Rockwell Automation and Microsoft Enhance Productivity with GenAI

Rockwell Automation, Inc. and Microsoft Corp. have extended their partnership to expedite industrial automation design and development using generative artificial intelligence (AI). By integrating technologies, they aim to empower the workforce and enhance time-to-market for customers constructing industrial automation systems. The initial result of this collaboration incorporates Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service into FactoryTalk Design Studio, offering groundbreaking capabilities that accelerate time-to-market for industrial automation system builders.

“The skilled labor shortage and ensuing lost productivity is the biggest challenge facing industrial organizations and their service providers today. These shortages are increasing the need, value, and complexity of automation projects when the ecosystem of service providers is less equipped to deliver on time, quality, and budget,” said Matthew Littlefield, President of LNS Research. “Generative AI has already proven its ability to capture the imagination and enhance the productivity of workers in a range of IT and business scenarios. Rockwell Automation and Microsoft’s strategic partnership is an exciting and high-potential step forward in addressing these long-term structural challenges.”

Rockwell and Microsoft acknowledge the transformative potential of AI in optimizing automation across diverse roles, from decision-makers to control engineers and operators. Their collaborative efforts focus on empowering customers to streamline processes and enhance worker productivity through innovative AI solutions, underscoring their commitment to driving efficiency and effectiveness in the industrial landscape.

“Rockwell’s decade-long relationship with Microsoft illustrates our ongoing commitment to providing best-of-breed solutions that empower customers and support our shared vision of driving industries forward through innovation and collaboration,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation. “Together, we’re not just addressing current market needs; we’re shaping the future of technology in industrial automation.”

Rockwell and Microsoft together enhance productivity through automated prompts

Incorporating Azure OpenAI Service into FactoryTalk Design Studio enables engineers to generate code effortlessly through natural language prompts, automating mundane tasks and enhancing design efficiency. This integration empowers experienced engineers to expedite development and mentor newcomers more efficiently, optimizing the learning process for all involved.

Furthermore, this integration will aid in locating pertinent information within extensive databases, enhancing developer education. Rockwell and Microsoft envision an expansive future for this technology, aiming to address challenges in Quality Management, Failure Mode Analysis, and training frontline workers. This includes utilizing chat-based collaboration with experienced human workers and Azure Open AI Service-based chatbots to execute manufacturing processes efficiently.

“The explosive growth and interest in artificial intelligence is driving organizations to partner with Microsoft as a trusted cloud and AI provider,” said Judson Althoff, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft. “I am pleased to further strengthen our longstanding relationship with Rockwell by combining its expertise in industrial automation with Microsoft’s generative AI technology to help industrial professionals expedite the creation of complex control systems, optimize the efficiency of their operations, and spur greater innovation across industrial organizations.”

Furthermore, Rockwell and Microsoft are actively investigating avenues to drive innovation in the industrial metaverse. Leveraging their individual IoT expertise, cloud datasets, simulations, and AI technologies, both companies are working collaboratively to enhance the design and construction of products with greater effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. Their concerted efforts signify a commitment to pushing the boundaries of industrial innovation through cutting-edge technologies and collaborative initiatives.