Open Automation Is Finally Happening: Real-World Proof from Universal Automation

Hosted by Industry Innovators – Stories from the Manufacturing Frontlines

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In this new episode of Practitioners Unplugged, recorded live at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit North America, we cut through the buzzwords around IT/OT convergence and get practical about what’s actually working in the field.

We’re joined by Greg Boucaud, CMO of Universal Automation Network, and Renato Silva, CEO of Aimirim, to unpack how open automation is moving from industry ambition to real deployments across brownfield and greenfield operations.

This conversation explores how leading organizations are:

  • Decoupling hardware and software to future-proof automation investments
  • Scaling advanced process control and AI without ripping and replacing legacy systems
  • Treating PLCs as infrastructure, not innovation bottlenecks
  • Driving measurable efficiency gains without vendor lock-in

You’ll also hear real-world examples from global manufacturers deploying open automation across multiple sites and countries—proving that this shift is no longer theoretical, and no longer optional.

If you’re responsible for long-lifecycle assets, digital transformation roadmaps, or capital investment decisions, this episode offers a grounded look at how automation architectures are evolving—and how leaders are navigating that change with confidence.

06.02.2026
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