Siemens and Microsoft last year initiated a partnership to revolutionise automation engineering using Siemens Industrial Copilot. The aim is to improve efficiency, cut downtime and address skilled labour shortages. The initiative sees a global rollout from early 2025.
Siemens and Microsoft have taken the Siemens Industrial Copilot to the next level to boost automation engineering.
Through this collaboration, Siemens and Microsoft have taken the Siemens Industrial Copilot to the next level, enabling it to handle the most demanding environments at scale. Combining Siemens’ domain know-how across industries with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, the copilot improves handling of rigorous requirements in manufacturing and automation.
Schaeffler and thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering were among the first of now more than 100 companies using the Siemens Industrial Copilot to streamline processes, address labour shortages, and drive innovation. With 120 000 users already leveraging the Siemens engineering software TIA Portal, they can now enhance their work with the generative AI (gen AI)-powered assistant.
Co-creation partner thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering is the first to use the copilot globally. Starting from early 2025, its machines will be engineered with the assistant, opening the copilot potential across its entire product range.
Siemens is pioneering the offering of gen AI for automation engineering in the industry and has made this capability easily accessible, globally, on the Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform.
“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,” said Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft. “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.”
"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, in highly demanding environments, to boost efficiency," said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries.
Since the product was introduced mid-2024, customers across various sectors have started using the Siemens Industrial Copilot to boost efficiency in their engineering practices. Engineers can create panel visualisations in 30 seconds and generate code that requires only 20% adaptation. This streamlines workflows, reducing manual effort and addressing the gaps in availability of skilled labour. The chat function also provides instant, precise answers, eliminating the need for lengthy searches. Leveraging the copilot, companies are driving productivity and innovation.
Transforming battery quality assurance with the Siemens Industrial Copilot, thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering demonstrates the 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 requirement for 100% 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 reporting of each step, as necessary to meet strict battery inspection requirements. Generally, the copilot supports engineering by handling routine and essential documentation tasks. This allows the engineers to focus on complex, value-added work. In addition, the copilot’s real-time problem-solving capabilities minimise downtime and facilitate smooth production.
“The Siemens Industrial Copilot will potentially ease our workload and address the pressing challenges of labour 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,” said Dr Volkmar Dinstuhl, Member of the Executive Board of thyssenkrupp AG and CEO of thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology.
For more information visit: www.siemens.com
