The document discusses major changes coming to industrial automation due to new digital technologies. It notes that globalization, faster production, and consumption-based markets require smaller, customized, distributed production. New automation technologies like wireless networks, mobile devices, cloud computing, the internet of things, machine-to-machine communication, and smart robots will transform automation by making it more connected, data-driven, and productive. The new leaders in automation will be those able to significantly improve productivity and meet rapidly changing global demands through innovative use of these digital technologies.