Schneider Electric’s Global VP Aurelien Le Sant: Industrial Automation Requires Multi-Technology Integration

Schneider Electric Showcases Smart Industrial Solutions at Hannover Messe

Schneider Electric is making a strong presence at Hannover Messe 2025, presenting its theme: “Connecting the Industrial Value Chain, Shaping Industrial Impact.” Through real-world applications, the company demonstrates how integrated automation and electrification solutions optimize industrial processes.

Schneider Electric’s Global VP Aurelien Le Sant: Industrial Automation Requires Multi-Technology Integration

One highlight is a circular dairy manufacturing park, showcasing Schneider Electric’s end-to-end lifecycle solutions. From crop cultivation and livestock management to milk production and waste treatment, visitors gain a clear view of Schneider Electric’s automation capabilities and comprehensive service ecosystem.

Seamless Integration of Digitalization, AI, and Data in Industrial Automation

During an exclusive interview with MM Modern Manufacturing, Aurelien Le Sant, Global VP of Industrial Automation Innovation & Technology at Schneider Electric, emphasized that industrial digitalization is not just a concept—it is embedded across the entire product lifecycle.

At both the beginning and end of the lifecycle, data continuity plays a crucial role. Data is collected, tracked, and analyzed at every stage. Schneider Electric offers solutions at each level, enabling local process optimization and global data integration for precise system adjustments.

Edge Intelligence: The Key to Overcoming Data Silos and Latency

Edge intelligence is often called “the last mile of Industry 4.0”, addressing challenges like data silos and latency in traditional manufacturing. According to Aurelien Le Sant, strict data management is essential for industrial digitalization.

Schneider Electric adopts OPC UA, a widely used industrial communication protocol, ensuring contextualized data interpretation. This is the first and most critical step in industrial automation. The next step is computing power deployment at different levels based on operational needs.

For instance, in quality inspection, real-time integration of quality control algorithms and process control algorithms is crucial. It allows immediate production line adjustments, improving product quality while reducing waste. To address latency issues, Schneider Electric integrates localized computing power. However, big data processing demands will grow, making cloud computing increasingly valuable.

Using AVEVA’s industrial software, Schneider Electric provides companies with predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making capabilities. This enables businesses to react to future events, analyze past performance, and optimize operations accordingly.

AI and Sustainability: A Dual Focus for the Future

Sustainability is at the core of Schneider Electric’s strategy. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in enhancing both sustainability and operational efficiency—two sides of the same coin.

• Improving quality reduces waste

• Optimized management boosts productivity

• Maximizing operational benefits while ensuring resource efficiency

By applying AI-powered automation, Schneider Electric enhances sustainability at every stage—from raw material sourcing to final product delivery.

The Future of Industrial Automation: Multi-Technology Synergy

Looking ahead to the next 3–5 years, Schneider Electric will continue shifting from hardware-centric solutions to flexible edge control systems. The company is committed to seamless hardware-software integration, enabling adaptive environments and smooth deployments.

With the rise of edge computing, 5G, and AI, Schneider Electric envisions greater synergy between emerging technologies. AI is becoming integral to almost every industrial application. Future advancements will empower engineers with faster application development tools, boosting productivity and sustainability.

Industrial progress will not rely on a single breakthrough technology but on the collaboration of multiple innovations. AI is inseparable from edge computing, as real-time processing is critical for flexible control. Similarly, wireless and 5G technologies are crucial for dynamic load management.

The key to driving industrial automation forward lies in integrating diverse technologies to harness their full potential. Only through multi-technology synergy can the industry achieve new milestones and unlock the future of smart manufacturing.