Manufacturing

XR technologies in early adoption phase as ABI Research reveals barriers to progress

The survey revealed that many companies are currently evaluating XR suppliers. (Image source: Canva)

According to a recent State of Technology in Manufacturing survey by global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, Extended Reality (XR) technologies, such as smart glasses and VR headsets, are at a similar stage of development as digital twins, machine vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced devices among industrial and manufacturing operators.

Of the over 460 respondents from various roles in discrete and process manufacturing, 68% indicated some level of XR consideration, while 32% were at different stages of actual implementation.

“The value of XR to organizations has been known for years, especially in areas like training, remote workforce enablement, and collaboration. However, the barriers to that value have also been well-known and remain. Device cost, integration concerns, and confusion around offerings are most common,” says Eric Abbruzzese, research director with ABI Research.

The survey revealed that many companies are currently evaluating XR suppliers, with 30% already at some stage of deployment, ranging from creating implementation programs (10%) to having completed XR integration across all relevant areas (2%). This pattern mirrors other digital transformation technologies, particularly during the evaluation stages. However, XR is more frequently considered for adoption over the next 12-24 months rather than being actively implemented in Proofs of Concept (PoC) or undergoing supplier evaluation compared to other technologies.

Challenges

Improving equipment performance and quality levels was another key priority for respondents. While XR is still in the early stages of adoption, it has demonstrated benefits in areas such as remote maintenance, interactive training, and knowledge capture and sharing. Nevertheless, significant barriers around people and processes remain. The survey identified a lack of time for planning and a general lack of expertise in XR as key obstacles, alongside difficulties in articulating needs from solutions and a lack of clear Return on Investment (ROI). These issues are further complicated by fragmented platform offerings and a rapidly changing XR landscape.

“The XR market has seen plenty of ups and downs over the past decade, which has hindered trust and understanding in the market despite proven value. A lack of clarity among available platforms and paths to market hold back potential adoption. However, the growth of related digital transformation technologies, especially digital twins and machine vision, is a boon for XR and vice versa. Over time, a more holistic view of visual workforce enablement will take hold, rather than a focus on individual technologies, and XR will be an increasing portion of that offering,” concludes Abbruzzese.

These insights come from ABI Research’s Industrial and Manufacturing Survey 1H 2024: Extended Reality (XR) report, which is part of the company’s Extended Reality (XR) Technologies research service, including research, data, and ABI Insights.

Emerson opens new manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia

The new hub at SPARK was officially inaugurated by Emerson’s leadership team. (Image source: Emerson)

Emerson has inaugurated a new manufacturing and innovation hub at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) as part of its expansion in the Middle East

The 140,000-square-foot facility consolidates automation technologies such as control systems, valves, and industrial lighting under one roof.

"This new facility reinforces Emerson’s position as a key player in the industrial sector in the Kingdom and contributes to Saudi Arabia’s long-term Vision 2030 of strengthening local talent, boosting supply chain localisation and advancing sustainable growth," said Mathias Schinzel, president of Emerson Middle East and Africa.

As part of its net-zero emission goals, the facility incorporates energy-efficient technologies, including rooftop solar power, compressed air optimisation, and lighting system optimisation.

Mishal I. AlZughaibi, SPARK president and CEO, added, “We are proud to collaborate with Emerson to support their new cutting-edge manufacturing hub at SPARK. With the establishment of these facilities, we are closer than ever to achieving our localisation goals. Having Emerson on board strengthens our vision, and we are confident that together, we will continue to advance Saudi Arabia’s industrial journey.”

Emerson has been expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, having first opened a valves manufacturing facility in Jubail in 2011, followed by additional sites in Dammam and Dhahran Techno Valley.

The new hub at SPARK was officially inaugurated by Emerson’s leadership team, including president and CEO Lal Karsanbhai, alongside key figures from the Ministry of Energy, MISA, SABIC, SWCC, and Ma'aden.

"As part of Emerson's contribution to the 'Made in KSA' initiative, Emerson’s facility will serve domestic and regional markets with advanced technologies designed to meet the evolving needs of various industries, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in localised manufacturing and innovation," said Hussein Zein, vice-president of Emerson in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The facility aims to reduce reliance on imported goods and strengthen local supply chains, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of building self-sufficient industries to support the country’s economic growth.

Iron and steel technologies to be showcased in Sharjah

The event will feature more than 600 major global brands from 33 countries. (Image source: Expo Centre Sharjah)

Expo Centre Sharjah is set to host the 20th edition of SteelFab, the Middle East’s leading event for metalworking, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry, from 13-16 January 2025

The exhibition is expected to see extensive participation from local and international companies and manufacturers, featuring more than 600 major global brands from 33 countries showcasing their latest technologies and innovations in the metalworking field. The SteelFab trade show brings together eminent local and international players in the iron and steel industry to showcase state-of-the-art machinery, equipment, and tools pertinent to the metal industries, welding and cutting, pipe manufacturing, and other related sectors. Participants will represent the industry’s largest industrial companies from countries like the UK, Germany, India, Taiwan, China, Italy, and Turkey. The exhibition will also host some of the most prominent UAE-based companies.

Strengthening Sharjah’s position as a regional metal production hub

HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, affirmed that SteelFab is the region’s premier event for the metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication industry. It serves as an important platform for manufacturers and companies operating in the field to showcase their latest products and services and connect with potential clients and partners. This will consequently enhance Sharjah’s status as a central hub for the metal industry in the Middle East.

