**Washington, D.C.:** A recent podcast reveals Siemens’ insights on ‘Industrial AI’, emphasising collaboration with government, risk management, and benefits for productivity and sustainability, alongside the transformative power of generative AI and its potential to enhance workforce capabilities in American manufacturing.
In a recent podcast episode, insights were shared regarding the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) within American manufacturing, showcasing Siemens’ vision for what they term “Industrial AI.” The discussion, highlighting pivotal changes precipitated by AI technologies, underscores key themes such as collaboration between the government and industry, the management of risks, and the potential benefits that AI presents in boosting productivity and sustainability in manufacturing.
The conversation began with a reference to the significant buzz surrounding AI since the introduction of ChatGPT, which prompted concerns about the speed of AI advancements and whether society is adequately prepared to harness its potential. It was noted that these concerns have led to vital discussions between government officials and industry leaders on how to navigate the future of AI responsibly. Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, was mentioned during a technology gathering in Washington, D.C. She described AI as possessing both “promise and peril,” expressing a desire to ensure that the benefits of AI are realised while also focusing on mitigating associated risks.
At Siemens, the commitment to responsible AI development is evident. The company has been integrating AI into its products for over two decades, boasting a skilled workforce of more than 1,500 AI experts globally. Their software and applications undergo rigorous risk assessments before deployment. This structured approach aligns with Siemens’ broader mission to enhance productivity and sustainability for customers by utilising AI.
An essential development highlighted was the transformative impact of generative AI, which simplifies interaction with AI systems. Unlike earlier AI models that required extensive programming knowledge, generative AI allows users to engage through straightforward prompts, thus broadening accessibility and applicability within manufacturing environments. According to Siemens’ global CEO, Roland Busch, this evolution in AI capabilities is comparable to the advent of electricity, marking the beginning of a significant growth curve in innovation.
A practical demonstration of Industrial AI’s benefits was provided through an example from the automotive sector. By leveraging AI, one customer was able to execute a predictive maintenance model that assessed over 10,000 machines for potential issues, allowing for advance warnings of machine failures up to six months ahead of time. This capability significantly reduces downtime and enhances efficiency in operations, illustrating a trend where returns on investments could be realised in weeks or months, rather than years.
While concerns have been raised about AI technologies leading to job losses, the notion of “augmented intelligence” was discussed as a counterpoint. It was emphasized that AI is not displacing jobs but instead enhancing the capabilities of the workforce. The integration of AI tools can empower workers to undertake more complex tasks safely and effectively, potentially addressing the workforce shortages experienced in the manufacturing sector, where job openings have surpassed 600,000 in recent years.
Siemens is actively working to democratise access to these technologies through innovations like the Siemens Industrial Copilot, launched in collaboration with Microsoft. This generative AI-powered assistant is designed to enhance human-machine interactions in manufacturing by allowing users to efficiently generate, optimise, and debug complex automation code, streamlining processes that traditionally took considerable time.
The overarching vision presented highlights the potential for Industrial AI to drive advancements in digitisation, which have previously been impeded by complexity. By equipping workers with these advanced technologies, the goal is to foster a more capable and innovative workforce in American manufacturing. The developments suggest that AI will not only reshape the industry but will also expand the realms of possibility for human labour, enabling enhancements in productivity and innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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