Siemens is working with Microsoft to revolutionize industrial automation. By working together, the two companies have taken Siemens Industrial Copilot to the next level, making it able to handle the most demanding environments at scale. Combining Siemens’ unique cross-industry expertise with Microsoft Azure OpenAI services, Copilot will further improve its ability to address demanding manufacturing and automation requirements.
Today, more than 100 companies, including Schaeffler and thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, are using Siemens Industrial Copilot to optimize processes, address labor shortages and drive innovation. Already 120,000 users of Siemens’ engineering software TIA Portal have the opportunity to improve their work with a genAI-powered assistant.
Co-development partner thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering is the first company planning to use Copilot worldwide. From the beginning of 2025, the company’s machines will be developed with the assistant to realize their full potential across the entire product range. The rollout will take place worldwide. Siemens, a pioneer in bringing AI to industrial automation technologies, has made this capability easily accessible on its open digital business platform, Siemens Xcelerator.
“The Siemens-Microsoft collaboration comes at a pivotal moment in the industrial sector, when AI transformation is fundamental to innovation and operational efficiency,” said Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft. “By integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI services into Siemens’ industrial solutions, we are providing companies with cloud-based AI tools to simplify complex challenges, improve productivity, and help them stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic environment.”
“Together with Microsoft, we are expanding industrial AI to enable customers across industries to become more resilient, competitive and sustainable.” “ThyssenKrupp Automation Engineering shows how customers can use Siemens Industrial Copilot to significantly increase efficiency even in demanding environments,” said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Board of Management of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries.
Since its launch in July 2024, customers across a wide range of industries have been using Siemens Industrial Copilot for Engineering to improve efficiency. Engineers can now create a panel visualization in 30 seconds and generate code that requires only 20% customization. This streamlines work processes, reduces manual work and addresses the shortage of skilled labor. The chat feature provides instant, accurate answers, eliminating the need for lengthy searches. With Copilot, companies increase productivity and innovation.
Redesigning Battery Quality Assurance with Siemens Industrial Copilot
ThyssenKrupp Automation Engineering will demonstrate the transformative potential of Siemens’ Industrial Copilot at scale, especially in complex controls such as the development of automated systems for the production of batteries and hydrogen assembly lines. One of the company’s machines helps to ensure the quality of batteries for electric vehicles, a key element in the transition to sustainable energy and the industry’s reliance on 100% reliable batteries. Sensors, cameras and measuring systems are integrated to monitor the quality of battery cells at several stages and perform complex evaluations to detect discharges above set thresholds.
Siemens Industrial Copilot accelerates the development and operation of this battery machine by automating repetitive tasks such as data management, sensor configuration and critical reporting for each step required to meet stringent battery inspection requirements. In general, the co-pilot supports development by taking on both routine and important documentation tasks. This allows engineers to focus on complex, value-added work, while real-time problem-solving minimizes downtime and ensures smooth production.
“Siemens’ Industrial Co-pilot will ease our workload in the future and address our most pressing challenges: labor shortages and increasing complexity in battery testing. This AI-powered solution will transform our industry, and we are eager to introduce it into our machines.” Volkmar Dinstuhl, Member of the Board of Management of thyssenkrupp AG and CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology.
Siemens plans to present more details about the Siemens Industrial Co-pilot at the SPS trade fair in Nuremberg in November 2024.