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Industry Optimized
30 episodes
Upskilling the industrial workforce for the age of AI
Ep 4 · Jun 24, 2026 · 36 min
Digital innovations and AI are transforming industrial workplaces, paving the way towards autonomous operations. But how do we balance the expectations of the next generation with the needs of existing employees – and give industrial operators practical ways to accelerate digital adoption? In this episode of Industry Optimized, host Fran Scott speaks to David Lincoln, Digital Lead at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division. Together they discuss how to upskill today’s work…
Small reactors, big opportunites: scaling nuclear power
Ep 3 · May 20, 2026 · 25 min
With global electricity demand on the rise, the need for reliable power is becoming increasingly critical. Nuclear power is fast emerging as a critical part of this future infrastructure, with small modular reactors, or SMRs, gaining particular attention. Scalable, flexible and able to provide consistently high load factors, SMRs are emerging as an important technology for a reliable, low-carbon energy system. In this episode of Industry Optimized, host Fran Scott speaks to Jacob Ste…
How digital tools support human talent in shipping
Ep 2 · Apr 20, 2026 · 22 min
Digitalization is transforming the shipping industry - but its true power lies in supporting human expertise. Technology helps crews when navigating routes - it enables them to make smarter, safer, and more effective decisions. But how can digital tools empower human talent without overshadowing it? In this episode of Industry Optimized, host Fran Scott sits down with Jesper Lögdström, CEO of Oversea Fleet Support, to explore real-world examples where digital platforms and…
Towards Autonomous Industrial Operations
Ep 1 · Mar 18, 2026 · 44 min
Autonomous industrial operations might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie: a factory running in the dark, machines quietly humming and everything ticking along without a single person on the floor. But in reality, autonomy isn’t about replacing people. On the contrary: it’s about amplifying human expertise. In this episode, host Fran Scott sits down with Peter Terwiesch, President of Automation at ABB, and Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President for Global Man…
Welcome to Industry Optimized
Mar 11, 2026 · 1 min
What will the world’s most essential industries look like tomorrow? From energy and water to materials and transportation, how can technology help industries outrun – leaner and cleaner? Join scientist and host Fran Scott as she speaks with leading industry experts to uncover how automation, electrification and digitalization enable some of the largest and most complex industrial operations on the planet – and asks what will future of industry really look like…
From Big Questions To Innovation - A Look Back At This Season's Conversations
Ep 8 · Dec 10, 2025 · 10 min
Throughout this season of The Process Automation Podcast, we’ve uncovered how experts around the world are rethinking the future of production in heavy industry. In the final bonus episode for this season, host Fran Scott steps back to revisit some of the standout ideas and insights that really made us stop and think. From digital tools reshaping everyday operations to the evolving nature of industrial work itself, you'll be hearing highlights from: April Whitson, Global Head of…
Re-Routing The Seas - From Data To Delivery
Ep 8 · Dec 3, 2025 · 27 min
The ocean is unpredictable, but smarter digital routing is transforming how ships navigate it to ensure safety of passengers, crew and cargo. From real-time weather insights to automated voyage optimization, routing services are evolving to help vessels save fuel, reduce emissions, and improve safety at sea. And as progress accelerates, we’re asking the big question: What technologies will shape the future of ocean routing? In this season’s finale, Michael Greavette…
From Byproduct to Bioenergy - How Pulp and Paper Is Turning the Page For a Circular Future
Ep 7 · Nov 21, 2025 · 31 min
In our previous episode, we explored how fiber is being used in new and unexpected ways beyond traditional paper production. Today, we’re continuing that story, looking at how the same spirit of innovation is transforming the entire pulp and paper industry. For decades, this sector has quietly been a pioneer in bioenergy and biomaterials. Through its evolution from traditional manufacturing sites into modern, self-sufficient biorefineries - and supported by active, long-term forestry that…
Reimagining Fiber - From Paper to Bio-Innovation
Ep 7 · Oct 31, 2025 · 19 min
Fiber is no longer just about paper. Across industries, wood and cellulose are being transformed into advanced biomaterials, sustainable textiles, and renewable energy sources. These innovations are reshaping how we think about circular production, reducing fossil dependency, and unlocking new business opportunities. In this bonus episode we are asking Stefan Thorburn, Senior Principal Scientist at ABB Corporate Research, how is this shift happening and what role is technology playing in enablin…
The Rise Of Marine Digitalization - Smart Ships, Smarter Operations
Ep 6 · Oct 10, 2025 · 29 min
In our last episode, we looked at how shipping - one of the world’s oldest industries - has evolved, with digital technology driving much of that change. Safety, efficiency, and sustainability remain the big drivers. Today’s ships benefit from smarter logistics, predictive maintenance, and real-time tracking. But taking digitalization further in such a complex sector isn’t easy. New and existing technologies must integrate seamlessly to keep operations safe, resilie…
The Digital Seafarer - From Compass To AI
Ep 6 · Sep 24, 2025 · 10 min
Shipping is one of the world’s oldest industries, moving 80% of global trade and linking millions of people. But while seafarers’ mission hasn’t changed, the way ships are run has. Digitalization is reshaping maritime operations: smarter logistics, predictive maintenance, real-time tracking, and energy management. Modern ships are now “systems of systems,” where navigation, propulsion, and communications must work seamlessly together. In this bonus episo…
Small tech, big impact - delivering precision in harsh industrial operations
Ep 5 · Sep 10, 2025 · 19 min
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 cleane…
