Leadership Development Program

Rockwell Automation announces german-language season of ROKStudios featuring OEM lifecycle perspectives. 30 June 2026 Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the release of a new season of ROKStudios featuring, for the first time, interviews recorded in the German language. The latest episodes focus on leading perspectives from the DACH region, with a consistent emphasis on how OEMs are evolving lifecycle strategies to improve performance, resilience and long-term value. The new videos highlight how machine builders are addressing increasing complexity, sustainability, security requirements and changing customer expectations - while maintaining a clear focus on delivering value across the full machine lifecycle. "At a time when OEMs are navigating both technological and operational change, lifecycle thinking is becoming central to how machines are designed, deployed and supported," said Vincenzo Monaco, country director, DACH region, Rockwell Automation. "These conversations reflect how organizations in the region are aligning automation, data and services to deliver more resilient and adaptable manufacturing outcomes." The German-language season presents a focused set of interviews that bring together both external and Rockwell Automation insight: * Michael Lampe, innovation manager, Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH: explores how packaging manufacturers are modernizing secondary packaging in response to sustainability demands. His interview highlights the transition from plastic to paper-based materials and the growing importance of flexibility, efficiency and digital insight across the lifecycle. * Vincenzo Monaco, country director, DACH, Rockwell Automation: provides a regional perspective on how machine builders are redefining automation priorities - from speed and output toward lifecycle value, resilience and smarter decision-making enabled by AI and data. * Uwe Küppers, business lead, lifecycle services, Rockwell Automation: examines how OEMs are designing for autonomy across the machine lifecycle, with a focus on digital engineering, connected systems and closer alignment between OEMs and end users to support long-term performance. Across the interviews, a consistent theme emerges: OEMs are moving beyond project-based delivery toward lifecycle-driven strategies that integrate design, data and services. From material innovation and sustainability to autonomy and resilience, the discussions highlight how decisions made early in design are shaping commissioning efficiency, operational performance and ongoing serviceability. ROKStudios continues to serve as a platform for peer-level dialogue, offering practical, experience-driven perspectives from industrial leaders. The German-language recordings expand access to these insights for regional audiences, reinforcing the importance of localized conversations in addressing global manufacturing challenges. The new episodes are now available alongside a growing library of ROKStudios content featuring industry leaders and subject matter experts across the manufacturing ecosystem. About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. Plantautomation Technology connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to its customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2025. To learn more about how Plantautomation Technology is bringing the Connected Enterprise(R) to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

Virtual commissioning enhanced with roboguide-rockwell connectivity. As manufacturing continues its shift toward digital-first engineering, simulation and virtual commissioning are becoming essential tools for reducing risk, accelerating timelines and improving overall system performance. Reflecting growing demand for easier integration, FANUC America has released enhancements to its ROBOGUIDE(R) simulation software that simplify connectivity with Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk(R) Logix Echo. The update, introduced as part of ROBOGUIDE Version 10 (revision E), simplifies how manufacturers design, test and validate automation systems - all before a single piece of physical equipment is installed. Simplifying virtual commissioning workflows. At the heart of this update is improved integration between FANUC's virtual robot controllers and Rockwell's virtual PLC environment via Logix Echo. These enhancements, including support for Logix Echo's handshake protocol, help manufacturers accelerate testing, enhance system validation and reduce costs. Previously, configuring communication between virtual robots and PLCs required multiple manual steps. FANUC's latest update eliminates much of that complexity. A new user-friendly interface automatically assigns unique IPv4 aliases and simplifies network configuration, making it easier to expose virtual controllers to external networks and enable EtherNet/IP communications. Support for Logix Echo's handshake protocol further enhances synchronization between systems, enabling more accurate testing scenarios and robust system validation. The result is a more streamlined workflow that reduces setup time and allows engineers to focus on refining application performance rather than troubleshooting connectivity. Driving efficiency and reducing risk. Virtual commissioning continues to gain traction across manufacturing sectors, particularly as companies seek to minimize downtime and avoid costly rework during system startup. By debugging and validating systems in a virtual environment, manufacturers can identify and resolve issues early in the design phase. This capability is especially valuable for complex or first-of-its-kind automation cells, where physical testing can be time-consuming and expensive. With ROBOGUIDE and Logix Echo working together, engineers can simulate full system behavior - including robot motion, PLC logic and network communication - before deployment. Extending value across industries. Within FANUC, virtual commissioning has already demonstrated measurable impact - particularly in its Paint and Sealing business. Engineers are able to evaluate electrical systems, verify wiring schemes, and validate robot paths digitally, identifying potential issues long before installation begins. For system integrators, the benefits extend beyond internal efficiencies. Virtual environments allow them to collaborate with customers earlier in the project lifecycle, offering proactive support and resolving issues remotely. This approach not only accelerates project timelines but also reduces disruptions once systems are live. In some cases, integrators can even diagnose and correct system malfunctions in a virtual model while production continues uninterrupted - an advantage that underscores the growing importance of digital tools in modern manufacturing. Built-In integration, immediate access. The connection between ROBOGUIDE and FactoryTalk Logix Echo is built directly into the latest software release, eliminating the need for additional middleware or custom development. Users simply need the appropriate licenses for both platforms to take advantage of the integration. This out-of-the-box compatibility reflects FANUC's commitment to making advanced simulation tools more accessible and practical for everyday engineering use. Supporting the future of digital manufacturing. The adoption of virtual commissioning is expected to continue rising as manufacturers prioritize shorter startup times, improved software quality and enhanced safety. As production environments become more complex, the ability to test and validate systems virtually will play an increasingly critical role in maintaining competitiveness. FANUC's latest ROBOGUIDE enhancements position the company - and its customers - to take full advantage of this shift, delivering smarter, faster and more reliable automation solutions. Free registration is required to access Tech Transfer content.

Rockwell Automation posts strong Q2 results and ups guidance. May 5, 2026 10:06 pm Subscribe to BizTimes Daily - Local news about the people, companies and issues that impact business in Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee-based Rockwell Automation on Tuesday reported a 12% year-over-year increase in second quarter sales to $2.2 billion, and a 39% increase in second quarter net income to $350 million. "We delivered a strong second quarter, with double-digit growth in sales and earnings exceeding our expectations. We saw solid momentum across much of the business, led by improving demand in warehouse automation, data center, semiconductor, and energy. Our performance this quarter reflects the strength of our portfolio and the team's ability to execute in a dynamic global environment," said Blake Moret, Rockwell Automation chairman and CEO. Rockwell Automation is a provider of industrial automation and digital transformation technologies. It has approximately 26,000 global employees. - Advertisement - The company reported $8.34 billion in revenue for its 2025 fiscal year and on Tuesday increased its guidance for the 2026 fiscal year to $8.9 billion in revenue, up from its previous projection of $8.8 billion. It reported sales of $4.3 billion for the first half of this fiscal year, up 11.9% from the first half of fiscal 2025, and net income of $653 million for the first half of the year, up 53.3% from the first half of fiscal 2025. "We see improvement in several additional end markets, although capital investment remains muted in other key verticals," Moret said. "We are focused on execution of our growth and performance objectives, with differentiated technology, expanded coverage of customers in high-growth end markets, and disciplined capital allocation. These actions position us to deliver near-term results while accelerating the creation of long-term value." - Advertisement - Wall Street responded favorably to Rockwell's second quarter earnings report. Shares of the company's stock rose 8.9% Tuesday, a gain of $35.62, to close at $435.93.