Technology

Anil Ajith, vice president of strategic sales and global projects for the Middle East and Africa at Emerson. (Image source: Emerson)

As the world increasingly embraces the transformative power of automation and AI, Emerson, a global technology and engineering leader, is at the forefront of driving sustainable solutions for industries.

In a recent interview, Anil Ajith, vice president of strategic sales and global projects for the Middle East and Africa at Emerson, shared his insights on the company's vision and the future of industrial automation.

"Industrial AI, as we call it, is accelerating in a way that it benefits the industry and the entire planet," Ajith stated. "Emerson is very much on the right track, as we ensure that the world is safer, smarter and more sustainable."

At the heart of Emerson's approach is the belief that the right data and the right technology can unlock unprecedented efficiency and reliability for industrial operations.

Ajith emphasised the importance of having a robust data fabric and advanced analytics to provide actionable insights for process optimization.

“Having the right data and having the right technology gives you efficiency and reliability, and then you enhance it based on how you can compute that data. With AI you can prolong the life of an asset, or ensure that you are able to operate their assets to its optimum.”

Intelligent software

Emerson's vision of "Boundless Automation" takes this concept even further, aiming to create an enterprise-wide automation platform that is scalable, intelligent, and sustainable.

Ajith explained that this approach involves a software-defined, less hardware-dependent approach, enabling greater flexibility and scalability.

“Boundless helps you to get to that scale. And you're quantifying it from the intelligent field to the cloud. So bringing it all together to ensure that scalability factor is there.”

The Middle East market, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has been receptive to Emerson's technological advancements. Ajith acknowledged that while there are initial challenges, such as the fear of change and the need for proof of concept, the region is steadily embracing these transformative technologies.

Emerson's commitment to sustainability is also evident in its "greening by" initiative, which focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of its own operations and enabling its customers to achieve their sustainability goals. This includes technologies for carbon capture, energy management, and emissions reduction.

“Emerson is a pioneer in carbon capture, especially providing technologies that can accelerate carbon capture projects in our plants, in our facilities…We have technologies that can measure how much of emissions are going into the atmosphere. We can measure that and give that analytics back to the client to ensure that their facility is low carbon or zero carbon.”

This innovation accelerates PFP system installation in workshops and onsite environments. (Image source: AkzoNobel)

AkzoNobel's protective coatings brand, International, has launched Chartek ONE at ADIPEC, marking a significant advancement in epoxy passive fire protection (PFP) for the energy sector.

Designed as a single-coat, mesh-free solution, Chartek ONE enhances application efficiency and simplifies installation while prioritising health and safety for asset protection.

Chartek ONE is a 100% solids, boron-free two-part epoxy that offers robust durability and multi-functional protection, combining corrosion resistance with cryogenic and hydrocarbon fire protection. Capable of withstanding jet and pool fires for up to three hours, it ensures extensive fire resistance across varied temperatures, making it suitable for multiple fire scenarios.

This innovation accelerates PFP system installation in workshops and onsite environments, reducing both labour and material costs while meeting fire protection standards. Chartek ONE also offers a solution for sectors with strict weight limits, such as offshore oil and gas, by lowering installed weight, which is often critical for operational efficiency.

Comprehensive offerings

The streamlined application process of Chartek ONE can cut workshop time by up to 59%, delivering cost and time savings across project lifecycles. Formulated to meet stringent standards like NORSOK M-501:2022 Edition 7 and ISO 22899, it is boron-free and has a 100% solids composition, thereby minimising health risks and enhancing environmental safety.

With over 50 years of expertise in PFP, Chartek’s coating solutions continue to excel in the toughest environments, and Chartek ONE adds to one of the industry’s most comprehensive offerings in epoxy intumescent PFP coatings.

Robin Wade, global fire protection manager at AkzoNobel, said, “Chartek stands at the forefront of the industry, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that reflect our heritage and track record of success. Our investment in research, development and PFP capabilities enable us to provide our customers with the best possible outcomes.

Chartek ONE was developed in our Felling facility which is one of the world’s largest UKAS-accredited PFP testing centers for intumescent PFP. Patented polysiloxane modified thio-ether and epoxy technology resolves many of the pain points found in the provision and longevity of epoxy PFP in one simple solution. International is a dedicated partner and through the celebrated history of Chartek, we are committed to excellence in technical support, product specific engineering solutions, and delivering class-leading products.”

