The global automation market will resume growth after two years of shrinking, and the global manufacturing technology market is generating new trends. According to the latest data released by IHS, there are seven major trends in manufacturing development in 2017, and analysts have given their forecasts.

1. The global automation market will grow against the trend

In 2017, the global industrial automation equipment (IAE) market will grow at a rate of 1.5%. In 2016, many equipment suppliers' revenues declined, and there are uncertainties in many equipment investment markets. The growth prospects of different industrial sectors will be different. It is expected that the recovery of 2017 will remain difficult, mainly due to the formation of low oil prices and the reduction of sales of heavy machinery.

2, cloud computing analysis will transfer to the edge calculation

In 2016, many cloud platforms were released worldwide to support the Internet of Things services in manufacturing. Remote cloud analytics services have obvious advantages such as scalability and cost, but users are still concerned about the consequences of network security. IHS expects that the internal cloud system and “edge” analysis will expand in 2017, and the re-education market will lead the company to become more confident, and the remote cloud can provide good support.

3, manufacturing outsourcing is not as good as upgrading automation

Since 2014, the advantages of offshore factories have been further weakened by factors such as exchange rate changes, transportation cost growth and long-term trade agreements. IHS expects that more American companies will choose to invest in automated production in 2017, using tax incentives and skilled labor to increase revenue rather than outsourcing production.

4, the integration of IT and OT will become a new battlefield

Achieving the integration of IT and OT, and cooperation with software vendors is the future development path of automation enterprises. Some automation vendors acquired software vendors last year to expand their smart manufacturing portfolio through integration. IHS expects that software vendors will become the target of automation companies in 2017, and acquisitions and cooperation will accelerate.

5. The equipment market will be further consolidated

2017 will be a year of increased and consolidated markets through some equipment, such as market integration of motors, generators, turbines and generator sets. For market leaders, they will still choose to maintain or even expand their market share, and market growth in 2017 is expected to remain weak.

Automation

6, the connection standard will dominate

As the number of end users increases, the opportunities for industrial IoT system connectivity will also increase, and new connectivity standards are likely to come. It is expected that the 2017 OPC-UA technology architecture and TSN time-sensitive network standards will bring new standards for future connectivity.

7, the artificial intelligence use rate of the factory floor increased

In 2017, robots with connectivity and perceptual capabilities will continue to lead the development of smart manufacturing. As AI technology advances, industrial robots will become smarter and able to perceive, learn and make decisions themselves.