Autonomy as a competitive factor

How automation and autonomy are contributing to the future of the chemical industry

Authors

  • Michael Krauss BASF SE
  • Marleen Stieler BASF SE
  • Nils Richter BASF SE
  • Thomas Scherwietes Evonik Industries
  • Olaf Abel BASF SE
  • Schlichtmann BASF SE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17560/atp.v68i1-2.2826

Keywords:

Autonome Betriebsführung, Automatisierung, Wettbewerbsfähigkeit, Transformation

Abstract

The chemical industry is facing enormous challenges: low plant utilization, high energy and production costs, regulatory
pressure, a shortage of skilled workers, and global competition. Traditional cost-cutting programs make an important contribution but are no longer sufficient in the long
term. Automation and autonomy are key levers for efficiency, flexibility, and resilience. This article shows how these technologies help secure competitiveness, what obstacles need to be overcome, and what a realistic target vision for autonomous plants and sites looks like.

Published

2026-02-17

Issue

Section

Article / Peer Review

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