ABB Ltd. - Experts & Thought Leaders

From November 6-8, 2024, RX Greater China will host “6 Connected Shows – A Mega Feast of Innovation” at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre. This event will bring together six pioneering exhibitions, providing a comprehensive platform for innovation and synergy across key industries in the world of advanced manufacturing, including automotive, electronics, smart display and advanced materials industries. Advanced manufacturing and transformation The event offers unparalleled cross-sector opportunities to explore the latest innovations As global manufacturing rapidly evolves, with technologies like AI, automation, and green energy reshaping industries, this Mega Feast comes at a pivotal time. The six interconnected shows, namely Automotive World China, AMTS & AHTE South China, NEPCON Asia, ES Show, C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN, and FILM & TAPE EXPO, will jointly showcase cutting-edge solutions driving industrial transformation and sustainable development. With over 3,500 exhibitors spanning 140,000 square metres across seven halls, the event offers unparalleled cross-sector opportunities to explore the latest innovations, build partnerships and optimise supply chain that will define the future of manufacturing. New elements and cross-border cooperation This year, new exhibition zones such as the Power Semiconductor Packaging Technology Demonstration Area will debut, showcasing breakthroughs in semiconductor packaging. Additionally, CPCA Show Plus 2024 will be co-located thanks to a strategic partnership between RX and the China Printed Circuit Association. The show will cover the entire electronic circuit industry chain and gather pioneering global manufacturers to foster technical exchanges and partnerships. Electronic automation production Attendees discover 1,000 product debuts and innovations from a strong lineup of exhibitors New exhibitors at the Mega Feast will include Sunlord Electronics, TAIYO YUDEN, FAVORED, TDK, ABB, HIWIN, SMIBA, SMC, 3M, DON OPTICS, ZACROS, DESOUTTER,  WELLSAFE, Aerospace-Huayang and many more. Attendees will discover over 1,000 product debuts and innovations from a strong lineup of exhibitors, including Dielektrik UAB, ASMPT, ABB, DOW, Han’s, BYD, etc. The automotive electronic automation production line to be launched by ruhlamat (Changchun) on the show floor cleverly integrates cutting-edge technologies of digital sensing, RFID and AI. JBC will showcase a rechargeable soldering station, which addresses users’ concerns about the battery level during use thanks to its portable design. TCL CSOT’s game-changing 158” MLCD Display will make an impact to onsite visitors. Latest smart driving technology DeepRoute.ai, a pioneering autonomous driving enterprise, will launch the ‘Autonomous Driving Test Ride’ during the AWC exhibition. Test ride routes will cover various scenarios in complex urban environments. Riders will gain a personal experience and insight of the development of the latest smart driving technology while enjoying the convenience and comfort brought by it. International Program for Inspirations Delegations from countries and regions including Sweden and ASEAN will lead discussions Beyond the exhibitions, attendees will devolve into the latest advancements in automotive technology, smart manufacturing, and sustainability at a diversity of international activities and draw inspirations. Delegations from countries and regions including Sweden and ASEAN will lead discussions on cross-border collaboration, investment opportunities, and future trends. Key events include the Sweden Day, focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions of Northern Europe automotive supply chains, and the ASEAN Day and Malaysia Investment Seminar whereby co-operation and investment opportunities in new energy vehicle and ICV will be discussed. Matchmaking sessions with exhibitors The event will also host overseas visitor groups led by organisations such as Business Sweden, the European and American Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Federation of Industries, Vietnam Electronic Industries Association, and Automotive Association of Myanmar. These overseas buyers will attend matchmaking sessions with exhibitors, hold dialogues with peers from around the world, and visit local tech giants such as BYD to experience advanced manufacturing in China on the field. Gain insights from 80+ forums The Mega Feast will feature over 80 trade forums, product launch, and matchmaking sessions The Mega Feast will feature over 80 trade forums, product launch presentations, and matchmaking sessions. Industry pioneers such as Huawei, GAC Group, BYD, OPPO, Midea, Siemens, BOSCH, Valeo, BOE, HSAE will gather to discuss core topics like AI, advanced packaging, automation, new energy vehicles and ICV, semiconductors, highly functional materials, new high-definition display and ESG. The Mega Feast expects 500+ visitor groups from China and abroad attending to source latest automation and digitalisation solutions with the objective to improve production efficiency and build more competitive products. The Mega Feast is the venue to secure new business deals and to forge strategic partnerships. Join the future of innovation Already attracting over 100,000 pre-registered visitors from 100+ countries and regions, including key decision-makers and experts from across ASEAN, Japan, Korea, India, Europe, the 6 Connected Shows promise to be the global platform for the future of manufacturing. They invite them to be part of this exciting innovation-driven Mega Feast in Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley, during Nov 6-8, 2024.

