Honeywell’s Bold Shift: Leading the Future of Automation and Autonomy
, 3 min reading time
Honeywell’s Aerospace Technologies division is scheduled to become an independent company in the second half of 2026. As a standalone entity, it will emerge as one of the largest publicly traded pure-play aerospace suppliers, serving commercial, defense, and space sectors. Covering propulsion, avionics, navigation, and power systems, the division’s technology touches nearly every aircraft platform worldwide.
Honeywell Restructures for a Focused Automation Future
Honeywell is undergoing a significant transformation, reshaping its business segments to prioritize automation, autonomy, and data-driven industrial operations. The updated structure, effective January 1, 2026, comes as Honeywell prepares to spin off its Aerospace Technologies and Solstice Advanced Materials divisions over the next two years. For industrial automation engineers and technology partners, this shift signals a renewed focus on connected systems and smart infrastructure.
Aerospace Spin-Off Remains on Track
Honeywell’s Aerospace Technologies division is scheduled to become an independent company in the second half of 2026. As a standalone entity, it will emerge as one of the largest publicly traded pure-play aerospace suppliers, serving commercial, defense, and space sectors. Covering propulsion, avionics, navigation, and power systems, the division’s technology touches nearly every aircraft platform worldwide.
From an automation perspective, the spin-off allows Honeywell to concentrate its resources on industrial and process automation while continuing to innovate in aerospace separately, a strategic move that balances focus and technological leadership.
Renewed Emphasis on Automation and Autonomy
With Aerospace Technologies separated, Honeywell will focus on three core segments: Building Automation (BA), Industrial Automation (IA), and Process Automation & Technology (PA&T). This reorganization aligns with the growing industry shift from simple automation toward fully autonomous, data-driven operations.
As an industrial automation engineer, I see tremendous potential here: the integration of edge devices, smart sensors, and connected software platforms can help industrial facilities achieve unprecedented efficiency, predictive maintenance capabilities, and operational safety. Honeywell’s strategy underscores the value of leveraging data from a massive installed base to optimize processes and reduce downtime.
Building Automation: Intelligent Infrastructure at Scale
The Building Automation segment will expand Honeywell’s footprint in intelligent infrastructure, offering solutions for fire safety, energy efficiency, and access control across millions of buildings globally. From my perspective, the integration of IoT-enabled building systems represents a golden opportunity for engineers to design smarter, more sustainable facilities that are both responsive and energy-conscious.
Industrial Automation: Smart Edge and Sensing Solutions
Honeywell’s Industrial Automation segment will cover smart sensors and edge devices deployed across multiple sectors. The company’s focus on connected operations and autonomous capabilities positions it to address complex industrial challenges such as predictive maintenance, asset optimization, and real-time process monitoring. Engineers working in this space can leverage Honeywell’s platforms to enhance system interoperability and accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
Process Automation and Technology: Driving Sustainable Innovation
The Process Automation & Technology segment will center on software and process innovations supporting the energy transition, circular economy, and emissions reduction. Honeywell’s approach demonstrates that automation is not only about efficiency but also about sustainability. From an industrial automation standpoint, integrating advanced analytics and AI into process control will help organizations meet environmental goals while maintaining operational performance.
Leadership and Strategic Outlook
Under CEO Vimal Kapur, supported by segment leaders Billal Hammoud (Building Automation), Peter Lau (Industrial Automation), Jim Masso (Process Automation), and Ken West (Process Technology), Honeywell aims to streamline operations and enhance its technology focus. For system integrators and technology partners, this presents a fertile ground for collaboration on autonomous, connected solutions across industries.
Expert Insights: The Road Ahead for Automation Engineers
The reorganization signals that industrial automation is entering a new era where connectivity, autonomy, and data utilization are central. Engineers will need to focus on integrating hardware and software ecosystems, leveraging AI for predictive insights, and designing systems that can adapt dynamically to changing operational conditions. Honeywell’s renewed emphasis on automation and smart systems is not just a corporate move—it’s a call to the industry to embrace a more intelligent, autonomous future.
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