We want to hear from you: Real-world impacts on automation and control engineering

AI-driven automation, digital twin adoption and more are reshaping control system architectures and workforce skills

Jan. 12, 2026

Business growth strategy ideas for 2026 with goal planning, KPI performance, data analytics, innovation, smart technology solutions, startup development, investment forecasts, insights into future

Process control engineers are operating at the intersection of rapidly evolving technology and unprecedented global change. In early 2026, developments such as the acceleration of AI-driven automation, widespread adoption of digital twins, manufacturing reshoring, and ongoing supply-chain volatility are directly influencing how processing plants are designed, operated and optimized. These forces are reshaping everything from control system architectures and data flows to maintenance strategies and workforce skills.

This quiz is designed to help control engineers reflect on how current world events and industry trends are translating into real, practical impacts on automation and control in processing industries.