Schaeffler uses the AI-based assistant Siemens Industrial Copilot to generate codes for programmable logic controllers in production machines. Photo: Schaeffler

Motion technology company Schaeffler and technology company Siemens signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Hannover Messe last week to advance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industrial sector and therefore make a significant joint contribution to shaping the future of digital production.

At the Hannover Messe, Schaeffler and Siemens once again showcased their successful collaboration with the Siemens Industrial Copilot, an industrial automation solution using AI. It was connected to a production machine from Schaeffler Special Machinery at Hannover Messe. The AI assistant makes the work significantly more efficient for the employees on the shopfloor as complex automation codes for the machine can also be generated with natural spoken words.

Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, said: “Digitalisation is one of Schaeffler’s key topics. The use of AI-based solutions is a decisive factor for making production processes more innovative, agile and efficient. With Siemens, Schaeffler has a strong industrial partner at its side to accelerate the development and implementation of generative AI solutions in a targeted manner and to generate added value for its customers.”

Revolutionising production
Cedrik Neike, member of the managing board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries, said: “Siemens and Schaeffler are pioneers on the path to highly-automated and digital factories. With the Siemens Industrial Copilot, we are bringing the capabilities of generative AI to the Schaeffler shopfloor. Together, we are showing how AI is revolutionising production — from the generation of machine code to AI-based maintenance — and that is just the beginning.“

Schaeffler is already using a large number of AI solutions in various applications. The Siemens Industrial Copilot was seen operating in pilot mode on a robot cell from Schaeffler Special Machinery, the Schaeffler Group’s special machine construction unit. This project was jointly developed by Schaeffler and Siemens. The AI solution assumes tasks such as creating complex programming codes for manufacturing processes, thus reducing the outlay for machine operators. The Siemens Industrial Copilot also has access to relevant documentation, guidelines and manuals to help employees identify potential causes of errors. The AI-based assistant offers further potential with regard to machine correspondence or validations.

Andreas Schick, chief operating officer of Schaeffler AG, said: “We are now at the start of a decade of efficiency at Schaeffler. The Siemens Industrial Copilot proves that AI can already be used in production today. With the Copilot, we are providing our experts on the shopfloor with an innovative digital tool, which simplifies their work and significantly increases their efficiency. We are taking production to a new, digital level in collaboration with Siemens.”