He further noted that the exhibition has demonstrated remarkable success over the past twenty years, reflected in the high participation rates in previous editions. The new edition is expected to draw over 125 international companies and 170 local firms, indicating an increase in the number of exhibitors compared to previous years. Additionally, there is an anticipated acceleration in the turnout of visitors representing various industrial sectors, promising a successful edition that showcases the latest technologies and advanced equipment in the steel industry.

Advanced modern technologies

The SteelFab 2025 exhibition places special emphasis on the latest technologies and cutting-edge equipment used in the iron and steel industries. The upcoming edition will host a two-day conference dedicated to the latest industry innovations, alongside market analysis and emerging trends in machine innovation and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To enhance connectivity among steel industry leaders, the exhibition’s 2025 edition features a Buyers Program that offers exclusive networking opportunities between top industry specialists and exhibitors. The program is anticipated to attract over 200 key industry figures.

The exhibition will spotlight the latest trends and advancements in the manufacturing, iron, and steel sectors, featuring extensive displays of state-of-the-art laser equipment and metal cutting systems. It will also witness the 4th edition of the Best Welder competition, which is designed to honor welding talent, offering a platform for professionals to demonstrate their skills and vie for excellence awards.

EMSTEEL takes on co-chair role to drive global decarbonisation in the steel industry

EMSTEEL will co-chair the global industrial alliance alongside Siemens Energy. (Image source: EMSTEEL)

EMSTEEL Group has been appointed as co-chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation (AFID), led by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The announcement was made during AFID’s event titled “Decarbonising Hard-to-Abate Sectors with Renewables: Accelerating Net-Zero Ambitions,” held at Climate Week NYC in New York City. This annual event brings together business leaders and policymakers to discuss policies and collaboration to achieve decarbonisation goals.

EMSTEEL will co-chair the global industrial alliance alongside Siemens Energy, taking over the leadership role previously held by TATA Steel.

Reducing carbon emissions

As co-chair, EMSTEEL aims to advance its commitment to global decarbonisation efforts by promoting a low-carbon supply chain in partnership with industry leaders. This appointment underscores the Group’s dedication to creating sustainable solutions and building a greener future.

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, "We are honoured to be co-chairing the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation. This prestigious position provides us with a global platform to further enhance the dialogue surrounding industrial sustainable practices for a sustainable future. We take immense pride in representing the UAE’s net-zero successes as a beacon for sustainable change across the global industrial landscape."

Aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, EMSTEEL has made significant progress in decarbonising its products and supply chain, achieving a 10% reduction in its carbon footprint year-on-year. The Group has been recognised globally for these efforts, being named a 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association (worldsteel) and as one of the five global steel producers taking concrete steps to decarbonise the steel value chain by the World Economic Forum (WEF). EMSTEEL has also been awarded the Sustainable Manufacturer Award by the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

The Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation, supported by IRENA, aims to facilitate dialogue and increase collaboration among companies to develop and implement effective decarbonisation strategies. The alliance serves as a platform for exchanging insights, experiences, and best practices. UAE-based companies such as ADNOC, TAQA, and Tadweer Group are also key members of the alliance, representing the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.

Expansion strategies: a look at the Ducab Metals Business

Dignitaries from Ducab and other companies. (Image source: DMB)

Sania Aziz interviews Ducab Group CEO, along with the CEO of DMB. Read on:

Ducab Metals Business (DMB) has doubled its aluminium production capacity to 110,000tpa and increased its bare copper capacity to meet growing global demand. The company made the announcement on 5 September at 'Ducab Metals Business Expansion Forum: Advancing Capacity, Driving Innovation,' held in partnership with Middle East Economic Digest (MEED).

During the event, Technical Review Middle East caught up with Ducab Group CEO Mohammed Almutawa and DMB CEO Mohamed Al Ahmedi. “We are positioned in the value chain directly after the mine and the smelter. When we look downstream, we saw a big industry. So imagine the potential and the opportunities that we are seeing,” said Al Ahmedi, referring to the various sectors Ducab already caters to. These include construction, energy, cabling, automotive, healthcare, transportations, transformers, and others. “When embedded within our ecosystem, these industries can give us stability and sustainability. So that we can diversify when one of the industries slows down.”

Adding to the conversation, Almutawa said that Ducab has succeeded in using its existing products - cables - as a gateway drug for the rest of the industry. This means that the company has been able to provide. “We need cables for energising operations. This allowed us to learn about all the different sectors and then we found our alignment place. Today, I would never have imagined myself sitting down with the pharmaceutical industry. But now we are supplying specific products that will enhance their processes.”

One challenge for Almutawa has been the EV sector. He said that, due to the current infrastructure, it has been difficult for Ducab to service the industry. “We have had the hardest time servicing the EV market sector. Why is this? When we look at EV chargers, the cabling required for them compared to the cabling required for the demand of UAE for ten years is just a two week production.” This means that Ducab has had to foray into other markets. According to DMB, about 90% of its product is exported from the UAE. But at the same time, DMB is keen on contributing to the circular economy. “We do not go outside unless we satisfy the market,” said Almutawa, adding that DMB’s products only go global when the UAE’s expectations are met.

Read the full interview in the latest issue of Technical Review Middle East.