Rockwell Automation, Actemium Deploy AI to Cut Refrigeration Energy Use by 17% in Frozen Food Production
Autonomous PlantPAx-powered application continuously improves refrigeration systems to help reduce energy costs and equipment strain
MILWAUKEE, May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, is helping make one of the most energy-intensive systems in frozen food manufacturing more efficient. Its PlantPAx® modern distributed control system (DCS) powers a new autonomous AI-application developed by PartnerNetwork™ member Actemium which continuously selects energy‑efficient operating configurations for industrial refrigeration equipment.
Actemium created the solution, known as Real-Time Coefficient of Performance (RtCOP), for a large producer of frozen french fry products. To date, RtCOP helps the food producer increase energy efficiency by 17%, delivering an estimated $130,000 annual savings per site. The solution also reduces strain on refrigeration assets, helping improve long‑term equipment reliability.
RtCOP functions like an always-on virtual operator, continuously analyzing system capacities, efficiencies and environmental conditions in real time to determine and implement energy-efficient combinations of compressors, condensers and evaporators.
"Autonomous optimization can help food producers conserve energy, reduce costs and ease demands on their workforce," said Jim Gillis, general manager, Actemium Atlantic Canada. "Energy‑based equipment ranking that is performed continuously and consistently is something human operators simply can't do in real time. This solution has the potential to transform refrigeration across food manufacturing."
The solution runs on Rockwell Automation's PlantPAx DCS, which provides real-time data access, processing speed and system transparency to enable continuous, autonomous optimization.
Industrial refrigeration accounts for up to 70% of a plant's electricity consumption, making it one of the largest opportunities for energy optimization in food manufacturing. Historically, these systems are operated to meet cooling demand rather than maximize energy efficiency, in part because operators lack the time and tools to continuously evaluate performance shifts.
"Solutions like RtCOP are increasingly needed as food producers face skills shortages, particularly in specialized areas like refrigeration, and pressure to operate more efficiently and sustainably," said Kris Dornan, Commercial Marketing Manager, Rockwell Automation. "Technologies like the PlantPAx modern DCS make AI-driven autonomous applications possible, and experienced partners like Actemium make them happen."
Actemium is helping the food producer scale the solution across its fleet of refrigeration plants. Key performance indicator (KPI) dashboards enable site-to-site visibility into performance and benchmarking of system efficiency. Read more about Actemium's journey with Rockwell Automation here.
Learn more about Rockwell Automation's suite of products for food and beverage production here.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2025. To learn more about how we are bringing Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.
About Actemium
Actemium delivers bespoke solutions and services to clients across 40 countries. Its multi-disciplinary network combines the expertise of 400 local business units with a global approach to create value throughout the entire industrial life cycle. Actemium's 24,400 experts share with their clients the strong conviction that industry is key to building a sustainable world and strive to make a positive contribution to global performance. For more information, visit www.actemium.com.
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SOURCE Rockwell Automation, Inc.