What Rockwell Automation does

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a global industrial automation and digital transformation leader headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1903 and publicly traded, the company employs approximately 26,000 people serving customers in more than 100 countries, with FY2025 sales of $8.3 billion and a market capitalization of approximately $51.9 billion. Its portfolio centers on the Connected Enterprise architecture — an integration of control and information layers across the manufacturing stack built on the Allen-Bradley hardware line (Logix controllers, drives, motion control, iTRAK, EtherNet/IP networking), the FactoryTalk software suite (Optix, Orchestration, ResilientEdge, Historian, Analytics), the PlantPAx modern distributed control system, the cloud-native Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, and the Fiix CMMS offering. The SecureOT suite, backed by IEC 62443-4-1 Maturity Level 4 certification, addresses industrial cybersecurity, and recent acquisitions (Clearpath Robotics/OTTO Motors 2023, Verve Industrial Protection 2023, AVATA 2021, Plex 2021, CUBIC 2022) have extended capabilities in autonomous material handling, OT cybersecurity, supply chain management, and cloud MES.

The business operates through three segments: Intelligent Devices (hardware, ~$8.3B FY2025), Software & Control (recurring software and licenses, $684M in Q2 FY2026 with 34.9% operating margin and 20% YoY growth), and Lifecycle Services (managed and professional services). Revenue derives from a mix of hardware sales, software subscriptions and licenses (including Plex MES/QMS/ERP), annual recurring revenue from software and managed services, and LifecycleIQ Services. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales (led by the Chief Revenue Officer with regional presidents for Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific) with the global PartnerNetwork of authorized distributors, tiered system integrators, OEM partners, EPC partners, technology partners, and licensed developers — supplemented by Customer Experience Centers (e.g., Bologna for EMEA) and the ROKStar Ventures corporate venture arm. Enterprise pricing is quote-based across multi-year contracts; public capital-return signals include a $1.38 quarterly dividend (56 consecutive years of payment) and a recently authorized additional $1 billion share repurchase program.

Name

Rockwell Automation

Legal name

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Website

https://rockwellautomation.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1903

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a global industrial automation and digital transformation leader providing Allen-Bradley hardware, FactoryTalk/Plex software, and LifecycleIQ services to discrete and process manufacturers across 100+ countries, with ~26,000 employees and $8.3B FY2025 revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware product sales: Sales of Allen-Bradley controllers, drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products that form the foundation of smart production systems (Intelligent Devices segment). FY2025 revenue was $8.3B, with Intelligent Devices and Software & Control both posting strong organic growth in Q2 FY2026.
2. Software & Control subscriptions and licenses: Recurring and license-based revenue from FactoryTalk suite, Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, PlantPAx DCS, Studio 5000 / Logix Designer, and other software offerings. Software & Control segment grew 20% YoY to $684M with 34.9% operating margin in Q2 FY2026.
3. Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) from software/services: Total ARR increased 6% YoY in FY2026, demonstrating a shift toward higher-margin software and recurring service revenue beyond traditional hardware cycles. Includes Fiix CMMS subscriptions and SecureOT managed services.
4. Lifecycle Services (managed/professional services): LifecycleIQ Services including consulting, integration, modernization, training, remote support, remanufacturing, and cybersecurity managed services delivered through the Lifecycle Services operating segment.
5. SecureOT managed cybersecurity services: Recurring managed services revenue from SecureOT Platform Managed Services and Managed Secure Remote Access (MSRA), positioned as part of recurring revenue strategy targeting manufacturers and critical infrastructure operators.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Core offering

Rockwell Automation sells industrial automation hardware (Allen-Bradley controllers, drives, motion, safety, sensing, EtherNet/IP networking, iTRAK), industrial software (FactoryTalk suite, PlantPAx DCS, Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, Studio 5000 Logix Designer, Fiix CMMS, Emulate3D digital twin), and lifecycle services (LifecycleIQ consulting, modernization, training, cybersecurity managed services) to discrete and process manufacturers worldwide. The Connected Enterprise strategy integrates control and information across the plant floor and enterprise, combining Allen-Bradley hardware with FactoryTalk software and the Plex cloud platform under a unified architecture.

