Industrial automation is experiencing a quantum leap in Russia. Amid growing demand for robotic solutions, increasing regulatory pressure, and the transition to domestic digital platforms, companies are rapidly restructuring their production systems. At the center of this transformation is the concept of "smart manufacturing," in which IoT infrastructure, AI/ML algorithms, and corporate management systems form a unified digital ecosystem.

Smart Manufacturing: New Industrial Logic

Smart manufacturing is based on the integration of sensors, automation of process operations, and end-to-end digitalization. Companies equip their equipment with sensors, collect streaming data in real time, analyze it using machine learning algorithms, and create predictive models.

This architecture produces results in several directions at once:

// operational monitoring and remote process management;
// reducing resource consumption and improving product quality through precise adjustment of operating modes;
// predictive maintenance that reduces equipment downtime;
// flexibility of production lines, allowing for immediate response to changes in demand;
// supply chain transparency and inventory optimization;
// Improving occupational safety through robotization of routine and risky operations.

This model makes manufacturing not just digital, but adaptive, self-adjusting, and economically sustainable.

The Russian automation market: status and forecasts

According to Vedomosti, the Russian industrial automation market is experiencing record growth. Between 2024 and 2030, its volume is expected to increase from 83 billion to 207 billion rubles, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5%. Furthermore, the automated process control system (APCS) market grew by 50% in 2024, exceeding 120 billion rubles, according to a study conducted by the UltimaTek group of companies in collaboration with Positive Technologies and Aquarius, and with the support of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Association of Computer and Information Technology Enterprises (APKIT).

Three key factors support growth:

1. Import substitution and regulatory requirements

Resolutions No. 1912 and No. 166 require the transition to trusted hardware and software systems, secure operating systems, and domestically produced solutions in critical infrastructure. This is creating a wave of unscheduled modernization projects: enterprises are forced to adapt their automated process control systems to Russian software, from SCADA platforms to industrial PLCs.

2. Massive equipment upgrade

The life cycles of a large number of industrial systems will expire in 2027–2030, triggering a large-scale cycle of planned replacements. The following companies already have plans for migrating to Russian solutions:

// 45% of oil refining companies,
// 39% of mechanical engineering enterprises,
// 29% of the chemical industry.

3. Robotization and complication of technological processes

The government's goal is to place Russia among the top 25 countries in the world in terms of robotic density, increasing its industrial robot fleet to 99,000 units by 2030. Approximately 350 billion rubles have been allocated for this task.

Modern technological processes—from lithography to automated chemical reactors—no longer leave room for manual operations. This also drives digitalization and the implementation of intelligent control systems.

AI and hyperautomation

The integration of AI into industry is developing in two directions simultaneously.

1. AI in engineering and design

Industrial companies are already using AI agents to automate 80–90% of routine engineering work:

// preparation of technical specifications,
// circuit design,
// release of documentation,
// certification procedures,
// development of software for PLC.
// Systems become assistants to engineers, accelerating project preparation and reducing the likelihood of errors.

2. AI in production management

In real time, AI is used cautiously due to security requirements and technological risks. Expert systems and advanced management models thrive here.

To move toward deeper AI applications, the industry needs access to real-world production data, which remains insufficiently accessible. This is a key barrier hindering the development of fully-fledged practical models.

At the same time, global technology leaders are developing an ecosystem of smart robotics: robots for extreme environments, high-precision geolocation of remote objects, fully automated production lines, and cloud-based data processing platforms. These solutions are becoming benchmarks for domestic developers.

Modern Trends in Industrial Control Systems: From Virtualization to AI Firmware

Research shows that Russian businesses face a transition to more mature digital technologies:

// Infrastructure virtualization is already used by 8% to 57% of industries;
// Specialized DBMS for IIoT and APCS are in demand among a quarter of Russian industrial companies;
// Real-time operating systems (RTOS) are being implemented selectively, but they expand the potential of domestic controllers;
// AI-enabled firmware is still in its early stages, but holds promise for complex technology environments;
// creation of industry EPC companies combining automation and industry expertise.

All this forms a new, more mature level of Russian industrial automation.

Market challenges: what hinders development

Despite growth, the industry faces a number of barriers:

// complex regulatory procedures and lengthy qualification testing;
// high cost of R&D;
// dependencies in microelectronics supply chains;
// high Central Bank interest rate and financial restrictions for enterprises;
// the high cost of switching to domestic automated process control systems.

Nevertheless, the market is growing exponentially: an average annual growth rate of 27% is predicted for 2024–2027, which is significantly higher than global indicators.

ExpoCifra 2026: The premier platform for digital industry

All key market trends—from the implementation of automated process control systems and IIoT to industrial robots, AI, and digital twins—will be presented at ExpoCifra 2026, which will be held in Moscow from April 14 to 16 at Crocus Expo, simultaneously and on the same site as ExpoElectronica.

Guests are welcome to:

// the largest Russian and international technology companies;
// new products in industrial automation;
// expert conferences on AI, IIoT, robotics, import substitution;
// demonstration of equipment and solutions for digital production.

Get a free ticket with promo code ECNEWS and become part of a community of professionals.

GET A TICKET

Smart Manufacturing and Automation: How Digital Technologies Are Changing Russian Industry