Infosys, a global pioneer in next-generation digital services and consulting, announced the launch of Infosys Aster™ – a set of AI-amplified marketing services, solutions and platforms that deliver engaging brand experiences, enhanced marketing efficiency, and accelerated effectiveness for business growth. It drives AI-led transformation of marketing with integrated, real-time view across customers, brands and channels, enabling companies to increase ROI from marketing. With creative services, experience in design, digital commerce, MarTech orchestration, performance marketing and marketing operations, Infosys Aster™ brings agility to the marketing value chain for B2B and B2C brands. With Infosys Aster™, global brands have realised up to a 50% increase in repeat buyers, a 30% improvement in the cost of marketing operations, and a 40% increase in sales. Deliver engaging brand experiences  Infosys Aster™ helped the business turn millions of fans into lifelong customers Infosys Aster™ delivers lasting connections with its human experience design approach amplified by the power of technology. Utilising advanced technologies like real-time Unreal Engine 3D, AR/VR/XR, and digital twin CGI modelling, it delivers immersive experiences that foster customer intimacy. By taking advantage of AI-powered customer and marketing data platforms, it enables brands to unlock insights from data while also drawing on the power of ecosystems to deepen omnichannel engagement.  For example, as the creative partner for an international racing giant, Infosys Aster™ created a holistic digital ecosystem – with compelling visual experiences that were highly customised for user groups – to boost engagement. Taking advantage of a dynamic content engine along with a simple ticketing system, Infosys Aster™ helped the business turn millions of fans into lifelong customers. Enhance marketing efficiency Boosts efficiencies via marketing shared services by centralising and automating content Infosys Aster™ combines gen AI-amplified content and creative services, intelligent recommendations from the MarTech stack, and marketing insights to deliver cost-effective campaigns faster. It also boosts efficiencies through marketing shared services by centralising and automating content and design operations, reducing time and cost to activate campaigns.  The suite's AI capabilities, powered by Infosys Topaz™, help brands improve channel efficiencies by analysing performance data and adapting strategies in real-time. For example, a global health-tech company took advantage of Infosys Aster™ to accelerate their campaign management cycles – from setup to execution for 80+ markets driving savings in the cost of operations. Accelerate effectiveness for business growth Infosys Aster™ helps businesses create shared digital foundations, by integrating MarTech and enterprise systems, to create new avenues to value for sales and marketing. AI-driven analytics and customer insights help marketers increase customer lifetime value by personalising outreach, nurturing meaningful conversations, and garnering high-quality leads. This supports brands in driving effective lead-generation campaigns, marked by better cross-sell and up-sell opportunities. AI-driven analytics and customer insights help marketers increase customer lifetime value Marketers can also capture demand and nurture repeat purchases with the suite's real-time recommendations based on customer behaviour. Predictive insights also help in influencing pricing strategies. For example, a retail chain used AI-amplified insights from Infosys Aster™ to develop their app-based promotional loyalty program that resulted in a sales boost for them. The digital commerce platform, integral to Infosys Aster™, has a proven record in shaping e-commerce as an enterprise growth lever. Era of AI-first enterprise transformation Satish H C, EVP and Co-head of Delivery, Infosys, said, "Our clients want to tap into new avenues of growth, while deepening customer intimacy, efficiently, in near-real time. They understand the role that modern agile marketing, enabled by data and AI, can play to accelerate their strategy and disintermediate execution. Infosys Aster™ helps our clients' marketing organisations master the duality of marketing effectiveness and marketing efficiency to truly transform into customer-champions and growth-partners." "Businesses need marketing to be their core engine for reimagining customer experience and driving growth. In the era of AI-first enterprise transformation, CMOs have a unique opportunity to be the true C-Suite partner and orchestrator of value across the organisation," said Sumit Virmani, EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer, Infosys. "At Infosys, we count on AI to amplify our capabilities – deepen brand experiences while driving effectiveness and efficiencies. We know that Infosys Aster™ – the same AI-amplified services, solutions and platforms that delivers value for us – can transform marketing into the powerful growth engine CMOs need for it to be." Infosys Aster's AI-led marketing capabilities Peter Bendor-Samuel, Founder & CEO, Everest Group, said, "AI presents immense value to marketers, from driving hyper-personalisation to promising enhanced efficiencies and effectiveness across insights generation, creative workflows, and customer support. This is enabling marketers to not only glean productivity improvements, but also drive growth mandates." "This journey is best enabled by partnering with a service provider that brings together strong tech capabilities with a deep understanding of the marketing domain. Infosys Aster's AI-led marketing capabilities, coupled with Infosys' experience of driving marketing and experience transformations, is well positioned to serve the needs of progressive marketers." Gen AI capabilities of Infosys Topaz™ Infosys' deep industry experience and expertise in connecting the complex enterprise ecosystem Infosys Aster™ has nurtured best-in-class digital agencies, proven AI capabilities, deep industry experience, decades of delivery excellence and a diverse partner ecosystem. WongDoody, Infosys' creative digital innovation agency, brings together unique capabilities in creative consulting, experience design, immersive experiences, and future-proof marketing. Infosys Aster™ uses the AI and gen AI capabilities of Infosys Topaz™ in a 'responsible by design' approach to amplify marketing capabilities and enhance effectiveness of the function.  