AI is reshaping manufacturing, bringing new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. At Rockwell Automation Fair, industry leaders Blake Moret and Rev Lebaredian discussed how their collaboration transforms automation and empowers people through cutting-edge technologies.
Rockwell Automation Fair in Anaheim brought together two leading minds in industrial technology: Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, and Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of Omniverse and Simulation Technology at NVIDIA. The pair shared their insights on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, the changing nature of automation, and the importance of bridging the gap between digital systems and the physical world. Their conversation was not only about technology but also about reshaping industry practices and empowering people.
AI’s role in transforming industrial operations
Moret began the discussion by reflecting on the changing role of AI in industrial automation. “Over the last few years, there has been a growing realisation of how crucial AI is to reshape the future of industrial operations,” Moret explains. “At this event, particularly on the show floor, we are demonstrating the strides we have made in creating the future of industrial systems. Last night, I had dinner with a group representing a range of different industries, and it was remarkable to hear how prominently artificial intelligence features in each of their visions of future operations. Regardless of the sector, AI seems to be at the core of their goal.
“What we are doing at Rockwell, and how we are working with partners like NVIDIA, aims to make sure that AI and advanced technologies are brought into the industrial world in a way that drives tangible benefits, helping our customers overcome some of their biggest operational challenges.” As Moret highlighted, the focus is on leveraging AI to simplify the complex processes within industrial systems, a mission shared by Rockwell and NVIDIA.
Lebaredian echoed this sentiment. “We are certainly living through a time of profound change with the introduction of AI,” he says. “It might be a little disorienting for some people, but, in essence, it is a simple yet powerful shift. Over a decade ago, we began developing what we now call AI or machine learning, opening possibilities that we could only dream of previously. Suddenly, we had a new concept: software that essentially writes its own algorithms. By feeding it data, giving it numerous examples of what we want it to do, we unlocked an entirely new way to create algorithms we never imagined possible.”
Lebaredian highlighted the convergence between computational intelligence and the physical world, noting. “This excites us so much about applying these developments to the physical world. We have been solving problems in the digital space, but now we can extend this intelligence to the world of atoms. By partnering with Rockwell, we are bridging the gap between computational power, advanced algorithms, and the physical world. It is about moving from purely digital systems to systems that truly interact with, understand, and control physical objects.”
Simplification and simulation in focus
Moret elaborated on the practical applications of AI in making industrial systems more efficient. “When we consider where AI has the greatest impact, a lot of our focus at Rockwell is on simplification,” he says. “Much of what we apply AI to involves simplifying how we design, operate, and maintain industrial systems. AI allows us to make the entire business of designing automation systems much more efficient, commissioning those systems in a virtual environment, through simulation, and then operating them in a predictive and adaptable way.”
Machine vision is one of the areas where this approach has paid off. Moret recounted the shift from hard-coding rules to using AI-driven machine vision. “The old approach involved hard-coding rules to classify and sort tiles or inspect painted surfaces for imperfections,” he adds. “It was laborious and prone to failure. But now, with AI, we can use cameras as sophisticated sensors and process the data they collect at high speed. This makes previously impossible tasks not only achievable but also highly effective.”
He also mentioned using co-pilots, which allow operators to interact with systems using natural language. “The idea is to let an operator use natural language to program a logic controller,” he continues. “This is not a future technology; it is here now. It enables people to operate and modify systems without needing to understand the arcane syntax of ladder logic.”
Lebaredian picked up on the collaboration between NVIDIA and Rockwell, focusing on their work with embedded APIs within Rockwell’s Emulate 3D simulation tools. “We are very excited about this collaboration with Rockwell,” he says. “At NVIDIA, our core focus is building computing systems and core technologies, but we do not build end-user applications ourselves. We rely on our ecosystem partners, like Rockwell, to take our technologies and create real-world applications that solve specific problems. With Omniverse, we are creating the core technologies needed to build large-scale simulations, which leverage the computing systems we are good at developing. We are now integrating these capabilities into Rockwell’s Emulate 3D technology, and we see this as a critical component in the next wave of industrial evolution.”
