The Process Automation Podcast

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 HR at ABB Process Industries (Episode 1: Driving change – people behind the energy transition)  Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President at ABB Process Automation Technology (Episode 2: Automation in action – built to last, designed to evolve)  Dr. Carlos Lopez-Gomez, Head of Policy Links at IFM Engage at the University of Cambridge (Episode 5: Small tech, big impact – delivering precision in harsh industrial operations)  Shanthala Kamath, R&D Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB Measurement and Analytics (Episode 5: Small tech, big impact – delivering precision in harsh industrial operations)  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here: or at The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and Mark Streuper from ABB’s Routing Solutions and Services in Marine & Ports division join Fran to explore how data and automation are reshaping navigation today, and what’s coming next.  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here  or  at   The Process Automation Podcast — ABB GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 enables the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy - it has become one of the world’s largest producers and users of renewable energy from wood-based residues. But what does this transformation mean for the future of energy, sustainability, and even new revenue opportunities? That’s exactly what we’re exploring in this episode, as we ask: How is the pulp, paper, and fiber industry creating future value through biomass, biofuels, and circular innovation? Joining the discussion are:   Gustav Melin, CEO and CFO at Mantex AB  Wilson Monteiro, Business Line Manager for Pulp, Paper, and Fibre at ABB   Roger Östlin, Head of Sustainable Fuels at SCA and CEO of the SCA–ST1  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here or The Process Automation Podcast - ABB GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 enabling it? Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here or The Process Automation Podcast — ABB GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, resilient, and reliable.  Add to that the challenges of cybersecurity, secure ship-to-shore data, and preparing the workforce for a digital future - and the task becomes even tougher.  That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode: how to take digitalization to the next level in the maritime industry. In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by:  - Mikkel Skou Managing Director of Veracity by DNV - Osku Kälkäjä, Digital Division Lead, ABB’s Marine & Ports division  - Leigh Carr, Vice President, Maritime Cyber Safety of Carnival Corporation and PLC   Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 episode, we talk with Osku Kälkäjä, Division Digital Lead at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, about how life at sea has shifted from analog traditions to the realities of the digital era.  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here: https://forms.abb.com/form-79084/process-automation-podcast-form or The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 cleaner?   These are some of the questions Fran will be exploring as we ask the question, ‘How do small-scale instruments deliver large-scale impact in extreme industrial conditions?’   In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by:  Dr Carlos López-Gómez - Head of Policy Links, IfM Engage at The University of Cambridge  Shanthala Kamath, Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 keep the world’s toughest industrial environments running.   To uncover the story behind these ‘hidden heroes’, we’re joined by Shanthala Kamath, R&D Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB Measurement and Analytics. She takes us inside the world of R&D (Research & Development) to explore how these innovations are created, tested, and what they could mean for the future of smart instrumentation.  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.  If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise: The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for making complex topics engaging, accessible, and most importantly – fun!  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB  Nico Duursema, CEO of Cerilon   Sam Eklöf, Automation Engineer at Käppälaförbundet  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Jernkontoret - Frederik Esterhuizen, Metals Business Line Manager at ABB Process Industries - Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Process Automation Technology at ABB, joins host Fran Scott on the podcast to delve into automation’s engineering and innovating milestones.   Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the existing workforce as the world is changing. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 they balance this with the need to upskill and support current employees as they adapt to the demands of the digital age? To find answers, The Process Automation Podcast host Fran Scott is joined by: Margareta Drzeniek, Managing Partner at HORIZON GroupApril Whitson, Global Head of HR at ABB Process IndustriesKim Sunna, Production Manager at LKAB Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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).    Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. Get in touch if there’s a topic you want The Process Automation Podcast to explore in the next season. Or maybe you want to join us as an expert? Let us know by filling in the form here: The Process Automation Podcast — ABB GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 find answers, The Process Automation Podcast host Fran Scott is joined by: - Dr Colin Hale, Senior Teaching Fellow in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London  - Nigel Greatorex, Global Industry Business Manager of CCS at ABB Energy Industries - Anjani Kumar, Vice President of CoFlow and Professional Services at CMG  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.  Get in touch here if there’s a topic you want The Process Automation Podcast to explore in our next season. Or perhaps you want to join us as an expert? Get in touch!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 can automation and digital technologies help address challenges in industrial sites that are hard to reach? And how can technology enhance safety and even open up opportunities for a more diverse workforce?   To find answers, The Process Automation Podcast host Fran Scott is joined by: Mårten Sjöström, Professor of Signal Processing at Mid Sweden University  Sanjit Shewale, Global Head of Digital at ABB Process Industries  Johannes Sikström, Section Manager Process Control and Analysis at Boliden  Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.