Product overview

Rockwell Automation operates a platform-plus-modules architecture delivering industrial automation and digital transformation. At the hardware foundation sits the Allen-Bradley sub-brand spanning programmable controllers (Logix/Studio 5000), motion control (iTRAK), drives, motor control, sensors, and industrial networking (EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution). Layered on this hardware is the FactoryTalk software platform — a broad suite of design (Studio 5000 Logix Designer), visualization (FactoryTalk Optix, View), execution (FactoryTalk Orchestration launched June 2026, FactoryTalk ResilientEdge), manufacturing execution (Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, Plex MES/ERP/QMS), analytics (FactoryTalk Analytics, DataMosaix, Historian), and maintenance (Fiix CMMS) software. PlantPAx DCS extends the portfolio into process industries. The SecureOT cybersecurity suite and LifecycleIQ Services provide operational security and lifecycle support, while acquired assets Clearpath Robotics (OTTO AMRs) and Emulate3D (digital twin) add autonomous material handling and simulation. ROKStar Ventures and the PartnerNetwork ecosystem (including AI integration with Microsoft Azure and AWS) round out the offering, all unified under The Connected Enterprise strategy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Allen-Bradley: Flagship hardware product brand recognized for excellence in industrial automation components (controllers, drives, motor control, push buttons, etc.)
• FactoryTalk
• LifecycleIQ Services
• The Connected Enterprise
• PlantPAx
• Plex
• Fiix
• PartnerNetwork

