Siemens and Thyssenkrupp: Pioneering the Future of Industrial Automation with Generative AI

Jakarta, INTI – As industries increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency, Siemens has introduced its groundbreaking innovation: the Industrial Copilot, which integrates Generative AI (Gen AI) into manufacturing processes. This innovative technology, developed in partnership with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, highlights the potential of AI in revolutionizing industrial environments.

The Industrial Copilot is a sophisticated AI assistant designed to optimize engineering and manufacturing workflows. With features such as automated coding, data visualization, and support for complex engineering tasks, it underscores Siemens' commitment to embedding AI at the heart of industrial processes.

What is the Industrial Copilot?

The Industrial Copilot is an advanced AI-powered assistant tailored to engineering and manufacturing environments. It combines hardware and software into a cohesive system that ensures data sovereignty, operating locally without relying on cloud storage.

This technology uses NVIDIA’s AI Enterprise software platform and employs natural language processing (NLP) from one of the most powerful GPT models through Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service. This localized setup enhances data security while meeting strict data management standards critical to industrial sectors.

According to Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens:

“With Siemens' expertise, we are turning Gen AI into industrial-grade solutions that can be deployed without requiring specialized AI knowledge. The Industrial Copilot is a catalyst for industrial automation, accelerating our customers' journeys toward greater innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.”

Implementation at Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems

As a leading provider of naval engineering solutions, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has adopted the Industrial Copilot to streamline its operations. The implementation aims to:

1. Accelerate Programming:
   The Copilot automates Structured Control Language (SCL) code generation for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) within Siemens' TIA Portal, expediting programming tasks.
2. Simplify Machine Visualization:
   It generates machine visualizations automatically, reducing administrative efforts and allowing engineers to focus on innovation.
3. Reduce Production Bottlenecks:
   By improving workflow efficiency, the Copilot enables Thyssenkrupp to tackle large-scale engineering projects more effectively.

According to Dr. Rolf-Günther Nieberding, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering:

"Deploying Siemens' Industrial Copilot across our production lines will help us and our customers complete demanding projects more efficiently and in less time."

The Impact of Gen AI on the Industry

Siemens’ innovation aligns with a global trend of adopting Gen AI across various sectors. A report by Gartner predicts that by 2028, 75% of software developers will use Gen AI regularly to assist with programming, a sharp increase from less than 10% in early 2023.

However, the manufacturing sector has been slower to embrace AI compared to other industries. A 2024 study by Lucidworks revealed that only 58% of manufacturing leaders plan to increase AI investments, compared to a global average of 63%.

Despite these figures, the potential of Gen AI to enhance speed, efficiency, and data security makes it a game-changer for manufacturing. For instance, the Industrial Copilot:

• Reduces operational downtime.
• Automates repetitive tasks.
• Improves knowledge transfer and workforce productivity.

Ensuring Data Security

Unlike consumer-grade AI products focused on text or visual content generation, Siemens' Industrial Copilot is tailored to meet the operational and security needs of industrial environments. With its localized data processing, the technology ensures quick and accurate fault diagnosis and data analysis without compromising data security.

Enhancing Human-Machine Collaboration

The Industrial Copilot reduces engineers' workloads by handling routine tasks such as debugging and data analysis, enabling them to concentrate on solving complex problems and driving innovation.

In Siemens' electronics factory in Erlangen, Germany, for instance, the Copilot assists operators by translating error codes into actionable insights, improving efficiency and reducing operational errors.

The Future of Industrial Automation

As industries face increasing labor shortages and pressure to boost productivity, Siemens’ Gen AI-driven approach offers a timely solution. The Industrial Copilot simplifies coding and diagnostics, reducing workloads while fostering safer and more productive work environments.

Siemens plans to roll out this technology across Thyssenkrupp’s global facilities by 2025, extending its benefits to a broader industrial audience. The Copilot represents a new standard for operational resilience in manufacturing, emphasizing efficiency, innovation, and security.