Infosys' deep industry experience and expertise in connecting the complex enterprise ecosystem to the customer-facing marketing function, while managing organisational change, helps CMOs achieve strong business impact. With over 350 global awards, 20+ design studios, 50+ partners, and 400+ marketing assets including use cases, solutions, and platforms, Infosys Aster™ is accelerating experience, efficiency, and effectiveness for B2B and B2C marketers globally. New creative possibilities with gen AI Björn Schick, Chief Experience Officer and Member of the Executive Board, smart Europe GmbH, said, "At smart Europe, we share a similar value set with our strong partner Infosys Aster™, which prioritises the individual customer experience thanks to sustainable concepts and the appropriate use of technology. In today's dynamic digital landscape, smart must secure a strong presence to connect with customers at every touchpoint. Infosys' human-centered design studio, WongDoody, has developed a performative 3D digital twin-based platform for us." "This platform creates personalised customer journeys with our vehicles, enhancing the experience and unlocking new creative possibilities with gen AI. It simplifies and economises the production of on-demand personalised visual content, increasing our flexibility to present and promote our brand and its growing product portfolio effectively to customers worldwide." Predictability of engagement "Infosys Aster™ is bringing expertise to help us reimagine, engineer, and activate best-in-class omnichannel experiences for our customers, partners, and prospects enabling them to quickly access the relevant and up-to-date information they need." "We see the potential of AI to amplify these capabilities and significantly raise the bar in the delivery of personalised content, ensuring predictability of engagement. We are elevating the way we connect with our customers and how our customers connect with us," said Tom Portman, Group VP, Online Transformation and Group Head of Digital Channels, ABB.

Some 260 leading exhibitors are all set to welcome trade buyers in Taipei from 26 – 28 April 2023, with a cutting-edge display of smart security products across 15,120 sqm of exhibition space. Over the next three days, trade buyers will filter through the Secutech fairground to source from a wide range of smart safety and security solutions integrated with AI, 5G, and IoT technologies. Biometrics, 5G communications, surveillance systems with embedded sensors, and cloud data analysis technology will also be in wide supply. As Asia’s leading business platform for these types of solutions, Secutech is currently the trending subject among security industry players. Secutech 2023 “We are excited to open the doors of Secutech 2023 tomorrow, which promises to be a pivotal trade platform for industry players. With a focus on the latest advancements in AI, IoT, and 5G, Secutech brings together suppliers from Taiwan and all corners of the world to showcase the most cutting-edge products and solutions." "The re-opening of borders in Taiwan has unlocked opportunities for overseas buyers to attend the trade fair, and we’ve received a significant increase in international participation this year as a result," says Ms. Regina Tsai, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd – Taiwan Branch. New solutions Held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre, the fair promises to be busy with high-level business discussions Held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre, the fair promises to be busy with high-level business discussions. International exhibitors such as ABB, Algatec, Avigilon, CYPE, LHD, Metapix, Network Optix, Vaxtor, and VCA will make appearances to showcase their new solutions and catch up with old industry friends. A line-up of well-known industrial control system suppliers such as Delta, Konten Networks, Lex Computech, Moxa, and Vecow will also be present. Fair attendees With so many industry heavyweights participating, more than 15,000 local and international dealers, distributors, systems integrators, and end users are expected to source at the fairground. This includes overseas buyers from countries and regions such as Australia, Cambodia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and Thailand. New zones reflect expanding business potential With smart technology gaining an increasingly important role in the safety and security industry, new pavilions and zones have been introduced to spotlight the industry’s new areas of growth. These include the AI Club House, the IoT Cybersecurity Certified Product Showcase, and the 5G & Communication Pavilion. AI Club House AI Club House brings together a collection of AI solutions for security, featuring smart surveillance systems The AI Club House brings together a collection of AI solutions for security, featuring smart surveillance systems with facial and voice recognition, and crowd management. It also includes intelligent transportation systems, school safety management, shipment tracking systems, industrial safety, and environmental detection. Highlighted exhibitors at this zone include AIRA, Corsight AI, FS-TECH, Harbor Technology Solutions, NUUO, Panasonic, Profet AI Technology, Smallpearl, and TDV-Triple Domain Vision. IoT Cybersecurity Certified Product Showcase The IoT Cybersecurity Certified Product Showcase will present NDAA (National Defence Authorisation Act) compliant smart security surveillance system products. 