Industrial giant Siemens has teamed up with Microsoft to unveil Siemens Industrial Copilot, a new generative AI assistant aimed at enhancing collaboration between humans and machines in manufacturing environments. The copilot leverages Microsoft's Azure OpenAI service combined with Siemens' industrial data to generate automation code and simulations rapidly.
While AI promises major gains in industrial efficiency, adoption has lagged in risk-averse industries. Siemens Industrial Copilot offers a practical solution, allowing maintenance workers and engineers to access AI via natural language prompts. Users maintain control of their data, with no external model training.
Early adopter Schaeffler AG, a leading auto supplier, expects the copilot to accelerate engineering by generating reliable code for automation. This could slash development timelines from weeks to minutes. Schaeffler also plans longer-term use in its factories to reduce downtime.
The launch represents an evolution of the Siemens-Microsoft partnership into deeper AI integration. The companies envision copilots for manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation and healthcare. Upcoming releases will aid machine building, consumer packaged goods, and other sectors.
Virtual collaboration is also enhanced through the integration of Siemens Teamcenter product lifecycle management software (PLM)with Microsoft Teams, connecting dispersed teams on a common platform. Generative AI facilitates access for frontline staff who previously lacked PLM access.
While skeptics question if AI is overhyped, Siemens Industrial Copilot demonstrates practical business applications. With two industrial giants collaborating, adoption may accelerate. If realized, gains in efficiency and productivity could be significant, underscoring AI's transformative potential.