Rockwell Automation Accelerates Industrial Innovation in EMEA with Bologna Customer Experience Center

[Cengiz Özemli]

## Rockwell Automation Accelerates Industrial Innovation in EMEA with Bologna Customer Experience Center

Rockwell Automation has opened a new customer experience center in Bologna to help machine builders and end-users overcome challenges in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

The new facility is becoming one of Rockwell Automation's key hubs in EMEA, serving various industry segments such as packaging, material handling, process conversion, and heavy industry.

### Significance of the Bologna Customer Experience Center

The center offers a wide range of solutions through practical experiences, from control, motion, and mechatronics to artificial intelligence, independent vehicle technology, and dynamic digital twins. It also accelerates digital transformation by providing digital strategy planning, expert training, and collaborative innovation opportunities.

Paolo Butti, Rockwell Automation's Regional Director for Global Industry Accounts, stated, "EMEA manufacturers face significant challenges in technology, workforce, and supply chain. The Bologna Center will be a hub that enables OEMs to access the latest innovations, validate solutions in real-world scenarios, and prepare their teams for the future in the face of these challenges."

### Key Findings from Global OEM Research

According to Rockwell Automation's new research, machine builders are struggling with the following industry issues:

• 29% of OEMs cite a lack of suitable technology as an obstacle to achieving their strategic goals.
• Workforce stability: High staff turnover and skill shortages are among the top five challenges for global OEMs, including those in EMEA.
• Unplanned downtime costs: Downtime, estimated at $92,000 per hour globally on average, can be recovered 40% faster with advanced automation.

### Solutions Provided by the Bologna Center

The center supports customers with three main areas:

• Leadership area: High-level collaboration and strategic planning with remote access and live production facility connections.
• Technology and concept validation area: On-site testing and implementation of digital twins, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), and advanced mechatronics solutions.
• Competence area: Bridging the skills gap with technical training, product updates, and workforce development programs.

### About Rockwell Automation

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, with approximately 26,000 employees in over 100 countries. The company aims for a more efficient and sustainable world by combining technology and human ingenuity.