The industrial automation landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with new technologies and startups driving innovation across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and logistics. As global challenges and technological advancements converge, companies are developing solutions that redefine the way we approach factory automation, control systems, and industrial processes. The Global Media Innovation Awards recognizes these game-changing startups, and this year, three companies—Crosshub, Kalman Inc, and bemyfriends—stood out for their transformative impact on industrial automation and related fields.

Crosshub: Revolutionizing Identity and Security in Industrial Automation

Crosshub, a FinTech startup, made waves with its blockchain-based identity authentication platform. Unlike traditional identity systems, Crosshub’s decentralized approach uses zero-knowledge proof technology, which eliminates the need to store sensitive personal data centrally. This ensures that user data is protected from potential hacks, a common challenge in industrial and financial sectors where security is paramount.

In just under two years, Crosshub has onboarded over 270,000 users across Southeast Asia and partnered with banks and payment gateways to support cross-border payments. Their innovation is particularly impactful in industrial automation, where secure and compliant digital identity solutions are crucial for facilitating operations across borders. Crosshub’s platform eliminates the need for complex local regulatory adjustments, making it easier for companies to scale their control systems globally.

Key Insights:

• Zero-knowledge proof technology enhances data security in industrial applications.

• Crosshub’s solution reduces the operational complexity of international industrial automation projects.

• By securing identity and payment systems, Crosshub is ensuring compliance and security in process automation.

Kalman Inc: Advancing Industrial Robotics with AI-Powered Humanoids

Kalman Inc is transforming industrial automation with its humanoid robots that blend AI and adaptive learning. These robots can interact with their environment, learn new tasks in real time, and collaborate safely with human workers. This is a significant leap from traditional automation systems that either rely on fixed automation or require human labor for complex tasks.

One of Kalman Inc’s key innovations is its scalable AI—robots can be retrained on-site with minimal effort, offering unparalleled flexibility for industries like manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing. Unlike rigid automation systems, these robots adapt to evolving tasks and enhance workplace safety by collaborating directly with human operators. With pilot projects in multinational factories, Kalman Inc’s robots have proven their commercial viability, making them a compelling solution for companies looking to streamline their automation processes.

Key Insights:

• Human-robot collaboration enhances productivity and safety in industrial settings.

• AI-powered robots bring flexibility to tasks traditionally performed by humans or rigid machines.

• The technology’s scalability allows easy integration into existing workflows, reducing downtime.

bemyfriends: Redefining Fan Engagement in the Creator Economy

While industrial automation is often associated with factory floors, bemyfriends is reshaping fan engagement in industries related to entertainment and content creation. This platform integrates live streaming, e-commerce, real-time chat, and membership management into a unified fan-first ecosystem. The company’s ability to provide data ownership to creators allows for better monetization and direct-to-fan interactions, a concept that is gaining significant traction as the creator economy grows.

What’s notable here is the white-label flexibility offered by bemyfriends. Creators, brands, and organizations can customize the platform to suit their unique needs, from live events to product drops. This level of customization is crucial for scaling global fan communities in industries like music, sports, and even eSports, where engagement and revenue are tightly connected.

Key Insights:

• The platform offers a unified system for content creators to engage with fans and manage data.

• bemyfriends’ approach is increasingly relevant as the creator economy reshapes traditional entertainment and marketing.

• By offering full data ownership, the platform ensures creators maintain control over their audience and revenue streams.

The Future of Industrial Automation: What We Can Learn

As industrial automation evolves, startups like Crosshub, Kalman Inc, and bemyfriends are shaping its future. Each of these companies has taken a different approach to address challenges within their sectors. From blockchain-based identity verification in FinTech and AI-driven humanoid robotics in industrial settings, to fan-first platforms in the creator economy, these startups demonstrate how technology can seamlessly integrate into industries, enhancing both operational efficiency and global scalability.

The common thread among these companies is their focus on practical, scalable solutions to real-world problems. Whether it’s improving data security in financial transactions or enhancing automation flexibility on factory floors, each company is leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer solutions that have both local and global impacts.

Author Insights:

• The growing trend of adaptive automation and AI integration is not limited to traditional industries like manufacturing. It is increasingly finding relevance in service-oriented sectors like entertainment and logistics.

• Data security and compliance will continue to be crucial areas of innovation in both industrial automation and financial technologies.

• Flexibility in automation, seen in both humanoid robots and content platforms, is key for ensuring long-term operational success.

Application Scenarios: Real-World Impact of Emerging Technologies

Crosshub in Industrial Automation:

• Crosshub’s decentralized identity authentication platform can be used to secure access to sensitive systems and equipment in industrial control systems (ICS), particularly in environments like power plants and manufacturing facilities, where security is critical.

Kalman Inc in Manufacturing:

• Humanoid robots from Kalman Inc can be deployed in automated warehouses, where they assist human workers with heavy lifting, sorting, and packaging, offering a safer, more flexible alternative to traditional robotic arms.

bemyfriends in Entertainment:

• bemyfriends provides a direct-to-fan approach for musicians and esports teams, allowing them to sell merchandise, engage with fans in real-time, and create personalized experiences, which ultimately drive revenue growth.

Conclusion: Innovation at the Forefront of Industrial Transformation

In conclusion, the Global Media Innovation Awards have highlighted the best in tech and industrial automation. Crosshub, Kalman Inc, and bemyfriends embody the creativity, practicality, and scalability that define the future of automation and digital transformation. These companies are not just creating cutting-edge technology—they are solving real-world problems and opening doors to a more connected, efficient, and secure world.