5G & Communication Pavilion The 5G & Communication Pavilion will highlight the vertical market applications of 5G private networks integrated with AI and IoT technology. Beyond the booths: concurrent events and fringe events The show will also host the three concurrent events of Mobility, Fire & Safety, and SMAbuilding, as well as over 100 conference and seminar sessions focusing on six topics: security, industrial safety, fire safety & disaster prevention, smart building, smart transportation, and smart mobility solutions. Held in parallel with the show, two international summits will bring mobility and disaster prevention into focus, namely the Asia-Pacific Intelligent Rail Transport in Urban Areas Summit and the 2023 Asia Pacific Smart Disaster Prevention Summit. International business connections A one-on-one business matching programme between exhibitors and overseas visitors will be arranged to meet Generating the most relevant international business connections is another priority for this edition of Secutech. A one-on-one business matching programme between exhibitors and overseas visitors will be arranged to meet this pent-up demand. The meetings will connect buyers with suppliers focusing on a variety of projects from buildings to factories and transportation applications. Safety and security Safety and security are increasingly important basic needs and, therefore, stand for a growing global market. With ten trade fairs, congresses, and forums around the world, Messe Frankfurt brings together demand and supply worldwide with progressive, connected products, applications, and services focusing on commercial security and the protection of buildings, spaces, and people. The Safety, Security & Fire business cluster offers access to the dynamic markets of the Arabian Peninsula, Asia, Europe, and South America.

Recent cyber-attacks have disabled and even shut down physical assets. Robust foundational security and training staff, able to recognise an attack can help mitigate the threat, as ABB’s Rob Putman explains. Edge devices and data analytics As cyber security specialists, we must navigate an ever-changing threat landscape, one that is made even more complex by the increased interconnectivity between Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT), as companies look to leverage edge devices and data analytics, as well as remote connectivity, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the threat surface evolves, the industry must guard against attacks on key physical infrastructure, carried out by a range of malicious actors, including nation states and criminals intent on blackmail. The chemicals sector, a high-value target for cyber-criminals Cyber-criminals view the chemicals sector, as a high-value target, because of the potential cost In 2017, not long after a ransomware attack that targeted Maersk, the world’s largest shipping firm, made the news around the world. Another cyber-attack, this time targeting physical industrial assets, generated fewer headlines, and yet could have resulted in both real, as well as financial, damage. Cyber-criminals view the chemicals sector, as a high-value target, because of the potential cost, both financial and reputational, to the operator, should production be interrupted or stopped entirely. Cyber security vulnerabilities put physical assets at risk The attack in question, a ‘Triton’ custom malware attack on a petro-chemical facility in Saudi Arabia, targeted a safety system, taking over system controllers. Bugs in the code triggered an emergency shutdown, but could have led to the release of toxic and explosive gases. It was a vivid reminder of how cyber security vulnerabilities are increasingly putting companies’ key physical assets at risk. Two more-recent high-profile incidents illustrate my point. In February, a Florida water treatment plant was hacked. The malicious actor remotely accessed the system for three to five minutes, during which time they opened various functions on the screen, including one that controls the amount of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in the water. The hacker changed the NaOH from about 100 parts per million to 11,100 parts per million, which could have resulted in a mass poisoning event. Colonial Pipeline cyber-attack incident Then, in May, the Colonial Pipeline system that originates in Houston, Texas and carries gasoline, and jet fuel, suffered a ransomware attack. Using a VPN, hackers targeted back-office IT systems, forcing Colonial to shut down IT hosts and network infrastructure, severing communication with those OT systems that are responsible for communicating ‘transactional data’ associated with fuel delivery. In this instance, a single compromised password disrupted Colonial’s ability to invoice its customers. This dependency on OT data stopped pipeline and business operations, and the company was elected to pay the hackers an initial ransom of US$ 4.4 million, in order to restore operations. The Colonial attack was multi-dimensional, in that it not only impacted Colonial’s business, but also the wider US economy and national security, since the pipeline transports nearly half of the east coast's fuel supplies. Outdated IT system elevates physical risk The increased interconnectivity between IT and OT can also create vulnerabilit Attacks such as these prove that, armed with little more than a laptop, an email account and access to the dark web, determined hackers can cause disproportionate damage to physical infrastructure. As mentioned at the outset, the increased