Andy Holt, business development manager - Middle East at International, said, “We are thrilled to be introducing Chartek ONE for our Middle East customers at ADIPEC 2024. Crafted to offer our customers superior safety, reliability, and peace of mind, Chartek ONE showcases our continued dedication to sustainability and innovation.

This single coat, mesh-free solution will drastically simplify PFP projects for our customers, minimising downtime and reducing overall project costs. Our commitment to considering the environmental impact of our work is an integral part of the development process. Chartek ONE’s 100% solids, boron-free formula, stands as a testament to this commitment.”

The L120 Electric is a 6-tonne payload wheel loader. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo CE has introduced the L120 Electric wheel loader to the Middle East market.

Designed to match the power and performance of its diesel counterpart, the L120 Electric has successfully passed rigorous testing under the UAE’s intense heat, meeting all operational and durability standards.

Launching the L120 Electric in the UAE and Turkey reinforces Volvo CE’s leadership in electric machinery, showcasing its commitment to providing a robust alternative to diesel-powered equipment. Volvo CE’s strategic focus on equipment electrification underscores its dedication to delivering high-performance, reliable, and eco-friendly solutions.

“Our goal with the L120 Electric was to deliver a machine that not only lives up to but exceeds industry expectations for performance, sustainability, and reliability,” said Johannes Nordgren, product manager at Volvo CE. “Tests in the UAE proved that our electric equipment can withstand extreme conditions and offer customers a sustainable alternative without compromising on power or efficiency.”

Reducing emissions

The L120 Electric is a 6-tonne payload wheel loader, weighing 20 tonnes, built on the proven design of its conventional model.

This electric version matches the power and efficiency of a traditional internal combustion engine, with the added advantage of zero tailpipe emissions, quieter operation, and a more comfortable environment for operators. Equipped with 282 kWh batteries, the L120 Electric offers up to eight hours of runtime for light to medium-duty tasks, making it ideal for indoor use and noise-sensitive locations.

With cutting-edge electric propulsion technology, this model represents a major step forward in reducing both carbon emissions and noise pollution in construction environments.

Acadia supports skills management and development. (Image source: Epicor)

Epicor, a leading provider of industry-focused enterprise software solutions, has acquired Acadia Software, a notable innovator in Connected Worker technologies.

Acadia’s platform empowers frontline employees in manufacturing and supply chain sectors by providing real-time insights and detailed, actionable guidance, helping to streamline operations and improve productivity.

The financial specifics of the deal have not been disclosed.

Acadia’s platform offers a range of benefits that support operational excellence and employee growth. It provides real-time, actionable insights by integrating seamlessly with existing enterprise systems, enabling companies to merge workforce performance data with broader operational metrics.

This approach not only fosters better decision-making but also helps identify opportunities for enhanced efficiency.

Continuous improvement

Additionally, Acadia supports skills management and development, equipping workers with the tools to quickly adopt new processes, software, and equipment. This focus on skill-building contributes to employee growth and career progression.

In line with Epicor’s commitment to operational optimisation and sustainable growth, Acadia promotes continuous improvement by empowering workers to pinpoint inefficiencies, suggest enhancements, and carry out tasks according to established best practices.

“Frontline workers need the digital tools and knowledge necessary to perform their roles efficiently and safely,” said Epicor CEO Steve Murphy. “The acquisition of Acadia furthers Epicor’s commitment to helping businesses across the make, move, and sell industries move beyond simply telling workers what to do, but showing them how to do it effectively to drive stronger productivity and efficiency.”

By integrating Acadia’s capabilities, Epicor customers can empower their frontline teams to execute tasks with precision, providing them with real-time data, digital work instructions, and task management tools that contribute to continuous improvement across their organisations.

“Frontline workers are the backbone of successful companies, and those who can operate independently are more effective, more engaged, and more likely to stay,” said Josh Crone, vice president and chief technology officer at Acadia Software. “Joining Epicor gives us an opportunity to connect even more frontline workers to the tools and know-how they need to work independently, while also providing resources and capabilities to better serve our existing Acadia customers.”