From remote commissioning to industrial evolution
The discussion also covered how the pandemic accelerated the adoption of these digital tools. “During the pandemic, we saw just how important this technology could be,” Moret says. “The traditional commissioning process for a new production line involves engineers from multiple companies standing shoulder to shoulder, working on-site to get everything up and running. During the pandemic, this was not an option. Suddenly, being able to commission systems remotely, using digital twins and virtual tools, became a necessity rather than a luxury.”
He cited examples of companies like First Solar, which uses Emulate 3D to model and optimise production lines for solar cells, and UPS, which also uses Emulate 3D in collaboration with NVIDIA. “We are seeing the benefits of simulation across many industries, where it is helping to save time, reduce costs, and bring commissioning timelines forward, all while allowing companies to experiment digitally rather than physically, avoiding waste and improving efficiency,” he adds.
Lebaredian emphasised the importance of autonomous systems in the future of industrial operations. “Increasingly, we will see autonomous components,” he continues. “These components will be capable of thinking for themselves, adapting to changing conditions, and making real-time decisions. Essentially, we are talking about agents in the real world, robots that can perceive, decide, and act autonomously.”
He outlined the three types of computers necessary to build such systems: “First, there is the computer embedded within the robot. Then, we need an AI factory, a computer that develops the robot’s ‘brain’ using machine learning and AI. And finally, we need a simulation computer, a computer that simulates the real-world environment in which the robot will operate. These three layers, simulation, AI development, and physical execution, are essential to creating functional but also adaptive and robust systems.”
Empowering people alongside technology
As much as the focus was on technology, Moret and Lebaredian stressed the importance of people in this digital evolution. “If we can simplify automation by reducing the number of compute layers while maintaining or even enhancing performance, that is an exciting opportunity,” Moret notes. “But alongside the technology, we also need to think about the people who will use it. Workforce enablement is key. With tools like Emulate 3D, manufacturers must invest in training and enablement. If we want someone who has been programming systems in traditional ways to transition into working with simulation tools, they need the right resources and support.”
Lebaredian highlighted the evolving ease of using sophisticated technologies. “The interesting thing about this technology is that, unlike many previous computing advancements, the more sophisticated it becomes, the easier it is to use,” he explains. “Today, we are moving into an era where you can communicate with a computer in natural language, and it will understand and execute your instructions. Before long, everyone can program simply by talking to a computer. This opens a world of possibilities, not just for those traditionally trained in computer science but for people across every industry.”
Moret concludes by reiterating the value of domain expertise. “Domain expertise still matters, perhaps more than ever. The pieces do not fit together on their own. You need the right people, with the right expertise, to provide that direction. That is why partnerships like ours are so valuable. We can find new ways to add value and solve real-world challenges by bringing together leaders in different fields.”
A shared vision for the future
Lebaredian adds a final thought on the changing nature of skills needed in this AI-driven world. “In the past, I would tell people to study computer science,” he explains. “Today, what is most valuable is deep domain expertise, knowledge of the physical world. With AI, we are essentially creating virtual assistants that can help us solve problems, and that means that domain knowledge, knowing the right questions to ask and understanding the nuances of specific fields, has become far more important.”
Moret agrees with this sentiment. “There is still a significant role for people in shaping these technologies and applying them in ways that create real value,” he concludes. I really appreciate the opportunity to spend time with you today, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in the coming years.”
The collaboration between Rockwell and NVIDIA offers a glimpse into the future of industrial automation, a future where AI not only powers machines but empowers people to build, operate, and optimise them in an intuitive and adaptive way. As these technologies continue to evolve, the companies’ shared vision of combining computational power with human expertise is poised to drive the next industrial revolution.
