DigiKey Launches Season 4 of Factory Tomorrow Video Series: Exploring the Future of Industrial Automation

DigiKey, a leading global distributor of technical components and automation products, has announced the launch of Season 4 of its popular Factory Tomorrow video series. Sponsored by Siemens and Banner Engineering, the latest season delves into the future of industrial automation and how cutting-edge technologies are shaping the global manufacturing landscape.

Season 4 explores groundbreaking innovations, highlighting the role of digital transformation, AI, and machine learning in enhancing production efficiency and enabling real-time operational insights. Through this series, DigiKey, Siemens, and Banner Engineering showcase how their solutions are pushing the boundaries of modern manufacturing.

The Modern Factory: Driven by Innovation and Data

Today’s manufacturing environments are increasingly defined by advanced technology that improves production efficiency while providing crucial operational insights. Season 4 of the Factory Tomorrow video series dives into the technological advancements pioneered by industry giants like Siemens and Banner Engineering. These innovations are not only improving the speed and efficiency of production but are also enabling manufacturers to gain actionable data insights that transform daily operations.

Eric J. Halvorson on the Next Frontier of Manufacturing

Eric J. Halvorson, senior marketing technology manager at DigiKey, highlighted the rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape: “Looking ahead at the products and technologies shaping the world of manufacturing, we are on the cusp of a new frontier.” Halvorson underscored DigiKey’s commitment to partnering with leading manufacturers like Siemens and Banner Engineering to ensure that customers have fast access to critical automation solutions.

DigiKey’s unique role in distributing automation products allows customers to quickly put new technologies to use, enabling them to keep up with the ever-increasing demands of modern production environments.

Siemens: Enabling Adaptive Production

Chris Stevens, senior vice president of automation at Siemens, emphasized the importance of resilience and responsiveness in today’s manufacturing processes. He explained that production capabilities need to be adaptive to meet evolving market needs. Stevens highlighted how Siemens provides manufacturers with a comprehensive portfolio for designing, automating, and executing production across industries. By partnering with DigiKey, Siemens enables thousands of manufacturers to access these innovative solutions, furthering their journey toward adaptive and future-ready production.

Banner Engineering: Innovation with a Low-Risk Approach

Banner Engineering’s director of marketing, Bob Bergsgaard, shared insights into their strategy for industrial automation: “The factory of tomorrow looks different for everyone. One path that we often talk about is to think big, start small and scale fast.” This scalable approach allows manufacturers to test new automation solutions with minimal risk, enabling quick implementation.

Bergsgaard pointed out that partnering with DigiKey provides customers with access to Banner Engineering’s wide range of solutions, such as sensors, industrial wireless, lighting, machine safety, and connectivity products. These plug-and-play solutions offer a flexible and fast approach to testing and adopting new technologies, ensuring manufacturers can experiment and innovate at their own pace.

Video 1: Manufacturing the Digital Thread

The first video in the series, Manufacturing the Digital Thread, explores how Siemens is driving digital transformation within the manufacturing industry. The episode focuses on how AI, machine learning, and digital twins are being used to create digital representations of complex manufacturing processes. These technologies enable real-time simulation, data analysis, and predictive maintenance, which are key to building the smart factories of tomorrow.

Video 2: Breaking Through with Industrial IoT

The second video, Breaking Through with Industrial IoT, highlights Banner Engineering’s leadership in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies. The episode showcases how Banner’s plug-and-play solutions for wireless connectivity, machine safety, and sensing devices are revolutionizing factory automation. By allowing machines to communicate seamlessly, these IIoT solutions boost efficiency, extend asset longevity, and simplify the implementation of automation systems.

Video 3: The Future of the Factory Floor

The final video, The Future of the Factory Floor, wraps up the series by examining how DigiKey, Siemens, and Banner Engineering envision the next generation of intelligent manufacturing. It covers the integration of AI, real-time data analysis, and enhanced human-computer interaction as the key drivers of innovation on the factory floor. These technologies are expected to close operational gaps, streamline production, and further enhance automation capabilities.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Global Manufacturing

DigiKey’s Factory Tomorrow video series, in collaboration with Siemens and Banner Engineering, provides valuable insights into the next wave of industrial automation solutions. By focusing on AI, IIoT, and adaptive production systems, Season 4 uncovers how the latest technologies are reshaping the future of manufacturing. As global manufacturers strive for greater efficiency, resiliency, and technological integration, DigiKey remains at the forefront, providing access to the tools and solutions that will drive the factories of tomorrow.

To watch the full series and learn more about how DigiKey is supporting innovation in industrial automation, visit the DigiKey website.