Hidden Heroes of Industrial Innovation
Ep 5 · Aug 13, 2025 · 11 min
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 kee…
Get to know our host, Fran Scott
Jul 30, 2025 · 26 min
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 f…
The Automation Balancing Act - Innovation Without Downtime
Jul 16, 2025 · 11 min
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 nev…
Automation In Action - Built To Last, Designed To Evolve
Ep 2 · Jul 2, 2025 · 34 min
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, S…
Forging Innovation - 30 Years of Lessons in Metals
Ep 3 · Jun 11, 2025 · 11 min
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…
Future-Proofing Metals - The Backbone of Progress
Ep 3 · May 28, 2025 · 30 min
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 Jernkonto…
A Brief History of Industrial Automation and Control
Ep 2 · Apr 23, 2025 · 18 min
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 Pro…
Reskilling Today's Industrial Workforce
Ep 1 · Apr 9, 2025 · 16 min
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…
Driving Change - The People Behind The Energy Transition
Ep 1 · Mar 26, 2025 · 31 min
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 th…
Truths and lies about... Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
Ep 6 · Dec 18, 2024 · 7 min
Can CSS really help to combat the emissions from the hard-to-abate industries? What will the adoption of CCS in industry look like? How will policy play into the landscape of CCS development? What are the key aspects of the future of CCS and the role of the next generation in driving the energy transition? Join podcast host Fran Scott, and Dr Colin Hale from Imperial College London to debunk some of the lies and discuss the truths about Carbon capture and storage (CCS). &n…
Capture, Utilise, Store - Harnessing Carbon Emissions with CCS
Ep 6 · Dec 11, 2024 · 30 min
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has an important role to play in the energy transition – especially in helping decarbonize traditional energy and industrial infrastructure. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and then transporting these, either by ship or pipeline, to be stored underground. But how can this technology help address industrial emissions at scale? And can innovations such as digital twins help advance the CCS technology? To…
Truths and Lies about... Remote Industrial Operations
Ep 5 · Nov 20, 2024 · 11 min
How can remote operations reduce the need to be in hazardous environments and help improve workforce diversity? Do remote operations also contribute to reducing negative environmental impacts? And does this mean that in the future, human involvement on-site will decrease? Join podcast host Fran Scott, and Sanjit Shewale, Global Head of Digital at ABB Process Industries, to debunk some of the lies and discuss the truths about remote industrial operations. Follow The Process Automation Podcast whe…
Remote Industrial Operations – Beyond Distance
Ep 5 · Nov 6, 2024 · 28 min
Many industrial facilities like mines, wind farms or marine vessels are often located in remote areas. Operating far from other infrastructure has its challenges, such as dealing with harsh weather conditions and ensuring that a qualified workforce is available at the right spot and time. Remote, however, doesn’t always mean far away: crane operators at container terminals can work from a control room rather than high up in a crane, and in mines, blasting can be managed from a safe distance. How…
Truths and Lies about... Scaling up Green Hydrogen
Ep 4 · Oct 23, 2024 · 7 min
We return to look at Green Hydrogen and its potential to scale over the coming years. What do Hydrogen, Ammonia and Methanol have in common? What will it take to drive down the cost of Green Hydrogen production? And what role will technology play to make widespread adoption possible? Join host, Fran Scott, and technology expert Ralph Burgener, Global Product Line Manager, High Power Rectifier at ABB to debunk some of the lies and discuss the truths about Green Hydrogen. Follow The Process Automa…
Scaling Up Green Hydrogen – What Will it Take?
Ep 4 · Oct 9, 2024 · 29 min
Green hydrogen has an important role to play in the global effort to achieve decarbonization goals. Produced using renewable energy, it offers the potential to help many industries move towards more sustainable operations. However, there are also challenges to overcome, including bringing down the costs of production as well as further developing the necessary infrastructure. In this episode, we will explore the question: Scaling up green hydrogen – what will it take? To find answers, The Proces…
Truths and Lies about... Offshore Wind
Ep 3 · Sep 25, 2024 · 11 min
We are back for a bonus episode to continue investigating Offshore Wind’s role in the energy transition. What could wind farms of the future look like? How can technology help ensure maximum efficiency in the process? And how much power is offshore wind capable of generating? Join host, Fran Scott, and Head of Supply Chain Development at Copenhagen Offshore Partners, Victoria Sinclair, to debunk some of the lies about Offshore Wind and discuss the truths about how to quickly and sustainably this…
Offshore Wind - Accelerating the Energy Transition
Ep 3 · Sep 11, 2024 · 28 min
Offshore wind power plays an increasingly important role in the energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency, it’s expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. But the big question is: how to scale up this renewable energy source quickly and sustainably? Wind farms have existed around the world since the 1980s. What needs to be in place so the full potential of offshore wind can be realized? What technological developments need to happen? And what other factors need to come i…
Truths and Lies about... Renewable Energy in Industry
Ep 2 · Aug 28, 2024 · 10 min
We continue our exploration into the move from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in Industry. Is it possible to reliably run industry on renewables?, What will the future make up of energy look like for industry? And how can technology help make this possible? Join host, Fran Scott, and process automation technology expert Stefan Basenach to debunk some of the lies about renewable energy and discuss the truths about the reality of powering industry with renewables. Follow The Process Auto…
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