Rockwell Unveils FactoryTalk Orchestration at Automate 2026

Rockwell Automation’s launch of its FactoryTalk Orchestration software marks a key step towards coordinated, automated factory operations and more streamlined, connected systems with improved operational efficiency. The new FactoryTalk Orchestration software is designed to connect machines, material handling, and manufacturing workflows, creating a unified system that reduces complexity, improves coordination between machines and systems, and optimizes material-handling space utilization.

OTTO AMRs utilize Autonomy software to navigate changing industrial environments safely and independently, adjusting routes in real-time without predetermined paths. Image used courtesy of Rockwell

Rockwell’s Production Strategy

Rockwell’s production logistics strategy provides an assessment framework for fine-tuning the orchestration of material flow within manufacturing environments through its advanced automation systems and digital technologies. Through this strategy, Rockwell helps its customers assess the current status of their material flow operations and connected digital systems, identify target areas for improvement, and develop a tailored plan to improve material flow through automation, digitization, and process modifications.

Through data unification, process simulation to reduce risk, and facility-wide operation synchronization, Rockwell Automation's approach seeks to help customers maximize production performance. The approach transforms disjointed systems into a cohesive, data-driven environment that boosts return on investment and operational adaptability by fusing advanced analytics with autonomous material handling.

FactoryTalk Optix

The latest FactoryTalk Orchestration software is built on FactoryTalk Optix. This open-architecture visualization software leverages the connectivity and communication-enhancing capabilities of modern web technologies and the OPC UA open standard to connect IT and OT. FactoryTalk Optix facilitates remote, multi-team collaboration from any location by employing a web-based design environment and Git-based version control. Teams can co-author HMI applications and work on projects in real time. Customers can also deploy or scale across a variety of hardware and web platforms via a cloud-based approach.

Pearson Packaging Systems discusses its experience with FactoryTalk Optix and what it means for data capture, HMI application deployment, and optimization. Video used courtesy of Industrial Solutions Network

FactoryTalk Orchestration and OTTO AMRs

Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Orchestration software standardizes connectivity across the FactoryTalk Software suite and OTTO autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The OTTO autonomous AMR robots employ high-performance LiDAR (light detection and ranging) remote sensing technology to generate detailed maps of their environment. This mapping technique supports object detection and avoidance. Added 3D cameras and safety switches help enhance machine perception and safety, especially when working alongside human workers.

The OTTO bots feature opportunistic charging, topping up their power supply between jobs as needed to keep operations running. The OTTO AMRs are also designed to move quickly along straight paths, around people, and around corners, with maximum travel speeds of 1.4 to 2 m/s, depending on the OTTO model size. OTTO Fleet Manager allocates tasks, manages traffic, and optimizes material flow across the factory floor to orchestrate the complete fleet of OTTO robots.

The FactoryTalk Orchestration software is reported to have improved drop-off zone space usage by 70% and reduced overall material-handling floor space by 50% at Rockwell’s Twinsburg, Ohio facility.

Rockwell exhibited its FactoryTalk Orchestration software at booth S2267 at Automate 2026 with live demos. Attendees experienced OTTO AMRs working in concert with Emulate3D digital twin software to streamline operations.