Industry Optimized
A podcast series taking you behind the scenes of the largest, most complex industrial operations on the planet.
Watch our latest episode
Season 4, finale episode
From big questions to innovation: a look back at this season's conversations
Seasons and Episodes
Discover how automation, electrification and digitalization enable some of the largest and most complex industrial operations on the planet. Brought to you by ABB’s Automation business area, the Industry Optimized podcast features presenter and engineer Fran Scott in conversation with ABB experts and leading industry guests. Take a listen for fascinating insights on the often unseen technology that powers our daily lives – and how innovation is shaping the future of industry.
Driving change - people behind the energy transition
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?
Episode 1
31 mins
Automation in action: built to last, designed to evolve
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?
Episode 2
33 mins
Future-proofing metals - the backbone of progress
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?
Episode 3
29 mins
Get to know our host, Fran Scott
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.
Episode 4
10 mins
Small tech, big impact - delivering precision in harsh industrial operations
In industries where extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and high-pressure environments are the norm, specialized instrumentation technologies are making a massive difference.
Episode 5
15 mins
Maritime digitalization - from connectivity to capability
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.
Episode 6
31 mins
From byproduct to bioenergy: how pulp and paper is turning the page for a circular future
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.
Episode 7
20 mins
Re-routing the seas: from data to delivery
The ocean is unpredictable, but smarter digital routing is transforming how ships navigate it to ensure safety of passengers, crew and cargo.
Episode 8
20 mins
From big questions to innovation: a look back at this season's conversations
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.
Episode 9
10 mins
The invisible threat - tackling methane emissions
The invisible threat - tackling methane emissions
Episode 1
33 mins
Challenge accepted - powering industry with renewables
Challenge accepted - powering industry with renewables
Episode 2
33 mins
Offshore wind - accelerating the energy transition
Offshore wind - accelerating the energy transition
Episode 3
28 mins
Scaling up green hydrogen - what will it take?
Scaling up green hydrogen - what will it take?
Episode 4
29 mins
Remote industrial operations – beyond distance
Remote industrial operations – beyond distance
Episode 5
28 mins
Harnessing carbon emissions with CCS
Harnessing carbon emissions with CCS
Episode 6
31 mins
Energy Security – ensuring enough for all
Energy Security – ensuring enough for all
Episode 1
28 mins
Women in Engineering – breaking down the barriers
Women in Engineering – breaking down the barriers
Episode 2
32 mins
Lifecycle support - keeping the world moving
Lifecycle support - keeping the world moving
Episode 3
26 mins
Digitalization - the power of data
Digitalization - the power of data
Episode 4
25 mins
Ports – supporting the world in motion
Ports – supporting the world in motion
Episode 5
29 mins
Batteries – powering the future
Batteries – powering the future
Episode 6
31 mins
Making a world of difference
Process automation – making a world of difference
Episode 1
31 mins
Driving the clean energy transition
Mining – driving the clean energy transition
Episode 2
29 mins
What gets measured, gets reduced
What gets measured, gets reduced
Episode 3
26 mins
Shipping – propelling into a sustainable future
Shipping – propelling into a sustainable future
Episode 4
32 mins
Water - a precious resource in high demand
Water - a precious resource in high demand
Episode 5
30 mins
Automation – the brain of industrial operations
Automation – the brain of industrial operations
Episode 6
10 mins
Green hydrogen – a hero of energy transition
Green hydrogen – a hero of energy transition
Episode
32 mins
About the host, Fran Scott
Fran Scott is the Science Content Developer at the Royal Institution and has been listed in The Progress 1000 London’s most influential people. A scientist by training and an engineer at heart, Fran uses her knowledge to entertain and excite audiences of stage and screen.