Post by Belden Inc.

AI will be everywhere at Automate 2026—and that’s a good thing. But AI readiness doesn’t start with an algorithm. It starts on the plant floor. Before AI can deliver real value (predictive maintenance, vision, analytics, smarter automation), manufacturers need confidence that operational data is accessible, accurate, contextualized, and moving reliably and securely through infrastructure built for industrial environments. That’s the conversation we’re bringing to Automate: a practical path to AI readiness: ·        Connect: resilient, segmented industrial networking from backbone to machine edge ·        Integrate: bridge legacy + multi-vendor systems so data isn’t trapped ·        Operationalize: make OT data usable at the edge—not a “mystery box” upstream ·        Secure: enable IT/OT convergence with governed access (without flattening the network) If you’re heading to Chicago June 22–25, visit our at Booth 471 and bring your toughest questions about network visibility, data movement, legacy integration, and scalable AI. Also, Jeff Winter will be interviewed on June 23 live from the Automate Podcast Studio. If you can’t make it, then we will stream it from our booth. Read the latest edition of More Than Machines for the full story and what to ask before you walk the show floor. #MoreThanMachines #AdvancedManufacturing #DigitalTransformation #Automate2026 #ITOTConvergence