5 Takeaways from Automate 2025
By Tim Zarkovacki, Systems Architect at InTec Consultants LLC
As a Systems Architect at InTec Consultants, I have the privilege of working at the intersection of software, hardware, and innovation every day. Automate 2025 felt like a glimpse into the future—where the walls between systems are coming down, and the possibilities are opening up. I love this industry, and seeing so much momentum toward openness, flexibility, and smarter software reaffirmed why I’m in it.
Here are five trends from Automate 2025 that stood out and are worth watching closely:
1. Open Integration Is Breaking Down Barriers
Gone are the days of walled gardens in automation. Equipment and robotics vendors are embracing open integration, allowing for mixed-vendor environments with fewer software silos. This is a huge win for manufacturers who no longer need a different tool for each device in their production line. It’s also a strategic move for OEMs: even if they don’t own the full stack, they can stay relevant by offering robust software tools that work seamlessly with others.
2. Hardware Costs Are Leveling Out
Talking with hardware vendors at the show, a common theme emerged: hardware pricing is stabilizing. Thanks to higher production volumes and healthy competition, the cost curve is flattening. This is allowing manufacturers to shift their R&D focus from hardware to software, creating more value from the same platforms. Expect future differentiation to come increasingly from code, not components.
3. Simulation Tools Are Approaching Reality
One of the most exciting developments I saw was in robotic simulation software. As someone with a background in both software and hardware, it was thrilling to see how close today’s simulation environments are to the real thing. Companies like NVIDIA are enabling realistic digital twins, giving integrators the ability to test and iterate without disrupting production—or even needing hardware. This is a game-changer for both professionals and learners. Students, hobbyists, and future automation engineers now have access to tools that let them build and test in ways we could only dream about a few years ago.
4. Automation Teams Are Going “Full Stack” with Software Development Practices
Software engineering best practices like version control, unit testing, DevOps, and collaborative IDEs are finally making their way into automation engineering. The rise of the Society of Automation Software Engineers (SASE) is helping lead the charge, building a community around shared toolsets and standards. Their Slack channel alone is worth checking out.
Companies like Siemens are also contributing by building platforms like SIMATIC AX, which integrates with Visual Studio Code—bringing modern development environments to the world of PLC programming.
If you’re in automation, now’s the time to sharpen your software chops.
5. Robots Still Can’t Beat Humans—Yet
Despite major advancements in robotic dexterity and coordination, we’re still not at human-level performance when it comes to flexibility and precision. Robots shine in long hours and repetitive tasks—but in terms of adaptability and complex movement, humans still have the edge.
That said, with workforce shortages continuing, robotic systems are filling crucial gaps, and will only continue to grow in value.
Final Thought:
Automate 2025 reinforced something important—the future of automation is as much about software as it is about hardware. Whether you’re a manufacturer, system integrator, or developer, the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and transform the industry has never been greater.
This industry has given me the chance to help clients design smarter systems, connect devices that once couldn’t talk, and implement automation that delivers real value. I’m more excited than ever to be part of it.
If you’re curious about where it’s all going—especially in software-defined automation—check out the work from SASE, or feel free to connect with me to swap ideas.
Let’s build the future—together.