Products and services

• Allen-Bradley Industrial Automation Hardware Rockwell's flagship industrial automation hardware brand covering programmable controllers, drives, motion control, motor control, sensors, switches, and HMI panels used by discrete and process manufacturers worldwide.
• FactoryTalk Software Suite Rockwell's flagship industrial software suite providing manufacturing execution, analytics, design, visualization, and edge/cloud software including FactoryTalk Optix, FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk Historian, FactoryTalk ProductionCentre, and FactoryTalk Analytics for industrial manufacturers.
• PlantPAx Modern Distributed Control System (DCS) Modern distributed control system used for process industries including food & beverage (Heaven Hill Distillery), mining/metals (Everest Metals), and battery materials (Cornish Lithium); provides unified control, real-time diagnostics, and AI-ready data infrastructure, and underpins AI applications like RtCOP for refrigeration energy optimization.
• Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform Cloud-native smart manufacturing platform including Plex MES, Plex ERP, Plex Quality Management System (QMS), Plex Production Monitoring, Plex APM, and analytics; chosen by Zinkteknik for a greenfield facility in Monterrey, Mexico, to deliver real-time visibility, traceability, and quality control.
• Studio 5000 Logix Designer Integrated development environment for programming Rockwell's Logix controllers (ControlLogix, CompactLogix); includes AI integration with Microsoft Azure for AI-assisted code generation, enabling engineers to develop, test, and deploy control logic more efficiently.
• Emulate3D Digital Twin Digital twin technology for simulating and validating production lines, demonstrated at Interpack 2026 with a fully virtualized cookie production and packaging line, used in conjunction with iTRAK intelligent track systems across multiple production stages.
• Logix Control Platform (ControlLogix/CompactLogix) Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) platform including ControlLogix and CompactLogix; displacing legacy systems in hyperscale data centers and currently representing low single-digit revenue, expected to grow to approximately 5% of revenue in the near term per management commentary at the Wells Fargo Industrials Conference.
• EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution Industrial networking solution that reduces wiring time by up to 80% and enables real-time diagnostics without redesigning existing panel architecture; May 2026 update added a supplemental power tap and expanded connectivity to 140ME Motor Protective Switching Devices and E100 Electronic Overload Relays, adopted by Covestro.
• Fiix CMMS Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for industrial maintenance management; used by Perth County Ingredients to cut reactive maintenance by 54% and save over $40,000 annually, and by a leading UK tire manufacturer to transition from reactive to predictive maintenance.
• SecureOT Cybersecurity Suite Industrial cybersecurity product portfolio expanded June 2026 with three new AI-powered offerings — OT Cybersecurity Assessment Suite, SecureOT Platform Managed Services, and Managed Secure Remote Access (MSRA) — leveraging proprietary AI/ML models for vulnerability identification and prioritized action plans; backed by IEC 62443-4-1 Maturity Level 4 certification.
• Clearpath Robotics / OTTO Motors Autonomous Mobile Robots Autonomous mobile robots (OTTO) and research platforms for warehouses, manufacturing, and academic labs; extends Rockwell's autonomous material handling and robotics portfolio, integrated natively with FactoryTalk Orchestration at the Twinsburg, Ohio facility.
• iTRAK Intelligent Track System Independent cart technology providing intelligent track systems used in food & beverage and packaging applications, including the Interpack 2026 cookie production line demonstration.
• LifecycleIQ Services Lifecycle Services operating segment providing domain expertise across Connected Services, Customer Support & Maintenance (CSM), modernization, installed base evaluation, legacy support, training, remote support, remanufacturing, and integration consulting across the customer automation lifecycle.
• FactoryTalk Orchestration Software built on FactoryTalk Optix that coordinates end-to-end material flow and production processes by connecting automated equipment with enterprise and plant systems via real-time production signals; integrates with OTTO autonomous mobile robots; piloted at Rockwell's Twinsburg, Ohio facility with 70% improvement in drop-off zone utilization and 50% reduction in material handling space.
• FactoryTalk ResilientEdge Next-generation execution architecture unifying plant models, connectivity, execution, and intelligence in a single framework; combines edge execution with cloud-based analytics, AI training, and enterprise orchestration so operations continue during connectivity loss; integrates with Plex MES.
• RtCOP (Real-Time Coefficient of Performance) AI Optimization AI-powered autonomous optimization application deployed on PlantPAx DCS by PartnerNetwork member Actemium, delivering 17% energy efficiency improvement in industrial refrigeration for a frozen french fry producer and approximately $130,000 in annual savings per site; scaling across the producer's refrigeration fleet.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 50% reduction in unplanned downtime and 5–7% throughput gains from automotive smart manufacturing deployments
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability14 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• World Economic Forum (Global Lighthouse Network)flagshipOthers · 25 June 2026Rockwell Automation's Singapore manufacturing facility was named a member of the WEF Global Lighthouse Network for applying advanced technologies at scale; connects Rockwell to a global community of leading manufacturers advancing industrial transformation.
• CRBcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 24 June 2026CRB was named a 2026 Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork award winner for EPC Innovation, presented at the PartnerNetwork conference; CRB applies automation and digital technologies to strengthen project delivery and long-term facility performance for life sciences and food & beverage manufacturers.
• Opus IntegrationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 22 June 2026Opus Integration, a Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork system integrator, implemented the PlantPAx modern distributed control system at Heaven Hill's new $135M Bardstown, Kentucky distillery that launched in 2025.
• Center for Automotive Research (CAR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Rockwell Automation and the Center for Automotive Research jointly published the white paper 'Smart Manufacturing in Automotive: Deployment and Impact' analyzing AI, machine learning, and automation deployment across automotive, tire, and battery manufacturing.
• Dilip Sawhney (Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India)minorOthers · 15 June 2026Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, discussed India's manufacturing ambitions including a new manufacturing facility in Chennai to produce power equipment for semiconductor fabs and modular enclosures.
• Cumulus (system integrator)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 11 June 2026Cumulus implemented the Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform deployment for Zinkteknik's new greenfield facility in Monterrey, Mexico, providing MES, QMS, EDI, and analytics.
• Prometeon Tyre GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Rockwell Automation and Prometeon Tyre Group partnered to deploy manufacturing execution systems across multiple tire manufacturing facilities, enabling improved quality control, consistent production, and Digital Tire Passport readiness for EU 2026 regulations.
• MichelinflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026Michelin and Rockwell Automation co-developed a tailored version of FactoryTalk Optix visualization and data acquisition platform under a co-development and co-innovation agreement; deployed in three pilot plants (two in Spain, one in Italy) with a global rollout planned across all Michelin factories.
• Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026Rockwell Automation is one of more than 35 founding members of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing 4.0 Consortium alongside Siemens, Mazak, and others; the consortium shifts industry focus toward intelligent systems at the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF).
• PromationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Promation, in partnership with Rockwell Automation and Pacer Precision Logistics, unveiled a next-generation GMP-compliant radiopharmaceutical production system at SNMMI Annual Meeting 2026, addressing fragmentation and time-sensitivity in the radioisotope supply chain.
• Pacer Precision LogisticsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Co-partner with Promation and Rockwell Automation on a connected, GMP-compliant radioisotope supply chain demonstration at SNMMI 2026, providing GDP-compliant logistics for radiopharmaceutical production.
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)coreOthers · 14 May 2026Blake Moret, Chairman & CEO of Rockwell Automation, serves as NAM Board Chair; the North American Manufacturing Conference convened 250+ leaders to discuss the USMCA trade agreement's role in supporting American manufacturing jobs and investment.
• Summerfest Tech / Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab / Johnson ControlsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 May 2026Rockwell Automation is featured on the Summerfest Tech 2026 panel agenda (June 23–26 in Milwaukee) alongside Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab and Johnson Controls, focusing on AI innovation and regional tech development.
• ActemiumcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 11 May 2026Actemium, a Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork member, deployed an AI-powered autonomous optimization application called Real-Time Coefficient of Performance (RtCOP) on PlantPAx DCS for a frozen french fry producer, achieving 17% energy efficiency gain and ~$130,000 annual savings per site; Actemium is scaling the technology across the producer's refrigeration fleet.
• Authorized Distributors (Allen-Bradley)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Rockwell's authorized distributor network offers knowledge and service to design, implement, and support automation investments globally; central to Rockwell's channel GTM motion.
• PartnerNetwork System IntegratorsflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2026Tiered system integrator partner program delivering control, process, power, and information solutions; SIs are rewarded for commitment and technical expertise with tiered milestones and revenue-share benefits.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Rockwell Automation announced a strategic collaboration with AWS in April 2025 to support smart factory digital transformation referenced in the Smart Factory Market overview.
• MicrosoftflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Rockwell Automation expanded its partnership with Microsoft in October 2023 to integrate cloud computing, AI-assisted code generation, and advanced analytics into PAC/PLC design tools, enabling engineers to more efficiently develop, test, and deploy control logic.
• Clearpath RoboticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Rockwell Automation completed its acquisition of Clearpath Robotics in October 2023, extending its autonomous material handling and robotics portfolio for industrial customers; Clearpath provides autonomous mobile robots and research platforms for warehouses, manufacturing, and academic labs.
• Verve Industrial ProtectioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Rockwell Automation acquired Verve Industrial Protection in October 2023 to bolster its existing asset inventory and vulnerability management offerings, expanding its industrial cybersecurity capabilities within the SecureOT portfolio.
• AVATAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2021Rockwell Automation acquired AVATA (Texas-based provider of supply chain management, ERP, and enterprise performance management solutions) to strengthen its cloud-native solutions and digital transformation capabilities.
• ISA (International Society of Automation)coreOthers · 1 January 2019Founding Member of the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance since 2019, supporting standards-based industrial cybersecurity collaboration.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Siemens AG (Digital Industries): Siemens Digital Industries is Rockwell's closest direct competitor, offering SIMATIC PLCs, PCS 7 / PCS neo DCS, the Xcelerator industrial software portfolio, and similar factory automation solutions. Both target discrete and process manufacturers globally with comparable product breadth.
• Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric competes head-to-head with Rockwell in industrial automation (Modicon PLCs, EcoStruxure platform) and is the parent of AVEVA, a direct competitor in industrial software/MES. Schneider's deep European installed base and IT/OT convergence roadmap parallel Rockwell's Connected Enterprise strategy.
• ABB Ltd: ABB's Industrial Automation segment (ABB Ability, System 800xA DCS, AC500 PLCs) directly competes with Rockwell across process industries, motion, and robotics. ABB's 2023 acquisition of Siemens' low-voltage NEMA motor business further overlaps with Rockwell's Intelligent Devices portfolio.
• Honeywell International (Process Solutions): Honeywell Process Solutions (Experion PKS DCS, Forge industrial software) competes with PlantPAx in process industries and is currently being separated as a standalone company (announced 2024), which could intensify its focus against Rockwell.
• Emerson Electric: Emerson's Aspen Technology and DeltaV DCS businesses directly compete with Rockwell in process automation and industrial software. Emerson's recent portfolio reshaping (selling Safety & Productivity, AspenTech integration) makes it a more focused automation competitor.
• Mitsubishi Electric: Mitsubishi Electric's Factory Automation segment (MELSEC PLCs, e-F@ctory, iQ Platform) competes with Allen-Bradley and FactoryTalk across Asian and global discrete manufacturing markets, with strong positions in automotive, semiconductor, and electronics OEMs.
• Yokogawa Electric: Yokogawa's CENTUM DCS, e-RT3 platforms, and industrial software compete with PlantPAx and FactoryTalk in process industries (oil & gas, chemicals, power). Both companies emphasize IT/OT convergence and lifecycle services for process manufacturers.

Emerging players

• PTC Inc. PTC's ThingWorx, Kepware, and Vuforia industrial IoT/AR platforms overlap with FactoryTalk's connectivity and analytics layers. PTC is a software-focused pure-play in a comparable adjacent market rather than full-stack automation, making it a partial competitor and potential ecosystem partner.
• AVEVA Group (Schneider Electric): AVEVA's PI System, CONNECT platform, and industrial software directly compete with Plex, FactoryTalk Analytics, and PlantPAx in process industries. Now part of Schneider Electric, AVEVA's combined scale with EcoStruxure creates a powerful software challenger to Rockwell's Connected Enterprise stack.
• Keyence Corporation: Keyence is a global leader in sensors, machine vision, and industrial measurement products that overlap with Allen-Bradley sensing, iTRAK, and machine vision components. While more product-focused and less software-heavy, Keyence's direct-sales model and high gross margins make it a relevant comparable for portions of the Intelligent Devices segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ROKAutomation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rockwell-automation

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A28 records

Investments20 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rockwell Automation