Several manufacturing companies are actively exploring Industry X, which refers to the convergence of advanced technologies, such as:

• Automation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Data analytics
• Digital transformation in the manufacturing sector

These companies are leveraging Industry X technologies to improve operational efficiency, optimise production processes, enable predictive maintenance, enhance product quality, and drive innovation in the manufacturing industry. It's worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other manufacturing companies are actively exploring and adopting Industry X technologies to stay competitive in the digital era.

10. Rockwell Automation

Milwaukee, USA

20,000 employees

CEO: Blake Moret

Revenue: USD$7bn

Rockwell Automation, a leading provider of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, utilises Industry X principles to enable its customers to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. 

The company builds automation and control systems which integrate various industrial components, such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces and sensors, which enable real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes. Rockwell Automation's solutions help streamline operations, reduce downtime and optimise production efficiency.

Rockwell Automation also leverages IIoT technologies to connect machines, devices, and systems across the industrial landscape. 

LinkedIn: Rockwell Automation

Twitter: @ROKAutoEMEA

9. Bosch

Gerlingen-Schillerhöhe, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany

421,000 employees

CEO: Stefan Hartung

Revenue: €78bn

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services, which is divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. 

Bosch embraces the Industry X principles to advance digital transformation and enhance industrial processes. Its robotic solutions are designed to collaborate with humans, performing tasks that require precision, speed and repeatability.

Bosch integrates IoT technologies to connect machines, devices, and systems within industrial environments. The company provides IoT platforms and solutions that enable data collection, analysis and communication. 

LinkedIn: Bosch

Twitter: @BoschGlobal

8. Honeywell 

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

124,000 employees

CEO: Darius Adamczyk

Revenue: USD$35bn

Global technology company Honeywell uses Industry X principles to enhance industrial processes.

Honeywell’s industrial automation solutions enable advanced process monitoring, control and optimisation, which can improve safety in the manufacturing industry.

Its connected devices and sensors allow for data collection and real-time monitoring of industrial equipment and systems. IoT and wireless communication technologies can gather data from various sources, allowing for predictive maintenance.

Honeywell also employs advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to process and analyse large volumes of data collected from industrial processes, which can provide anomaly detection. 

LinkedIn: Honeywell

Twitter: @Honeywell 

7. ABB 

Zurich, Switzerland

96,000 employees

CEO: Bjorn Rosengren

Revenue: USD$29bn

ABB (Asea Brown Boveri) is a pioneer in electrification and automation and is calling for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. ABB operates in robotics, automation, electrification and industrial technology. 

The company is using Industry X principles to transform its industrial robotics, offering a wide range of robots and automation solutions. These robots are designed to work alongside humans, performing repetitive or dangerous tasks, thereby improving productivity, precision and safety in manufacturing.

LinkedIn: ABB

Twitter: @ABBgroupnews

6. Schneider Electric 

Rueil Malmaison, Paris, France

81,000 employees

CEO: Peter Herweck

Revenue: €34bn

Schneider Electric's mission is to ‘Empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all’ - and Industry X can help with that. Schneider Electric uses Industry X to drive digital transformation in many ways.

Using IoT, analytics and cloud technologies, Schneider Electric provides solutions for building automation and control systems. Its industrial automation also helps manufacturers automate and optimise their operations using advanced control systems, industrial IoT and analytics. 

LinkedIn: Schneider Electric

Twitter: @SchneiderElec

5. General Electric 

Boston, USA

50,000 employees

CEO: H. Lawrence Culp Jr.

Revenue: USD$21bn

GE is a global medical technology titan and digital solutions innovator, which enables clinicians to make quicker and better informed decisions through intelligent devices, data analytics, applications and services.

The company has been actively involved in leveraging Industry X to drive digital transformation and innovation in manufacturing.

GE employs digital twin technology, which involves creating virtual replicas of physical assets, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis. By coupling physical assets with digital twins, GE can simulate and optimise performance, predict maintenance needs, and enhance operational efficiency.

LinkedIn: General Electric

Twitter: @generalelectric

4. Cisco Systems

San Jose, USA

99,000 employees

CEO: Chuck Robbins

Revenue: USD$51bn

Founded in 1984 by a small group of Stanford University computer scientists, Cisco is dedicated to helping people make powerful connections and has used Industry X to do this. 

One example is in its networking infrastructure; Cisco provides networking solutions that form the foundation for Industry X. Its network infrastructure supports the connectivity required for IoT devices, data transmission, and cloud computing, enabling seamless communication and data exchange in industries.

LinkedIn: Cisco

Twitter: @Cisco

3. Siemens

Munich, Germany

209,000 employees

CEO: Roland Busch

Revenue: €86bn

From transport to healthcare, manufacturing to infrastructure, Siemens is a technology company focused on building resilient supply chains, smarter buildings, sustainable transportation and a stronger healthcare sector. Siemens actively utilises Industry X to drive digital transformation in many ways and in particular, in the manufacturing sector.

Siemens provides advanced automation and digitalisation solutions for manufacturing processes. Technologies include industrial IoT platforms, digital twins, and advanced analytics, enabling manufacturers to optimise production, improve efficiency and enhance product quality.

LinkedIn: Siemens

Twitter: @Siemens

2. IBM

Armonk, New York, USA

312,000 employees

CEO: Arvind Krishna

Revenue: USD$60bn

IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) was founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and remains one of the world's biggest IT companies.

Through the adoption of emerging technologies, IBM is actively involved in supporting the digital transformation of various industries.

IBM offers solutions for smart manufacturing that leverage AI, IoT and advanced analytics. These technologies help advance production processes, improve quality control, enable predictive maintenance and enhance supply chain management.

IBM’s Watson IoT Platform enables manufacturers to connect and collect data from their devices, sensors, and equipment across the production line. The platform provides real-time visibility into manufacturing operations, enabling predictive maintenance, asset optimisation, and remote monitoring. Manufacturers can leverage the platform's analytics capabilities to gain insights, detect anomalies, and optimise their processes.

LinkedIn: IBM

Twitter: @IBM

1. Microsoft

Redmond, Washington, USA

230,000 employees

CEO: Satya Nadella

Revenue: USD$198bn

Microsoft provides a broad range of products and services. The company also plays a significant role in supporting digital transformation initiatives across various industries. 

In the manufacturing sector, Microsoft offers solutions for intelligent manufacturing that incorporate IoT, data analytics, and AI. These solutions enable manufacturers to optimise their operations, improve productivity, predict maintenance needs and enhance product quality.

Microsoft offers Azure Industrial IoT, a platform that enables manufacturers to connect and gather data from their equipment, devices, and sensors across the production line. This platform allows for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimization of manufacturing processes. It enables manufacturers to collect and analyse data, derive actionable insights and make informed decisions to improve efficiency and productivity.

LinkedIn: Microsoft

Twitter: @Microsoft