with the design institute’s dual-ring network concept.

In terms of product performance, ABB’s SafePlus series ring main units show strong advantages.

Modular design is another prominent feature of the SafePlus series ring main units.

These units adopt a structure where six units share one gas chamber.

Luo Hui, Head of ABB Electrification China’s Power Distribution Systems Business Unit, emphasized:

In fact, this is not the first time ABB has supported major transportation infrastructure projects in China.