Small tech, big impact: delivering precision in harsh industrial operations

From measuring emissions to boosting efficiency and enhancing plant safety, modern instrumentation often works quietly behind the scenes — yet its impact can be huge. Following on from discovering how the ‘Hidden heroes’ of Industry are created, we ask how these instruments have such a big impact?   How do they integrate into the bigger picture to make operations more efficient? And how can they help industries operating in hazardous environments run leaner and cleaner?   These are some of the questions Fran will be exploring as we ask the question, ‘How do small-scale instruments deliver large-scale impact in extreme industrial conditions?’   In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by:  Dr Carlos López-Gómez - Head of Policy Links, IfM Engage at The University of Cambridge  Shanthala Kamath, Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In industries where extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and high-pressure environments are the norm, specialized instrumentation technologies are making a massive difference.  From compact sensors monitoring temperature in chemical reactors, to advanced instrumentation systems that minimize water loss in pipelines, these technologies are driving huge gains in safety, efficiency and sustainability.  In this episode, we shine a light on these small but mighty technologies that keep the world’s toughest industrial environments running.   To uncover the story behind these ‘hidden heroes’, we’re joined by Shanthala Kamath, R&D Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB Measurement and Analytics. She takes us inside the world of R&D (Research & Development) to explore how these innovations are created, tested, and what they could mean for the future of smart instrumentation.  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise: The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s usually the one asking the questions – but in this episode, the mic is turned.  After four seasons of hosting The Process Automation Podcast, Fran Scott is joined by guest host Margarita Sjursen, Head of External Communications at ABB’s Process Automation business area, to take a closer look at the person behind the questions.   We explore how Fran became a science communicator, engineering expert and podcast host – and reflect on what drives her passion for making complex topics engaging, accessible, and most importantly – fun!  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology advancements have driven transformative evolution for industrial automation, but the benefits of modernization must be weighed against the cost of interruption to plant operations.  In this bonus episode, host Fran Scott is joined by Christopher Leinen, Chief Technology Officer at PLT Networks, to explore how industrial facilities can strike the balance between innovation and continuity.   Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Process automation is everywhere – powering the essential industries we rely on every day, from energy and metals to water and beyond.   In this episode, we explore the critical role of automation, and ask the question: “As demands for energy and materials grow, how does automation keep the world’s most essential industries running – safely, efficiently and without interruption?”  In this episode, host Fran Scott is joined by:  Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB  Nico Duursema, CEO of Cerilon   Sam Eklöf, Automation Engineer at Käppälaförbundet  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, we revisit the future of metals through the lens of experience. Frederik Esterhuizen, Business Line Manager at ABB, reflects on his 30-year journey in the metals sector: from the biggest shifts he’s witnessed in the industry to what 'future-proofing' really means today. He also shares his advice for the next generation entering the metals world. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Metals enable progress. They are essential to everything that shapes our daily lives, from infrastructure and transport to high technology. But with demand rising, how can the industry adapt to meet these needs in a responsible way? What steps will help to future-proof the sector? And why are automation, electrification and digitalization vital for the future of the metals industry?   In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by: - Helena Malmqvist, Research Manager at Jernkontoret - Frederik Esterhuizen, Metals Business Line Manager at ABB Process Industries - Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of industrial automation begins with the Industrial Revolution, when machines first replaced human muscle, and extends to today’s advanced systems that operate some of the most complex industrial infrastructures on the planet.   In today’s bonus episode, we explore that evolution through the eyes of the control room operator – tracing their journey from hands-on manual control to high-level system optimization.   Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB, joins host Fran Scott on the podcast today to delve into automation’s engineering and innovating milestones.   Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The industrial workplace is evolving rapidly with increasing automation and digitalization of operations. How can organizations ensure that their existing workforce is not left behind?  Why is it crucial for companies to upskill their existing workforce? How does empowering current employees with new skills benefit the next generation workforce?  Join podcast host Fran Scott, and April Whitson, Global Head of HR at ABB Process Industries, to delve deeper into the subject of upskilling the existing workforce as the world is changing. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology plays a key role in accelerating the energy transition. Yet, the true driving force is people: without human courage, curiosity, and care, innovations would remain idle theory. Across industry sectors, people aren’t just adapting to change – they are leading it, pushing boundaries to create a better future. So, how can industry attract, develop, and retain the next generation of engineers and innovators to accelerate the future of the energy transition? And how can they balance this with the need to upskill and support current employees as they adapt to the demands of the digital age? To find answers, The Process Automation Podcast host Fran Scott is joined by: Margareta Drzeniek, Managing Partner at HORIZON GroupApril Whitson, Global Head of HR at ABB Process IndustriesKim Sunna, Production Manager at LKAB Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.