Bridging the future of planning, simulation and production

Industry discussions with Larry Bemis about modern planning and simulation in the digital age

Explore how Siemens is pushing the boundaries of innovation in manufacturing planning and simulation, focusing on four key pillars including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, the industrial metaverse, and the digital thread. These elements are integral to supporting a highly productive and resilient digital manufacturing ecosystem. Let’s dive into these advancements and how they’re transforming modern manufacturing in the digital age.

Manufacturing planning and simulation powered by Artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is a pivotal advancement complementing Siemens software, making our digital manufacturing technologies even more intelligent. AI helps enrich manufacturing planning and powers dynamic simulation engines. By utilizing generative AI technology, Siemens is creating streamlined processes that automate task-heavy functions, such as converting unstructured data into actionable plans such as in Teamcenter Easy Plan. This is more than just automation — it’s an evolution that empowers manufacturing planners to work faster and smarter.

Accelerating offline programming with AI

AI can drive efficiencies in complex tasks like offline programming in Tecnomatix Process Simulate. For instance, a robotics programmer can use natural language commands to generate intricate code for robotic welding, eliminating manual programming and reducing production time. This shift toward outcome-based programming underscores Siemens commitment to simplifying manufacturing processes.

AI enhances human simulation

Process Simulate Human also helps ensure a well-designed ergonomic manufacturing environment to minimize injury risks, reduces costly downtime, and builds a more resilient and sustainable workforce. With AI-powered human simulation, manufacturers can approach ergonomics in a whole new way. With just a photo, ergonomics engineers can assess potential injury risks by creating 3D models of workers’ movements, making workplaces safer and helping users address ergonomic concerns with ease. AI-powered human simulation helps manufacturers proactively create safer and more efficient workplaces.

Digital manufacturing software moving to the cloud

Siemens cloudification strategy is reshaping digital manufacturing by bringing industry-leading software to the cloud, as we recently introduced Process Simulate X and Plant Simulation X, your industry-leading digital manufacturing software with the flexibility, security, and scalability of cloud technologies. This shift to cloud enables manufacturers to expand digital capabilities swiftly and cost-effectively. Cloud-based solutions provide rapid deployment with streamlined software installation and configuration, minimizing IT management and boosting productivity. Manufacturers can now customize software access to meet specific needs, ensuring a tailored approach that supports the complex requirements of modern factories.

The digital thread meets AI

The digital thread transforms how diverse teams — from manufacturing engineers to service and facilities planners — work together to drive productivity. The increasing demand for faster, more efficient production requires a shift towards smarter, data-driven workflows. AI-powered tools can help automate complex planning tasks, analyze historical data, and optimize simulations, enabling teams to make faster, more informed decisions. This results in streamlined processes, reduced time to market, and the ability to produce more, all while enhancing accuracy and minimizing errors.

For example, think of production optimization within a digital factory twin and how it can streamline inventory management, reduce throughput time, and precisely tune buffer sizes to minimize waste and idle resources. Using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, model, simulate, and analyze production systems and logistics processes. This enables manufacturers to optimize material flow, foresee bottlenecks, and validate decisions in a risk-free virtual environment. This approach enables early-stage validation and maximized resource utilization across every layer of plant planning — from global facilities to individual production lines. Now imagine production optimization enriched with AI — unlocking dynamic demand predictions, real-time adjustments, and smarter resource allocation for unprecedented efficiency and impact across your entire operation.

The digital thread, enriched by AI, not only helps manufacturers meet today’s demands but also future-proofs their operations for the challenges ahead. By infusing AI into the manufacturing process, the digital thread enables a seamless flow of data across all stages, from engineering and planning to production.

Exploring the Industrial Metaverse

The industrial metaverse also opens a realm of possibilities in training and operations. In Process Simulate, users can leverage the physics-based digital twin within a virtual shared space, the industrial metaverse transforms collaboration across value chains. By enabling seamless cross-organizational work, real-time visualization, and simulation, it provides a centralized source of truth for all stakeholders. This enhanced connectivity boosts productivity, fuels innovation, and drives success throughout industrial ecosystems. Using high-fidelity visualizations, you can simulate and optimize workflows in virtual spaces, enabling more detailed study of physical tasks and facilitating real-world improvements.

Next-generation innovation for customer success

As Siemens continues to push the boundaries of innovation in manufacturing, these technologies — AI, the cloud, the industrial metaverse, and the digital thread — are shaping the future of industrial operations. From smarter planning and simulation to safer and more efficient workplaces, the digital age is transforming the way we think about manufacturing. To learn more about how these advancements are revolutionizing the industry and how your organization can harness the power of these advanced technologies, don’t miss the full interview and dive deeper into the next generation of manufacturing planning and simulation.