thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering to roll out Copilot globally in 2025

Efficiency competition and a shortage of skilled workers are two major challenges facing industrial enterprises today. Transforming generative AI into industrial-level solutions and introducing it to the front line of production can help industrial enterprises significantly improve production efficiency and better cope with current challenges.

During last year’s SPS expo in Nuremberg, Germany, thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering and Siemens jointly showcased a practical application of generative AI in industrial scenario. thyssenkrupp has integrated Siemens’ Industrial Copilot—an industrial digitalization solution built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI services—into its automotive battery and hydrogen fuel cell assembly lines, with plans for a global rollout in 2025.

This industrial generative AI solution can help ensure the quality of electric vehicle batteries, which is critical for energy transition and the high reliability demands of battery technology in the new energy vehicle industry. Sensors, cameras, and measuring systems are integrated to monitor the quality of battery cells at multiple stages and conduct complex assessments to detect discharges exceeding set thresholds.

Industrial Copilot converts repetitive tasks into automated ones, such as data management, sensor configuration, and every step of reporting required to meet strict battery inspection requirements, greatly improving the development and operational efficiency of battery testing. Industrial Copilot also supports engineers by handling routine and important documents, enabling engineers to focus on complex value-added work. Its real-time problem-solving capability helps reduce downtime and ensures smooth production.

“The Siemens Industrial Copilot will prospectively ease our workload and address the pressing challenges of labor 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.

"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 even in highly demanding environments as a major efficiency boost," said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries.

Driven by the digital wave, thyssenkrupp is actively promoting digital transformation, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things into different aspects of research and development, production, and operations, to achieve more efficient resource utilization and more precise operational management, thereby maintaining industry competitiveness and creating more value for customers.