David Shannon, business development manager, Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, dives into the integration of data analytics within manufacturing and the marine industry. He talks about the importance of optimization compliance when walking the line between sufficient fuel usage and equipment maintenance.

Saifur Rahman, founding director, Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute, says that in order to make buildings healthy, there must be an understanding of how to better use energy as opposed to just aiming for more efficiency. He explains that building owners must be aware of energy and carbon level changes that may occur during retrofitting that may impact inhabitants.

Peggy Smedley takes a look at the development of smart-grid awareness and standards overseas. She says that piecing different standards together will not hold up for the future and explains that different utility equipment must be able to cooperate with one another with ease.

Joshua Peschel, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, Iowa State University, discusses how human-robot interactions are emerging within municipalities and other utility systems. He explains how we will grow accustomed to using robots like the way we use appliances.

Peter Martin, vice president of innovation and marketing, Schneider Electric, says the IoT is often being overlooked by industrial organizations that are having difficulties incorporating it with automation. He points out that it is up to energy and utility providers to step up and be the ones to drive change within the industry.