Review of the NAMUR Annual General Meeting 2025

The (partial) autonomisation of process plants is one of the most discussed topics of the future in the process industry. Essentially, it is about implementing technologies and systems that make it possible to operate processes largely automatically and without constant human intervention. This promises a wide range of benefits - from greater efficiency and improved safety to reduced operating costs.

KROHNE put this topic centre stage at the 2025 NAMUR Annual General Meeting. As one of the leading international suppliers of process measurement technology, we know that without precise measured values, any control system is "blind". They are the basis for target/actual comparisons and therefore for any form of automation.

Autonomisation touches on numerous fields of technology: from advanced control systems, sensors and actuators to software solutions, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Data analysis, pattern recognition and automated decisions are crucial components for the autonomous system.

With our solutions and projects, we show which enablers and necessities we see, what we are working on and how we are already taking important steps on this path together with NAMUR member companies. Our aim is to utilise technologies so that they increase efficiency and flexibility, master the challenges of demographics and sustainability and secure the long-term competitiveness of the process industry.

How can we achieve autonomous systems? Attila Bilgic and Dagmar Dirzus provide answers to this central question in the one-hour keynote presentation. They present the three decisive milestones that characterise the transition to the (partial) autonomisation of plants - and show how far we have already come.

Specific project examples with NAMUR member companies are used to illustrate the challenges that arise during autonomisation and how they were successfully resolved. The presentation makes it clear that precise measured values are the basis for autonomous control systems. Technologies such as Ethernet-APL, OPC UA and the asset administration shell play a key role here.

The goal is clear: to operate processes largely automatically with the help of modern technologies - with benefits such as greater efficiency, more security and lower costs. The keynote shows how this vision can already be realised in practice today.

Innovative solutions for more sustainable process management: less energy consumption and emissions, more environmental protection.

Our measurement technology supports the optimisation of water, energy and raw material consumption, enables the early detection of leaks and emissions and creates transparency through energy recording and reporting - as a building block for net-zero strategies and CO₂ reduction.

Together with HIMA, we show how automated part tests and comprehensive monitoring of all safety circuits can increase plant safety and reduce costs at the same time.

Optimised PCT protection devices, tests in accordance with IEC 61508/61511 and the intelligent evaluation of historical data help to identify weak points at an early stage and increase availability.

With Phoenix Contact and SAMSON, we are demonstrating how standardised communication via Ethernet APL, NOA, OPC UA and the administration shell forms the basis for autonomous systems.

Whether Ethernet in hazardous areas, multivariable measurements or the administration shell as an interface for data exchange - modern connectivity makes automation more efficient and flexible.

Our digital diagnostic solutions - from Bluetooth device diagnostics and cloud-based monitoring to smart document management with PICK - enable precise condition analyses.

Advanced functions such as cavitation detection and predictive maintenance thanks to intelligent sensor technology ensure faster commissioning and higher system availability

With AI-supported leak detection, we enable precise localisation even under complex operating conditions.

Our solutions offer automatic model calibration, dynamic limit determination and real-time alarming - as a scalable system for oil, gas, hydrogen and multi-product pipelines and as the basis for next-generation autonomous monitoring systems.

The Asset Administration Shell provides a common framework for interpreting data, transforming isolated information into an interoperable and actionable ecosystem.

Acting as a standardised digital twin, it bridges OT and IT in a vendor-neutral way and paves the path towards a truly autonomous industry.