interconnectivity between IT and OT can also create vulnerability. Producers often want to know: Is it risky to connect a production asset or their operational environment to the Cloud? My answer is, if you do so without having done any risk audits around people, processes and technology, or without enhancing and maintaining that environment, then yes, that is risky. For example, we often observe that the life cycle of a production asset far outlasts the IT systems that are used to run it. Take a cement kiln. Several generations of plant operators may have come and gone, but that asset may still run, using legacy software, such as Windows XP and why not? Need to replace aging distributed control systems Well, that’s fine, if you are not concerned about having that asset compromised, and all that entails. A ‘flat’ IT network, an aging distributed control system, and machines with legacy versions of Microsoft Windows, all these elements, which are still commonplace in many industries, make it much easier for attackers to find and infiltrate a company, without needing sophisticated tools. The age-old mantra of not interfering with a piece of equipment or software that appears to be working, often applies to the individual assets. For example that cement kiln that are still controlled by the same Windows XP-based control software. However, if we’re honest, things have changed quite a bit, not because something was broken, but because innovation came in. That same kiln control system is most likely connected to other systems, than when first commissioned and that opens it to exposure to threats that it was never designed for. The human element There is a misconception that IoT-connected devices can open companies to risk There is a misconception that IoT-connected devices can open companies to risk, but many recent, high-profile cyber-attacks have been conducted from a laptop, by hacking someone’s VPN, or are a simple phishing/malware attack. In all these cases, the human element is partly to blame. Take the Florida attack. The compromised computer at the water treatment facility was reportedly running an outdated Windows 7 operating system and staff all used the same password, in order to gain remote access via the Teamviewer app, which the hacker was then able to use. Physical and human assets, key to robust cyber security Discussion on the best way to mitigate the threat is often framed solely around specific technical solutions and ignores the fact that robust foundational cyber security is really driven by two very different, but equally important, types of capital: physical assets (e.g. production machinery), and human assets. The truth is that smart digital software and industry-renowned cyber security applications, while critical, are in many cases, only as good as the weakest human link in the chain. Industry would, therefore, do well to ask itself the following question: Do we have a security problem, or a complacency problem? At this juncture, it is important to point out that the majority of companies that ABB works with, are at least aware of the threat posed by cyber attackers, and the potential impact of an attack, on their revenues, reputation and bottom line. User error and human-generated exposures Making sure staff are aware of the threat and training them to respond properly, if they are targeted, is vital However, user error and human-generated exposures are where most of these attacks occur. Those human failures are mostly not due to malicious intent from employees, but to the lack of training of the employees on secure behavior. Making sure staff are aware of the threat and training them to respond properly, if they are targeted, is vital. However, there are also age demographics at play here. Much of the operations employee base is heading towards retirement and often, there is no plan or ability to backfill these people. Need to invest in new digital and automated technologies If you think you don't have enough people now, in order to stay on top of basic care and feeding of the OT environment, with regards to security, what is that going to be like in 20 years? For this reason, there must be a major industry reset, when it comes to its workforce. Companies must invest in new digital and automated technologies, not only to ensure that they stay ahead of the curve and mitigate risk, but also to attract the next generation of digitally literate talent. Robust cyber security is built on solid foundations When we talk about foundational cyber security, we mean fundamentals, such as patching, malware protection, high-fidelity system backups, an up-to-date anti-virus system, and other options, such as application allow-listing and asset inventory. These basic controls can help companies understand their system setup and the potential threats, identify vulnerabilities, and assess their risk exposure. The Pareto principle states that around 80% of consequences come from 20% of the causes. In the context of cyber security, that means 80% of exposure to risk comes from 20% of the lack of security. If companies do the foundational things right, they can manage out a significant amount of this risk. Importance of maintaining and upgrading security controls However, having basic security controls, such as anti-virus software in place, is just the first step on that journey. Equally important is having someone within the organisation, with the requisite skill set, or the extra labour bandwidth, to operate, maintain and update those security controls, as they evolve. Educating, training and recruiting existing employees, and the next generation of talent, along with forging partnerships with trusted technology providers, will ensure that industry can leverage the latest digital technologies, in order to drive business value, and secure physical assets against cyber-attacks.