Siemens and Microsoft scale industrial AI
Siemens says it is “revolutionizing” industrial automation with Microsoft. Through their collaboration, they have taken the Siemens Industrial Copilot to “the next level”, enabling it to handle the most demanding environments at scale.
Combining Siemens’ unique domain know-how across industries with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, the Copilot further improves handling of rigorous requirements in manufacturing and automation.
Over 100 companies, including Schaeffler and thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, are currently using the Siemens Industrial Copilot to streamline processes, address labor shortages, and drive innovation.
With 120,000 users already leveraging the Siemens engineering software TIA Portal, they now have the opportunity to enhance their work with the genAI-powered assistant.
Co-creation partner thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering is now the first to plan to use the Copilot globally. Beginning in early 2025, their machines will be engineered with the assistant, fully unleashing its potential across their entire product range.
The rollout will take place globally. Siemens is pioneering the offering of gen AI for automation engineering in the industry and has made this capability easily accessible on the Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform.
Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft, says: “The collaboration between Siemens and Microsoft marks a pivotal moment in the industrial sector; one where AI Transformation becomes a cornerstone for innovation and operational efficiency.
“By integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service into Siemens’ industrial solutions, we are equipping companies with cloud-based AI tools to simplify complex challenges, drive productivity, and help them stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic environment.”
Cedrik Neike, CEO of Siemens Digital Industries, says: “Together with Microsoft we scale industrial AI, empowering our customers throughout the industry to become more resilient, competitive and sustainable.
“thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering shows how customers can use the Siemens Industrial Copilot even in highly demanding environments as a major efficiency boost.”
Since the product’s availability in July 2024, customers across various sectors have started using the Siemens Industrial Copilot for Engineering to boost efficiency.
Engineers can now create panel visualizations in 30 seconds and generate code that requires only 20 percent adaptation. This streamlines workflows, reducing manual effort and addressing the skilled labor shortage.
The chat function also provides instant, precise answers, eliminating the need for lengthy searches. By leveraging the Copilot, companies are driving productivity and innovation.
Transforming battery quality assurance with the Siemens Industrial Copilot
thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering exemplifies the Siemens Industrial Copilot’s transformative potential at scale, particularly in complex control, such as development of automated systems for the production of battery and hydrogen assembly lines.
One of their machines helps ensure quality of batteries for electric cars, a crucial factor in the sustainable energy transition and the industry’s reliance on 100 percent reliable batteries.
Sensors, cameras, and measurement systems are integrated to monitor battery cell quality across multiple stages, conducting complex evaluations to detect discharges beyond set thresholds.
The Siemens Industrial Copilot supercharges the development and operation of this battery machine by automating repetitive tasks like data management, sensor configuration, and the crucial reporting of each step necessary to meet strict battery inspection requirements.
Generally, the Copilot supports engineering by handling both routine and essential documentation tasks. This allows the engineers to focus on complex, value-added work, while its real-time problem-solving capabilities minimize downtime and ensure smooth production.
Dr Volkmar Dinstuhl, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, says: “The Siemens Industrial Copilot will prospectively ease our workload and address the pressing challenges of labor shortages and increasing complexity in battery testing.
“This AI-powered solution will be a game-changer for our industry, and we will actively roll it out across our machines.”