Siemens partners with Google Cloud on AI for manufacturing

Siemens will integrate Google Cloud’s data cloud and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies with its factory automation solutions.

The partnership will help to optimize factory processes, improve productivity on the shop floor and reduce “islands” of automation, say the companies in a statement.

Manufacturers will be able to harmonize their factory data, run cloud-based AI/ML models on top of that data, and deploy algorithms at the network edge using Siemens Industrial Edge. This enables applications such as visual inspection of products or predicting the wear-and-tear of machines on the assembly line.

“The potential for artificial intelligence to radically transform the plant floor is far from being exhausted. Many manufacturers are still stuck in AI ‘pilot projects’ today – we want to change that,” says Axel Lorenz, vice-president of control at Factory Automation of Siemens Digital Industries.

“Combining AI/ML technology from Google Cloud with Siemens’ solutions for Industrial Edge and industrial operation will be a game changer for the manufacturing industry.”