Rockwell Automation is expanding the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced control technologies in the water and wastewater industry. The company announced new technology demonstrations for WEFTEC 2026, focusing on how digital automation can help utilities improve treatment efficiency, reduce operating costs and strengthen cybersecurity.

AI Moves Into Water and Wastewater Control

Water treatment facilities operate complex processes involving pumps, motors, chemical dosing, filtration, aeration and other equipment. These systems generate large amounts of operational data that can be used to optimize performance.

Rockwell Automation is demonstrating how AI and machine learning can work alongside industrial control systems to analyze real-time process conditions. Applications can include monitoring wastewater flow, optimizing pumping operations and identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption.

The approach connects AI capabilities with the automation platform rather than treating artificial intelligence as a separate analytical system.

CompactLogix 5480 Supports Intelligent Control

One of the technologies highlighted by Rockwell Automation is the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5480 controller. The controller provides a foundation for real-time process monitoring and can support the integration of digital technologies into water and wastewater applications. 

By bringing process information and computing capabilities closer to the control layer, utilities can respond more quickly to changing operating conditions.

This architecture can also provide data for higher-level analytics, allowing plant engineers to combine conventional PLC control with machine learning and predictive applications.

Optimizing Pumps and Energy Consumption

Pumping is one of the major energy-consuming activities in water and wastewater facilities. Improving pump operation can therefore have a direct effect on overall plant efficiency.

Rockwell Automation is demonstrating AI-based approaches that can analyze pumping conditions and help optimize equipment operation. Machine learning can identify relationships between flow, equipment behavior and energy consumption that may not be obvious through conventional control strategies.

This creates opportunities for utilities to operate pumps more efficiently while maintaining required treatment performance.

Unified Control and Operational Visibility

Another important aspect of Rockwell Automation’s approach is the integration of process, power and motor control within a unified architecture.

Combining these information sources can give operators a more complete view of plant conditions. Instead of monitoring individual systems independently, engineers can examine production, electrical and equipment information through a more connected automation environment.

This can also simplify engineering and provide a stronger foundation for future digital applications.

Cybersecurity Becomes Increasingly Important

Digital transformation also creates new cybersecurity requirements for water infrastructure. As treatment plants become more connected, utilities need to protect operational technology while maintaining reliable access to critical control systems.

Rockwell Automation is therefore including OT cybersecurity as part of its water and wastewater technology strategy, with emphasis on operational resilience and alignment between IT and OT security practices.

Outlook

The adoption of AI in water treatment demonstrates how industrial automation is expanding beyond traditional PLC and SCADA control. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, cybersecurity and real-time control are increasingly being combined into integrated industrial platforms.

For water and wastewater utilities, this development could support more efficient pumping, improved process visibility and better asset management while helping operators manage aging infrastructure and growing service requirements.

Rockwell Automation’s WEFTEC 2026 demonstrations show how AI is becoming increasingly connected with practical industrial control applications, bringing intelligent automation closer to everyday plant operations.